Among the many weight loss methods, the L-carnitine diet has recently become incredibly popular, sparking a weight loss craze. L-carnitine, also known as L-carnitine or carnitine, is an amino acid-like substance that promotes the conversion of fat into energy. It has no toxic side effects on the human body and is particularly suitable for people to combine with aerobic exercise to lose fat. The effects are quite noticeable. Different types of daily diets already contain 5-100 mg of L-carnitine. L-carnitine is produced in the liver and kidneys and stored in muscles, brain, and heart.
L-carnitine, also known as vitamin BT, is a vitamin-like substance. Red meat is the main food source of carnitine, but most people can only obtain about 50 mg per day from their diet, and vegetarians need even less. The main physiological function of L-carnitine is to promote the conversion of fat into energy. Taking L-carnitine can reduce body fat and weight without reducing water and muscle mass. In 2003, it was recognized by the International Obesity Health Group, along with Cold & Hot, as one of the safest weight-loss nutritional supplements with no side effects.
The secret to L-carnitine weight loss
L-carnitine is a component of food and essential for human metabolism. Considered a "vitamin-like" nutrient, it was discovered in muscle extracts in the early 20th century and later confirmed as an amino acid widely present in the human body. Its most prominent function is transporting long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for β-oxidation, converting them into energy needed by the body. Human cardiac and muscle cells obtain energy through this fat oxidation function. At the International Nutrition Conference held in Chicago in 1985, L-carnitine was designated a "multifunctional nutrient." Currently, it has been approved by Switzerland, France, the United States, and the World Health Organization as a legally approved multi-purpose nutrient for weight loss, cognitive enhancement, and other purposes. The research and application of L-carnitine are attracting increasing interest and attention.
Carnitine has three optical isomers: L-carnitine, D-carnitine, and L/O-carnitine. Of these three configurations, only L-carnitine has physiological activity. For these reasons, to ensure the healthy growth of obese children and adolescents, timely and adequate supplementation with L-carnitine can not only help them lose excess fat but also greatly benefit their intellectual development. Safety tests in various countries have proven that L-carnitine supplementation is safe and well-tolerated. Reports indicate that almost no side effects occurred during treatment at a high dose of 15g/day. In 1993, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's National Board of Experts considered L-carnitine to be "generally recognized as safe and non-toxic." In 1994, the German Ministry of Health stipulated that the dosage of L-carnitine did not need to be regulated.
L-Carnitine was discovered by Russian scientists in the early 20th century, and it has been over a century since then. In the past hundred years, many scientists have conducted extensive research on it from different perspectives. Especially in recent years, it has become one of the hottest research topics among scientists. Why are scientists so focused on this?
Why the interest in carnitine? This is inseparable from its excellent quality and significant medicinal value. Currently, scientists recommend L-carnitine to the world as a safe, effective, and scientifically sound nutritional supplement that promotes the oxidation and decomposition of fatty acids.
L-carnitine is a key substance in fat metabolism, promoting the entry of fatty acids into mitochondria for oxidation and breakdown. It can be said that carnitine acts as a carrier for fatty acids. During prolonged, high-intensity exercise, L-carnitine increases the rate of fat oxidation, reduces glycogen depletion, and delays fatigue. Currently, carnitine is used for weight loss in the general public and by competitive athletes.
For weight loss and fatigue relief, its effects have been observed to be significant over many years. During the 1980 Olympics, Italian endurance athletes widely used L-carnitine, achieving remarkable results. Especially after Italian footballers won the 1982 World Cup using L-carnitine, it became a global sensation and a new favorite nutritional supplement. Many high-tech weight loss products use L-carnitine as one of their main ingredients.
