louis

Even though L-Carnitine is directly involved during the process of converting fat into energy, ingesting / drinking it in so-called fat-burners will not help the body burn more fat.

L-Carnitine is an amino acid. It is abundantly found in many foods:

– Meats

– Chicken

– Fish

– Pork

– Milk

– Ice Cream

The human body even produces carnitine from lysine & methionine (two amino acids), in conjunction with vitamin C, iron, niacin, and vitamin B6.

Again these amino acids and vitamins are found in many foods. Eating a healthy diet will provide an individual with plenty of all the essential amino acids, macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins & minerals). Unless your physician diagnosis you with a deficiency in a particular nutrient there is no reason for supplementation. In fact the only difference between an athletes diet and non-athletes diet are energy requirements in the form of macronutrients. Some female athletes may fall short in micronutrients (vitamins & minerals) and may need to supplement to avoid:

– Osteoporosis (Lose of Bone Density)

– Anemia (need for additional iron)

– Amenorrhoea (Loss of menstrual cycle)

Supplementation should be doctor recommended in these instances.

Research on L-Carnitine published in:

– Grunewald KK, Bailey RS. Commercially marketed supplements for bodybuilding athletes. Sports Med. 1993;15:90-103.

– Williams MH. Ergogenic and ergolytic substances. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1992:24; Suppl.: S344-8.

– Villanti RG, et al. L-carnitine supplementation combined with aerobic training does not promote weight loss in moderately obese women. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2000;2:199-207.

Has shown that extra L-carnitine does not enable more fat to be burnt for energy.

Even in athletes training hard, carnitine deficiency is rare. The body is very efficient in conserving carnitine, so taking more carnitine will not help burn more fat. Even on a low calorie diet extra carintine will not assist in the fat burning process.

Many companies with miracle claims target specific groups (athletes, old people, over weight individuals) Products marketed in Europe making health claims must be sanctioned by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and scientifically proven. If a product is EFSA approved then it will do what it says it will. Products making miracle health claims not approved by the EFSA should read consumer beware (In the US the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates health claims.) Beware many supplement companies are not regulated.

Whether your looking for a short cut to losing weight or a cure for a serious ailment, beware before spending your money on unproven, fraudulently marketed, often useless health-related products, devices and treatments. A good book on Nutrition explaining the conversion of food into energy will be far more useful. An exercise program combined with a healthy diet is the key to weight loss and well-being.

By:

Louis Pullano

Masters in Health Science / Touro University

Bachelor of Science in Clinical Health Science / George Washington University

Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition / Touro University

Natural Body Builder