Also referenced as: Carnitine and carnitor.

L-carnitine should not be confused with Acetyl-L-Carnitine or Propionyl-L Carnitine; as they are completely different substances.

L-carnitine is a key nutrient in the body’s production of cellular energy. It is necessary for the body to utilize a chief energy source, fatty acids. L-carnitine also allows for fatty acids to undergo beta-oxidation in the mitochondria of the cells. In order for a fatty acid (which are typically very long molecules) to enter the cell, it must be bound to a specific enzyme (coenzyme A) to form a complex known as fatty acyl-Coenzyme A. L-carnitine serves as a “gatekeeper,” and is responsible for moving the fatty acyl-Coenzyme A molecule into the cell for utilization in the energy processes.

Carnitine has many applications in the areas of health and well-being. However, carnitine has been marketed for many other purposes that while not fully validated, do have interesting theoretical applications based on the actions of this nutrient in the body.

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