L-Carnitine
There are four common types of carnitine supplements:
- L-Carnitine
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
- L-Carnitine L-Tartrate (LCLT)
- and Propionyl-L-Carnitine (GPLC)
ALCAR and LCLT are the most popular forms of L-carnitine, with the latter being recommended when attempting to increase androgen receptor activity and physical performance output.
While ALCAR is commonly referred to as a fat burner, studies do not appear to be promising to that effect. Rather, ALCAR can be used as a stimulant, which then helps people become more active due to supplementation. ALCAR is effective at:
- Neurological decline
- Improving insulin sensitivity
- Chronic fatigue
- Cognitive enhancement
How Much L-Carnitine to Take
ALCAR is typically consumed in 600-2,500 mg doses on a daily basis.
LCLT is typically consumed at higher daily doses, from 1,000-4,000 mg and should be taken with food.
References
Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17658628
l-Carnitine l-tartrate supplementation favorably affects biochemical markers of recovery from physical exertion in middle-aged men and women: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20045157
Androgenic responses to resistance exercise: effects of feeding and L-carnitine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16826026
l-Carnitine l-tartrate supplementation favorably affects biochemical markers of recovery from physical exertion in middle-aged men and women: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20045157
Androgenic responses to resistance exercise: effects of feeding and L-carnitine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16826026