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The name carnitine is derived from the Latin "carnus" or flesh, since the compound was first discovered in meat. Carnitine is an essential nutrient, as under certain conditions its requirements may exceed the individual's capacity to synthesize it.
Carnitine is a naturally occurring compound made in the liver and in the kidney. It forms from bio-synthesizing the amino acids lysine and methionine and its primary role is the regulation of the oxidation (burning) of fats. Before fat can be burned, it needs to be transported into the mitochondria which are essentially the cell's fat furnace. L-carnitine is primarily responsible for transporting fats to this part of the cell. This is why L-carnitine has been found to have some benefits in helping weight loss. As of late L-carnitine weight loss supplements have become popular with teens and adults alike. But what evidence is there that carnitine can reduce stored fat in the body?
There is unsubstantiated but widely reported Research conducted on 18 overweight subjects who were split into two equal groups. Over a period of 12 weeks both groups ate a healthy diet and performed moderate exercise. One group was asked to take 2000 mg of Carnitine daily, and the other was given a placebo. The average weight loss for the placebo group after 12 weeks was one pound but for the Carnitine group their weight loss averaged a dramatic 11 pounds. Body fat percentage levels also decreased markedly in the Carnitine group.
In another study however, individuals taking carnitine for 8 weeks did not experience increased weight loss. This of course can be very confusing for anyone contemplating carnitine as weight loss supplement or as part of a specific diet regime. The experience of many professionals in the field is that a reduced carbohydrate diet, with aerobics and strength training, often leads to greater weight loss while taking carnitine.
Although the body is able to make small amounts of L-Carnitine, unless there is sufficient lycine, methionine, vitamins such as niacin, B6, and vitamin C, insufficient L-Carnitine will be produced. The result is less fat burning. Lysine is the most important amino acid precursor to build the carnitine molecule. It is worth noting that strict vegetarians may be short of carnitine.
Consuming mainly slow burn carbohydrates diet can help with carnitine weight loss. Simple, quick burning carbs like breads, cakes, pastas and rice convert quickly into glucose in the body, and as many health professional know, glucose spikes an insulin response, leading to fat storage. For this reason many dieting experts recommend that diets should contain no more than 35% carbohydrates. Other diets such as the Tim Ferris Slow Carb diet don't give percentage but state you should only eat slow carb food for 6 days of the week.
Apart from the fat burning benefit, L-carnitine also claims other features including the prevention of fat build-up around the heart and the liver. It is also reported to be capable of strengthen muscles and reducing the levels of triglycerides in the body. Other benefits include reducing the irritability people often get when on a restricted diet plan. It is recommended any L-Carnitine supplement is taken on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before breakfast.
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_R_Harker
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