L-Carnitin was first discovered 1905 by two Russian researchers in meat. They gave it the name L-Carnitin after the latin word « carnis », meaning meat.

L-Carnitin is a substance similar  to the B vitamins and plays an important role in metabolism and also in the body’s energy production. Long chain fatty acids are one of our bodies’ primary sources of energy. In order to be able to win energy from these fatty acids, they must be split up in the mitochondria – cell organelles, responsible for the production of energy or “the power station of the cells”. The fatty acids cannot reach the mitochondria on their own, since they cannot penetrate through their cell wall. L-Carnitin and at least 3 other enzymes help in this transportation process. Long-chain fatty acids are then broken up inside the mitochondria , allowing energy to be released. Another important function of L-Carnitin is decontamination: with the help of L-Carnitin, short-chain fatty acids can be transported out of the mitochondria.

L-Carnitin is produced by the body itself (endogenously) with the help of nutrients such as Vitamin C, iron, niacin, and Vitamin B6, but can also be supplemented from the outside, e. g. by eating meat or by taking L-Carnitin as a food supplement.

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Who can benefit from taking L-Carnitin?

Because it plays a fundamental role in energy creation and in fat metabolism, L-Carnitin is helpful for all body actions that require a great deal of energy.

For dieters: Because L-Carnitin contributes to metabolism, it can be useful for losing weight while dieting.

Vegetarians/Vegans: Since plant-based foods only contain small quantities of L-Carnitin, people who abstain from eating meat can be deprived of L-Carnitin, resulting in metabolism problems. .

Physical stress: e. g. during pregnancy and lactation, or generally during times of increased physical stress.

Athletes: To support efficiency and accelerate cell regeneration.

To promote learning aptitude: An article dated 18 February 2004 by the Society for Nutrition Medicine in Aachen states that L-Carnitin improves  learning aptitude in the elderly:

“Under certain circumstances, elderly people can reduce mental decline by taking L-Carnitin,” reports Marion Hönig, graduated Oecotrophologist at the Society for Nutrition Medicine and Diet in Bad Aachen. “Due to various positive effects on the brain and the nervous system, a L-Carnitin substitute is advisable as a food supplement or medicine – accompanied by a healthy diet  – particularly for seniors”, explains  Sven-David Müller, Speaker of the organisation, on  February 18, 2004.

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L-Carnitin is offered as food supplement in form of capsules, powder, chewing gum and in fitness drinks, such as Schaebens L-Carnitin.

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Sources: www.lonza.com, www.dge.de