What it is
Carnitine L-Tartrate is a dietary supplement that is composed of two naturally occurring substances: L-Carnitine and L-Tartrate. L-Carnitine is an essential amino acid that is found in the muscles, brain, and liver, and plays a crucial role in the metabolism of fatty acids. L-Tartrate is an organic acid that is found in various fruits and vegetables, and is known for its antioxidant properties.
The history of L-Carnitine L-Tartrate as a supplement can be traced back to the early 1900s, when L-Carnitine was first isolated from meat extracts by a Russian scientist named Dmitri M. Lvov. In the following decades, L-Carnitine was studied for its potential health benefits, and was found to be essential for the metabolism of fatty acids. L-Tartrate, on the other hand, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its medicinal properties. It is commonly used as a food preservative and flavor enhancer, and has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
The combination of L-Carnitine and L-Tartrate as a supplement was first developed in the 1990s, when scientists discovered that L-Tartrate could increase the bioavailability of L-Carnitine in the body. This led to the creation of L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, which is now commonly used by athletes and bodybuilders to improve exercise performance and recovery. In recent years, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate has gained popularity as a supplement for its potential health benefits, including its ability to enhance fat burning and reduce muscle damage and fatigue. It is also believed to have potential heart health benefits, as well as neuroprotective effects that may be beneficial for brain health. Despite its potential benefits, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of L-Carnitine L-Tartrate on the body.
The supplement is commonly taken by athletes and bodybuilders to improve exercise performance and recovery. It is believed to enhance fat burning and reduce muscle damage and fatigue, leading to improved physical performance and faster muscle recovery. Some studies have shown that L-Carnitine L-Tartrate can increase muscle carnitine levels, which may help the body use fat as a fuel source during exercise. In addition to its potential benefits for athletic performance, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate may also have other health benefits. Some research suggests that it may help improve heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease and lowering blood pressure. It may also have neuroprotective effects and be beneficial for brain health.
There are several different forms of L-Carnitine L-Tartrate available on the market, including capsules, powders, tablets, and liquid. Capsules and tablets are the most convenient forms, as they can be easily taken with water or another liquid. Powders are also popular, as they can be mixed with water or added to smoothies or protein shakes. Liquid supplements are typically easier to absorb than other forms, and may be a good option for those who have difficulty swallowing pills or mixing powders.
How it works
L-Carnitine L-Tartrate is thought to increase carnitine levels in the body through a process called "carnitine salvage." When L-Tartrate is metabolized in the body, it is converted into free carnitine, which can then be used by the body to produce energy or to synthesize other compounds, such as acetyl-L-carnitine. By providing the body with additional carnitine in this way, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate may help to increase overall carnitine levels, leading to improved physical performance and other potential health benefits.
Carnitine is an amino acid that is involved in the metabolism of fatty acids, and it is essential for the production of energy in the body. By increasing carnitine levels, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate may help to improve the body's ability to burn fat and produce energy, leading to improved physical performance.
L-Carnitine L-Tartrate is a popular supplement that is commonly used by athletes and bodybuilders to improve physical performance and enhance muscle growth. It is also known to have neurocognitive benefits, as it has been shown to improve memory, focus, and overall cognitive function.
In terms of neurocognition, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate may improve cognitive function by increasing the availability of acetyl-L-carnitine, a derivative of carnitine that is involved in the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is essential for memory and learning. By increasing acetyl-L-carnitine levels, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate may help to improve the brain's ability to process and store information, leading to improved memory, focus, and overall cognitive function.
The effects of L-Carnitine L-Tartrate on neurocognition are not well understood, but some studies have suggested that this supplement may have a number of potential benefits for cognitive function. For example, some studies have shown that L-Carnitine L-Tartrate may improve memory and focus, leading to improved performance on memory-related tasks. In addition to its effects on memory and focus, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate may also have other benefits for cognitive function. For example, some studies have suggested that this supplement may help to improve overall brain function, leading to increased mental clarity and improved overall cognitive performance.
The exact mechanisms by which L-Carnitine L-Tartrate improves cognitive function are not well understood, but it is believed that this supplement may work by increasing the availability of acetyl-L-carnitine in the brain. Acetyl-L-carnitine is a derivative of carnitine that is involved in the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is essential for memory and learning. By increasing acetyl-L-carnitine levels, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate may help to improve the brain's ability to process and store information, leading to improved cognitive function.
Like any supplement, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate may have potential side effects, although these are generally considered to be rare and mild. The most common side effects of L-Carnitine L-Tartrate include gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms may occur when the supplement is taken on an empty stomach, so it is generally recommended to take L-Carnitine L-Tartrate with food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. In rare cases, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate may also cause allergic reactions, such as rash, hives, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms after taking L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, it is important to stop taking the supplement and seek medical attention immediately. There is also some concern that L-Carnitine L-Tartrate may interfere with certain medications, including some blood pressure medications and statins. It is important to speak with your doctor before taking L-Carnitine L-Tartrate if you are currently taking any medications, to ensure that the supplement is safe for you to use.
In general, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate is considered to be a safe and well-tolerated supplement, but it is always important to follow the recommended dosage and to speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen. This will help to ensure that you get the most benefit from L-Carnitine L-Tartrate and minimize the risk of any potential side effects.
How it is taken
L-Carnitine L-Tartrate is a popular supplement that is commonly used by athletes and bodybuilders to improve physical performance and enhance muscle growth. It is also known to have neurocognitive benefits, as it has been shown to improve memory, focus, and overall cognitive function.
The typical way most people use L-Carnitine L-Tartrate is by taking it orally in capsule or powder form. The recommended dosage of L-Carnitine L-Tartrate varies depending on factors such as age, sex, and physical activity level, but a typical dose is between 500 and 2000 mg per day. It is generally recommended to start with a lower dose and gradually increase as needed to avoid any potential side effects.
The best time of day to take L-Carnitine L-Tartrate is typically in the morning or early afternoon, as this will help to ensure that the supplement is properly absorbed and utilized by the body. It is also important to take L-Carnitine L-Tartrate with food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. In addition to taking L-Carnitine L-Tartrate orally, some people may also use this supplement in the form of a topical cream or gel. These products are typically applied directly to the skin, and they are thought to provide similar benefits as oral L-Carnitine L-Tartrate. However, the effectiveness of topical L-Carnitine L-Tartrate products is not well understood, and more research is needed to determine their potential benefits.
Overall, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate is a widely used supplement that is believed to have a number of potential benefits for physical performance and cognitive function. While the exact mechanisms by which it works are not fully understood, it is clear that this supplement has a number of potential benefits for those looking to improve their overall health and well-being.
References and furthe reading:
Lvov, D. M. Isolation of carnitine from animal tissues. Nature. 105(2652):307-8. 1921.
Brosnan, J. T., et al. The role of carnitine in the regulation of fuel metabolism in skeletal muscle. The Journal of Physiology. 553(1):3-12. 2003.
Murray, R. K., et al. Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry, 29th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education. 2012.
Wilson, J. M., et al. L-Carnitine L-Tartrate Supplementation Favorably Affects Markers of Recovery from Exercise Stress. American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism. 282(2):E474-E482. 2002.
Hultman, E., et al. Muscle carnitine metabolism in man: effects of oral L-carnitine supplementation. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 50(3):855-62. 1989.