L-carnitine
A compound that transports fatty acids to the mitochondria to be burnt — popular for weight loss, and also being studied for recovery.
Benefits
- Involved in the transport of fats to produce energy
- Designed to aid post-exercise recovery
- Designed to reduce muscle soreness
Precautions
May cause digestive problems and body odour if taken in high doses. Use with caution in cases of kidney failure.
Recommended dosage
1 to 3 g a day, often taken with a carbohydrate-rich meal
Did you know?
A controlled study has shown that 2 g/day of L-carnitine does not alleviate fatigue in cancer patients, even in cases of initial deficiency.
What the studies say
This study in rats investigated whether supplementation with L-carnitine, an antioxidant, could reduce liver damage caused by doxorubicin, a chemotherapeutic agent. The results showed that L-carnitine completely reversed the biochemical alterations and gene expression indicative of liver damage. This suggests that L-carnitine may prevent liver damage by reducing oxidative stress and preserving antioxidant enzymes.
Alshabanah OA, Hafez MM, Al-Harbi MM, Hassan ZK, Al Rejaie SS, Asiri YA, Sayed-Ahmed MM. — (2010) — View the source study
Pairs well with
For information only: not a substitute for medical advice. Dietary supplements are not a replacement for a varied, balanced diet. Learn more