L-Carnitine: A useless ergogenic aidWHAT IS L-CARNITINE? L-Carnitine is a natural amino acid that plays a vital role in fat metabolism. It functions as a fatty acid transporter in the mitochondria, the metabolic furnace of the cell. L-carnitine was discovered in Russia and a year later in Germany. The proper name, Carnitine, refers to the Latin origin (carno, caris). Its structural formula was decoded in 1927 and its physiological significance was understood in the 1960s. (http://www.hlthmall.com/l-carnitine.html) L-carnitine is synthesized in the liver and kidneys, from two essential amino acids, lysine and methionine. This synthesis requires the presence of vitamins niacin, B6 and iron. The majority (98%) of carnitine intake resides in the muscle tissues of the body. Around 80% of the amino acids our body needs are synthesized endogenously, the remaining 20% ​​are called essential amino acids. The intake of these amino acids, such as L-carnitine, must be supplemented exogenously. L-carnitine is available in the following food sources: red meat, dairy, avocado and tempeh. Although a well-balanced diet can provide about 75% of what the body is lacking, conditions often arise that make it difficult to obtain all the carnitine one needs. It has been established that an adequate intake of L-carnitine is necessary to maintain good health. L-carnitine transports long-chain fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane to be metabolized. L-carnitine helps release stored body fat, tryglycerides, into the bloodstream for energy. Tryglycerides are the primary source of energy production in the heart and skeletal muscles. Access to l-carnitine...... middle of paper ...... metabolism after muscle glycogen depletion. Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise, 25 (6): 733-40.2. Fukusako T., Negoro K., Tsuda N., Kato M. and Morimatsu M. (1995). A case of secondary L-carnitine deficiency due to anorexia nervosa and severe liver damage. Clinical Neurology, 35 (1): 34-7.3. Krabbe, J.P., (1996). L-Carnitine. Training-Nutrition, 332. (http://www.cyberiron.com/supplement/carnitine.html)4. McCarty, M.F., (1995). Inhibition of citrate lyase may improve aerobic endurance. Medical Hypotheses, 45 (3): 247-54.5. Vukovich MD, Costill DL, Fink WJ, (1994). Carnitine supplementation: effect on carnitine and muscle glycogen content during exercise. Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise, 26 (9): 1122-9.6. Williams MH., (1992). Ergogenic and ergolytic substances. Medicine and Sport in Sport and Exercise, 2 (suppl 9): S344-8.