The most impressive benefits of L-carnitine include improved heart health, brain function, more rapid body building, and desired weight loss, among others. The main role of L-carnitine in the body is to initiate mitochondrial function and energy production in cells. It helps transport fatty acids to mitochondria where they are subsequently converted into energy. About 98% of the carnitine in the body is found in the muscles, but a significant proportion is also found in the blood and liver.
L-carnitine is synthesized in the body from the amino acids lysine and methionine. It’s this amino acid that fuels energy production in cells and supports nerve function. It supplies the acetyl group for burning fats in mitochondria (fatty acid oxidation) and producing acetylcholine.
Most people use acetyl-L-carnitine to enhance their cognition and rev up energy levels. Clinical research confirms the benefits of acetyl-l-carnitine for the brain, especially in older people.
The human body makes enough acetyl-L-carnitine under normal conditions. Older people and kidney disease patients often lack L-carnitine and might as such require supplementation.