Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Carnitine is a naturally occurring compound involved in energy metabolism, primarily by transporting long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for beta-oxidation. This process is crucial for ATP generation, especially in tissues with high energy demands such as the heart and skeletal muscle. There is scientific evidence supporting the role of L-carnitine in mitochondrial function. Clinical studies have shown that supplemental L-carnitine can be beneficial in certain conditions characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction, such as primary and secondary carnitine deficiency, some inherited metabolic disorders, and specific cases of heart failure and peripheral artery disease. However, for healthy individuals, the evidence that L-carnitine supplementation enhances mitochondrial function or athletic performance is mixed and generally not robust. Most healthy people synthesize adequate carnitine from lysine and methionine in the liver and kidneys.

Randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses indicate some benefit in clinical populations, but widespread supplementation for mitochondrial "support" in the absence of deficiency is not strongly supported by current evidence. Thus, the scientific rationale for using carnitine to support the mitochondrial body system is limited to specific medical contexts rather than general wellness or enhancement.

More about Carnitine
More about Mitochondria

Other ingredients that support Mitochondria

Other body systems supported by Carnitine

Products containing Carnitine