Sixty million Americans are obese, the majority of whom are trying to lose weight. L-carnitine is a safe nutritional supplement that can increase metabolism and help with your weight loss goal.
What It Is
L-carnitine is an amino acid that occurs naturally and aids in the process of metabolizing fat in the body. It works through transporting fatty acids to cells, more specifically to the mitochondria.
How It Works
L-carnitine works by boosting your energy and burning triglycerides (fat stored in the body made of excess calories, sugar and alcohol) allowing your body to burn more fat while increasing stamina and endurance.
Dosage
The National Institute of Health's Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest most adults get enough L-carnitine from either the body's natural production or through a healthy diet containing low-fat milk, fruits, grains and vegetables. For weight-loss goals, 3 grams per day is considered an appropriate dose.
Health Risks
While the effects are not life-threatening, symptoms may include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, cramps and sometimes a body odor that smells like fish. On rare occasions, usually when taking more than the recommended allowance, people report muscle weakness and seizures in those who have a seizure disorder.
Drug Interaction
L-carnitine has shown to have a negative reaction when taken with some antibiotics, especially prescribed for on-going treatment of urinary tract infections. However, these interactions are not life threatening, as the drug combination results in low levels of carnitine in the body, but no illnesses were reported as a result of this.
Effective and Safe
Studies by the National Institute of Health have shown no major side effects or harm caused as long as taken in moderate amounts. Whether or not it is effective in aiding weight loss, it depends on the overall diet consumed more than the addition of L-carnitine as a way to lose weight.
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