Carnitine

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What is carnitine and should I take it?

Carnitine

Carnitine as a sports nutrition supplement aids fat metabolism, which is important to endurance athletes and others who work out long and hard. However, it is classed as a nonessential amino acid, which means the body manufactures it from other amino acids. There is a theory that the body does not manufacture enough for strenuous exercise and a carnitine sports nutrition supplement can help.

Studies on supplemental carnitine for increasing performance are inconclusive, but there is no sound evidence that including it in a sports nutrition diet can help athletic performance, and it has little value for weight loss.

If you want to try it anyway, make sure it's L-carnitine. D-carnitine can be dangerous. Follow instructions on the label.

   

Comments

8/14/2009 4:53:17 PM
Ben said:

I don't understand why one day you say to get a doctors permission before using creatine, a supplement that has been heavily researched and has proven positive effects, and the next you suggest trying carnitine even though most studies are inconclusive and the longterm effects have been studied much less than creatine.




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