What is L-Carnitine and what does L-Carnitine do?

L-carnitine is often referred to as an amino acid, however L-carnitine isn't technically an amino. L-carnitine is considered a "vitamin-like" and "amino acid-like" compound that is related to the B vitamins. Back in the 1950s, L-carnitine was referred to as vitamin BT.

A Few Facts about L-Carnitine:

• L-carnitine is formed in the liver and kidneys from the amino acids lysine and methionine.
• L-carnitine is stored primarily in muscle (including the heart), the brain, and even in sperm.
• Via your diet, L-carnitine mainly comes from meat (the redder the better) and other animal products.
• You can get L-carnitine from some plant products like avocado and soybeans.

What is L-carnitine's role in the body?

• The most important role L-carnitine plays in the body is in helping to transport fat.
• Without adequate L-carnitine, most dietary fats can't get into the mitochondria and be burned for fuel
• L-carnitine also enhances insulin's actions on muscle cells keeping blood glucose levels low.

How will L-carnitine help my performance in the gym and shape my body?

• L-carnitine can aid with a "clean" bulk by limiting fat gain.
• L-carnitinie can enhance blood flow to the muscles - increased blood flow means more nutrients and hormones go where they're needed most during exercise

Do I have to cycle L-carnitine?

At this time, it appears that there is not a need to cycle L-carnitine. As part of your daily supplement regimen it should continue to be effective long-term.

So What is the final verdict? Should I supplement with L-Carnitine?

For me personally, I don't believe I would purchase an L-Carnitine supplement. With it being abundant in red meats and other foods I eat on a regular basis I do not see much up-side for myself. Unless your nutrition is picture perfect, your training is all-out beast mode and you still need an edge, you maybe want to consider it, however for the 99% of us, it is probably not worth the money.