The primary function of carnitine in the body, is to regulate fat oxidation (burning). L-Carnitine is responsible for transporting fat to the fat furnace in our cells called mitochondria. Unless fat makes it to the mitochondria, it cannot be oxidized, no matter how much you exercise or diet.
Many studies have been done to determine the effectiveness of L-Carnitine for fat burning. Evidence, more so than not, has suggested that when used correctly, along with a balanced diet (adequate protein, essential fats, and fiber), it works. L-Carnitine however, is not the "silver bullet"; it is just another piece of the fat burning puzzle.
How Your Body Makes L-Carnitine:
- The body can make small amounts of L-Carnitine.
- To do so, you need the amino acids: lysine and methionine and vitamins such as niacin, B6, and vitamin C.
- A shortage of any of these nutrients, can lower carnitine levels and reduce fat burning .
- Lysine has been shown to boost carnitine levels. Lysine is the amino acid precursor that builds the carnitine molecule.**
- Strict vegetarians get little or no carnitine.
**Nature's Gold Level I & II - contains 7 essential amino acids* critical to providing cellular regeneration and repair.
Sources of L-Carnitine in Our Diets:
- L-Carnitine is found predominately in meat and animal products.
- Red meat is the best source.
- Chicken and turkey also contain carnitine.
- Dairy and milk products contain small amounts.
- Most fruits, vegetables, and grains contain almost no carnitine. The exceptions are tempeh and avocados, which contain small amounts.
Factors That Inhibits L-Carnitine Production and Fat Burning:
- L-Carnitine works best with a diet low in sugars and starches (carbohydrates).
- Studies show that for carnitine to work effectively, carbohydrate intake should be kept below 50% of total calories consumed daily.
- Elevated insulin levels inhibit optimal carnitine activity (the burning of body fat and energy production).
- Omega 3 fats (flaxseed and fish oils) improve carnitine activity and function in the body.**
- Adequate protein at each meal is essential for carnitine activity and fat burning.
** Benefit from Flax Seed Oil . Not only does it improve carnitine activity in the body, but studies have shown that it can substantially lower the risk of death from coronary heart disease. Flax seed oil contains twice the amount of Omega-3 oils than that of fish oil products. NSP's Flax Seed Oil is 100% organic and unrefined; due to the cold pressing of the seeds.
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L-Carnitine and Fat Burning:
- L-Carnitine assists in the transport of long-chained fatty acids that are burned for energy.
- L-Carnitine enhances the consumption of fat as a source of fuel.
- L-Carnitine has been shown to increase the amount of fat you burn during both anaerobic (strength training) and aerobic (cardiovascular) workouts.
- L-Carnitine plays an important role in mobilizing fatty deposits found in tissues of overweight individuals.
- L-Carnitine helps remove fats waste products (ketones) from the blood stream.
- Effective carnitine activity helps to discourage fatty build up in the liver, heart, and skeletal muscle.
- L-Carnitine has been shown to improve lean muscle strength. Maintaining muscle tissue takes four to five times more calories than maintaining fat tissue, which is important for permanent weight loss.
- L-Carnitine helps to stabilize blood sugar and eliminate cravings for carbohydrates.
