L-carnitine can be consumed in various forms. While some athletes solely rely on natural ingredients to supplement with this amino acid, others rely on different types and forms of supplements available on the market. Various forms include tablets, powder, capsules, and liquids. The powdered form has been proved to be the most conentrated, but in practicality, the ideal form solely depends on what you prefer.
What Type Of L-Carnitine Should You Opt For
Basic L-Carnitine
Many people prefer consuming this nutrient in its basic form. The major purpose of this supplement is to aid in making your workout more effective by helping you to burn off more fat and gaining more muscle in the process. The process also aids in quick recovery and minimizes the chances of muscle damage. Athletes usually opt for this type to maintain a lean muscular body.
D-Carnitine
This form does the exact job of regular amino acids. It not only slows down your digestion, but also negates the storage of other forms of carnitine within the body. That’s why you generally won't see experts recommending this form. It is mainly used in animal feeds, and while we are animals, we deserve a bit higher quality of amino acids.
ALCAR
Acetyl-L-Carnitine, or ALCAR, is a modified form of L-Carnitine that is used to treat certain neurological disorders. It can also be helpful to enhance the body’s metabolism, but is most commonly recommended to raise alertness. Some experts also find it useful to help sort out sleep-related issues. However, we strongly recommend against using any product for treatment purposes without consulting a medical expert first.
Propionyl L-Carnitine
The final type is most helpful if you're interested in getting more blood flow to all of your muscle. Most of these products are highly bioavailable and can hence break the thin blood barrier. Propionyl L-Carnitine improves general circulation to your muscle tissues and brain, simultaneously improving your reaction time and helping you gain greater energy for your workout sessions.
Other Things To Look Into
There’s no doubt that the L-carnitine chemical has various benefits. Your body produces it naturally to reduce overall fatigue. Supplementing with extra carnitine can help to improve your physical performance, with lots of people advocating for its weight loss benefits as well. However, too much consumption can have negative side effects. Thus, you should always check for the recommended dosage. Either way, start slow; you might be eager to go for a 1000mg serving right away, but it can cause irritating symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and rashes. We generally recommend a 250mg dosage for beginners.
Always check for the ingredients and flavors. Calcium and vitamins are essential elements that help this chemical perform its job better. Once again, do not opt for a high dosage of vitamin C if you’re a beginner. You should also check for vegan options in case you don’t consume animal products!
Some People Also Ask
Q: Can L-Carnitine help with hair growth?
A: People with hair fall issues have found L-Carnitine solutions to be quite useful. You can consult an expert and apply the recommended supplement to your scalp for up to six months. Most users experience an increase in hair growth by then but each individual may respond differently.
Q: Is L-Carnitine bad for your heart?
A: No, certain types of this amino acid aid in improving the blood flow, allowing better circulation to and from the heart, keeping it healthy.
Q: Is L-Carnitine safe for people who’ve had a seizure before?
A: No, it has been observed to cause more complications for such individuals. If you've experienced frequent seizures in the past, we strongly recommend against using it until you consult with your doctor.