There are numerous L-carnitine weight loss rumors currently swirling around the internet, but are any of them really true? L-carnitine has been linked with fat burning, boosting the metabolism, and enhancing recovery.
But are these claims just marketing waffle, or does the science back up the theory? In this article, we look at the facts behind the L carnitine weight loss rumors, so you can decide for yourself
What Is L-Carnitine?
L-carnitine is a substance the human body produces by combining two amino acids; methionine and lysine. It’s manufactured naturally in the kidneys and liver, but some people need a little help to boost their production levels.
This is why it’s often prescribed by doctors for people with diabetes, heart conditions, or erectile dysfunction. However, it’s L-carnitine’s weight loss boosting properties that many people are particularly excited about.
How does it work?
L-carnitine plays a vital role in the metabolism of dietary fat which is why it can support weight loss efforts. Fat is made up of long chains called ‘fatty acids’ which are broken down or ‘burned’ to produce energy for the body to use. L-carnitine transports these fatty acids to the mitochondria, which are the powerhouses of most cells in the body.
This is where fat gets transformed into usable energy which makes it essential to the weight loss process. So essential, in fact, that without L-carnitine, fat can’t be transported to be burned.
L-carnitine also supports detoxification of the body and the elimination of waste products. During the energy production process, toxic by-products are created which can be harmful as they build up. L-carnitine transports these unwanted compounds out of the cells so they can be disposed of quickly.
L-Carnitine weight loss benefits
The benefits of L-carnitine for weight loss are not a myth, but they have been overplayed by some supplement companies. Contrary to what some websites will tell you, it’s not a miracle weight loss cure that instantly melts away fat.
However, it can aid fat loss when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Therefore, it is effective when used in combination with lifestyle changes but won’t have much effect when taken alone (sorry).
Here’s the lowdown on the L carnitine weight loss benefits you can realistically expect to see.
1 Fat loss
L-carnitine enables your body to transport fat more efficiently so you can burn more of it. This means you’ll metabolize more of the dietary fat that you consume and reduce body fat that’s stored around your body. You’ll gradually notice that the extra layers of fat under the skin start to reduce, including from stubborn areas like the belly and thighs.
2 Increased energy
One of the biggest benefits of increasing your fat burning capabilities is the extra energy you’ll have. Each gram of fat contains 9 calories, which is more than double the energy of carbohydrate or protein.
So, as your body becomes more efficient at burning fat, you’ll notice you have more energy for workouts and feel less tired throughout the day. This has a snowball effect since you’re able to put more effort into exercise which burns additional calories and results in further weight loss.
3 Quicker recovery from workouts
If you suffer from muscle soreness after workouts, L-carnitine may help. This pain is caused by a build-up of lactic acid in the muscles, which is a by-product of energy metabolism.
L-carnitine removes this lactic acid from the cells before it builds up, which means you experience less soreness in the days following exercise. This enables you to workout more frequently or to simply enjoy hitting the gym knowing that you won’t be hobbling around for days afterward.
It does work!
Although the results of studies regarding the weight loss benefits of L-carnitine have been mixed in the past, newer research is proving that it does have concrete benefits. A comprehensive review of L-carnitine studies found that taking it does support weight loss, and it’s particularly effective in the short-term.
This review looked at nine scientific trials with over 900 participants which makes it more reliable than individual studies. So, taking L-carnitine in combination with a balanced diet and regular exercise can be an effective way of reaching your weight loss goals faster.
Making L-Carnitine even more effective
Like most systems in the human body, fat metabolism doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s a complex process that involves numerous compounds and processes to achieve its end result. So, while adding L-carnitine can aid weight loss, there are additional compounds that can make it even more effective…
Caffeine – a natural stimulant found in tea and coffee, it increases fat burning, boosts energy, and reduces hunger so you’re less tempted to snack between meals.
Black pepper – contains piperine which has been shown to boost fat burning and increase the absorption of other compounds so that your body gets the most out of them.
Niacin – also known as vitamin B3, this is essential to many of the small chemical reactions that result in fat metabolism and weight loss.
Sources of L-Carnitine for weight loss
L-carnitine is mainly found in red meat but smaller amounts can also be found in chicken, fish, and dairy products. Vegetarians and vegans tend to have lower L-carnitine levels than meat-eaters which may make it especially important to consume it from other sources.
Without sufficient levels, your weight loss efforts may be hindered (which can be especially frustrating when you’re eating healthily and working out daily). This is why we include L-carnitine in our scientifically-backed PhenQ formulation.
PhenQ helps your body turn its fat stores into energy, meaning you’ll not only burn fat, but combat the tiredness often caused by dieting too. Plus, we combine it with complementary ingredients like caffeine and Capsimax powder which contains capsicum pepper plant, piperine, and niacin. This enables you to get the maximum fat-burning benefits from one supplement and give your weight loss goals the best chance of success.
Have you tried L-carnitine for weight loss? Let us know about your experiences in the comments below…
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