Is L-Carnitine A Super SUPP?
Fitness Magazine|January - February 2019

This potent supplement can deliver physical, psychological, cognitive and general health benefits

Pedro van Gaalen
Is L-Carnitine A Super SUPP?

The stimulants found in thermogenic fat burners don’t appeal to everyone who’s working to achieve a leaner look. Even those who choose to include these effective products in their supplement regimens can’t use them indefinitely.

A natural alternative that can offer significant support, both from a fat loss and a health perspective, without the risk or worry of adverse effects is an amino acid called L-carnitine.

Burn it

IT'S A NATURAL FAT BURNER

Your body already naturally produces L-carnitine in the liver and kidneys. Its main role is to transport fatty acids into muscle cells where they can be metabolised for energy within structures called mitochondria – the so-called metabolic powerhouses of our cells.

The theory suggests that the amount of fat burned during exercise is directly related to our muscle L-carnitine levels and that a well-stocked reserve allows us to efficiently convert stored fat into expendable energy more effectively and efficiently.

In other words, an adequate supply of L-carnitine should increase your body’s use of stored fat as an energy source, which can assist with weight loss and improve body composition.

While more research is needed, there is some clinical evidence that supports this claim.

As an example, in a three-month clinical trial, 18 test subjects were given 2g of L-carnitine per day or a placebo, along with a training program and a diet plan. The results showed that the L-carnitine group lost an average of 5.1kg, while the placebo group lost an average of 0.518kg.

This story is from the January - February 2019 edition of Fitness Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January - February 2019 edition of Fitness Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM FITNESS MAGAZINEView All
Girl,You Got This!
Fitness Magazine

Girl,You Got This!

Actress, adventurer, athlete, and goodwill ambassador Hlubi Mboya Arnold has done it all. From stepping on the competitive stage, climbing Kilimanjaro and finishing the Absa Cape Epic, to juggling a hectic career in the cut-throat TV and film industries, she still finds the time to pursue her passion for social entrepreneurship and community upliftment. It’s the type of life that epitomises what it means to be a #strongwoman

time-read
8 mins  |
May - June 2017
Beating Breast Cancer​​​​​​​ With Exercise
Fitness Magazine

Beating Breast Cancer​​​​​​​ With Exercise

A new evidence-based review shows the important correlation between exercise and cancer recovery. 

time-read
2 mins  |
May - June 2017
Amber Blom
Fitness Magazine

Amber Blom

How this Bikini pro is paying it forward by helping fitness entrepreneurs succeed in business

time-read
9 mins  |
May-June 2018
Staying Consistent During Winter
Fitness Magazine

Staying Consistent During Winter

Maintaining consistency with regard to your training routine and diet throughout winter can be challenging, even for the most dedicated athlete.

time-read
2 mins  |
May-June 2018
Danielle Van Heerden
Fitness Magazine

Danielle Van Heerden

Swimming teacher & personal trainer, Pinetown.

time-read
3 mins  |
May-June 2018
Stuck For Ideas? Try These... Holiday Cardio Workouts
Fitness Magazine

Stuck For Ideas? Try These... Holiday Cardio Workouts

A few quick and simple high-intensity routines will ensure you sustain your fitness levels, and will also help you keep those holiday calories in check.

time-read
5 mins  |
November - December 2018
Thinking Inside The Box - Next-Level Recovery
Fitness Magazine

Thinking Inside The Box - Next-Level Recovery

Training for and competing in CrossFit competitions places significant physical stress on the body, which is why we need to pay special attention to our recovery demands during these phases in our training.

time-read
3 mins  |
November - December 2018
8 Tips To Healthy Holiday Eating
Fitness Magazine

8 Tips To Healthy Holiday Eating

Holidays Are Meant To Be A Time For Us To Unwind, Relax And Enjoy Life, So It’s Okay To Let Loose And Indulge A Bit. Follow These Tips To Not Get Carried Away.

time-read
2 mins  |
November - December 2018
Reduce Injury Risk
Fitness Magazine

Reduce Injury Risk

Picking up an injury is like getting the flu – it stops us in our tracks and derails our normal routine, both in life and in our training.

time-read
4 mins  |
November - December 2018
Boost Your Value With Short Courses
Fitness Magazine

Boost Your Value With Short Courses

The health and fitness industry is one of the most dynamic sectors in the world. Exercise science and research into nutrition are constantly uncovering new information.

time-read
3 mins  |
November - December 2018