L-Carnitine
The Role of L-Carnitine in the Body and Symptoms of Deficiency
L-Carnitine plays a crucial role in the body's metabolism, especially in energy production within the muscles. The name of this amino acid derivative comes from the Latin word "Carnis," meaning meat. It was identified as the main component of meat extract as early as 1905, and about 50 years later, its function in transporting fatty acids into the cell nucleus, the mitochondria, was recognized. There, fat is burned after being transported by L-Carnitine.
Symptoms of L-Carnitine Deficiency
Although L-Carnitine is mostly obtained through diet, it also occurs naturally in the body. It is even present in breast milk and is vital for infants as they cannot produce it independently. Only from the age of 15 is endogenous L-Carnitine production considered mature. However, this does not necessarily mean that the body always produces enough L-Carnitine to ensure continuous supply.
A deficiency in L-Carnitine is challenging to diagnose as the symptoms are diffuse and not always easy to attribute. Common complaints of insufficient supply include chronic fatigue, reduced performance, tiredness, and diminished fat metabolism. Fat deposits in tissues, anemia, or an increased susceptibility to infections may also indicate an L-Carnitine deficiency.
Especially during periods of high physical and mental stress, adequate L-Carnitine supply is crucial. This is particularly relevant for athletes, pregnant women, older individuals, those who are ill, recovering individuals, and smokers.
Foods Rich in L-Carnitine and Possible Deficiency in Vegans and Vegetarians
L-Carnitine is mainly found in animal products, especially in beef and lamb. Although these types of meat contain significantly more L-Carnitine than others, excessive consumption of red meat should be avoided. However, this poses a challenge as L-Carnitine is present in small amounts in plant-based foods.
The assumption of an L-Carnitine deficiency in a vegan or vegetarian diet is not universally correct. A balanced and healthy plant-based diet can provide the body with necessary building blocks, including essential amino acids like lysine and methionine, as well as vitamins C, B3, B6, B12, iron, and folic acid. Nevertheless, a direct intake of L-Carnitine is considered more efficient, especially during periods of intense physical and mental stress when the body's synthesis may not be sufficient.
| Content per capsule: | daily dose 2 capsules |
*% NRV |
| L-Carnitine | 1000 mg | |
*NRV% = % Nutrient reference value
| Recommended dosage: |
| take 2 capsules daily with lots of liquid during a meal |
| Ingredients: |
| L-Carnitine Tartrate, Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose |
| Properties | |||||
| Vegetarian | yes | ||||
| Lactose free | yes | ||||
| Sugar free | yes | ||||
| Vegan | yes | ||||
| Gluten free | yes | ||||
| GMO free | yes | ||||
| Allergens | |||||
| Milk | no | ||||
| Eggs | no | ||||
| Gluten | no | ||||
| Sulfur | no | ||||
| Fish | no | ||||
| Crusteceans | no | ||||
| Molluscs | no | ||||
| Lupins | no | ||||
| Soya Beans | no | ||||
| Mustard | no | ||||
| Celery | no | ||||
| Sesame | no | ||||
| Peanuts | no | ||||
| Nuts | no | ||||