Carnitine

L-carnitine is an amino acid named after its primary source: meat (carnis). Our bodies can also synthesise carnitine from the amino acids L-lysine and L-methionine with the help of vitamin C. This is particularly important for vegetarians and vegans, who may not always receive sufficient amounts of these amino acids. Therefore, it is advisable for vegans to regularly take a vegetarian L-carnitine supplement.

In the body, carnitine is involved in the transport of fatty acids to the cell nucleus for combustion. Many athletes, therefore, take extra L-carnitine before their training.

The acetylated form, acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR), can cross the blood-brain barrier and is primarily active in the brain.