L-carnitine is an amino acid, and a cofactor that is required for the metabolism of fats and their subsequent transport into the mitochondria, where they undergo oxidation and produce energy.
In the heart muscle, L-carnitine facilitates fatty acid use, and promotes rhythm, myocardial blood flow, and cardiac output. It has also been shown to benefit athletic performance, with studies showing improvements in maximal oxygen uptake, decreased average oxygen consumption, and therefore improvements in running speed (2).
L-carnitine has also shown to help maintain healthy total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It also supports general wellbeing, and assists carbohydrate metabolism.
Acetyl L-Carnitine or ALCAR is a super antioxidant, occurring form of L-Carnitine that specifically benefits the brain. ALCAR helps supply the brain with energy by improving energetics in the mitochondrion, the cell’s energy generator.
Sexual health
L-carnitine provides ready energy for the spermatozoa (early stage of sperm cell). This has a positive effect on sperm motility, maturation and the spermatogenic process in general (3).
Spermatozoa might require L-carnitine for maturation since a high concentration of L-carnitine is found in the epididymis (curved portion of the testes, where the sperm matures) (4).
Study shows L-carnitine results in improved sperm count and motility (5).
L-carnitine facilitates sperm cell energy production by carrying the long chain fatty acids in the mitochondria for utilization in metabolism (6).
Carnitine facilitates oxidation process in the epididymis and spermatozoa that produces energy for the respiration and motility of sperms (7).
Carnitine may be responsible for removing excess intracellular toxic substances (known as acetyl - CoA) which protects the spermatozoa from oxidative damage (6).
Carnitines also protect sperm DNA and cell membranes from the damage due to ROS free radicals (9).