L-Carnitine Base vs Acetyl vs Tartrate vs Fumarate

L-Carnitine has been used by athletes for a long time as a dietary supplement for weight loss and muscle definition with much success. However, there are still some doubts in relation to different types of L-Carnitine that exist.

Briefly, L-Carnitine is a compound derived from the amino acid lysine, which is necessary for the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria for the creation of energy. Normally our body has the ability to create the amount of necessary L-Carnitine for this purpose, but this is not the case for some people and the reason why supplementation is required.

L-Carnitine has also been used for other purposes in addition to the weight loss and athletic performance, in particular for cardiovascular and brain / nerve health. Studies show that heart disease such as angina or heart failure have been put to the test by L-Carnitine supplementation as a mean to prevent and reduce the symptoms.[1]

That said, as we look for a pack of L-Carnitine, the thing that will jump in our sight will be the amount of the compound that includes. Let’s look at the case of L-Carnitine 3000 Gold Nutrition for example. In its composition has 3000mg per ampoule of L-Carnitine base. In this aspect we would like to focus our attention: not all L-Carnitine are equal in composition and therefore it will have more or less advantages depending on our physical activity. Lets have a look:

L-Carnitina Base

L-Carnitine base is the base form, and further concentrated L-Carnitine. Once the compound is unstable and is hardly used, most commonly used are derivatives of L-Carnitine base in the form of tartar L-carnitine, acetyl L-carnitine or fumarate L-carnitine, among others.

Tartrate L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, as the base version, is usually used for physical performance and fat loss. L- Tartrate is a salt used as an additive in some health supplement to facilitate the absorption of other substance. It is mentioned that combining L-Carnitine with L-Tartrate makes the body absorb more effectively the L-carnitine.

The Tartrate version has also been proposed as a more effective way than the common L-Carnitine (base) for recovery and help of the hormonal balance.

L-Carnitine L-Tartrate promotes a proper hormonal balance, improving the activity of the androgens cellular receptor. Their ability to promote recovery from high-intensity exercise, converts it into a powerful tool, both as an aid for training and for fat loss.

This type of L-Carnitine is advisable for those who practice endurance sports or have long time trainings, as aerobics, team sports, cyclists, etc.

Acetil-L-carnitine

Acetyl L-Carnitine is used in a more common way for cognitive enhancement, reduction of stress and also helps in fat metabolism.

Acetyl L-Carnitine is a natural substance found in the body cells and along the central nervous system and plays a part in CNS metabolism and synthesis of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter. It can freely pass from the bloodstream into the brain, with a better penetration into the brain tissue and nervous system than any kind of carnitine.

In conclusion always check the composition of L-Carnitine you want to buy so you can take the most of it. We recall also that L-Carnitine can be purchased in capsules or liquid state. Have a look down, there are some products examples:

https://www.zumbu.com/EN/l-carnitine/acetyl-l-carnitine-90-caps

https://www.zumbu.com/EN/l-carnitine/l-carnitine-3000-x-20-vials

https://www.zumbu.com/EN/l-carnitine/l-carnitine-30caps

[1] http://ajpcell.physiology.org/content/283/3/C802.short