L-carnitine or Levocarnitine
What is it?
L-carnitine is a vitamin factor and a specific micronutrient. Endogenous carnitine is synthesized in the liver and in the kidneys from the amino acids lysine and methionine.
L-carnitine supplementation
L-carnitine can be administered in different forms: L-carnitine fumarate or propionate, propionyl-L-carnitine, and acetyl L-carnitine, with each having different properties and actions in chronic processes.
In supplements, it is preferable to use L-carnitine fumarate or tartrate salts and acetyl L-carnitine for their stability, significantly improving plasma levels of L-carnitine.
REFERENCE VALUES
No reference values or upper levels have been defined for L-carnitine.
FOODS WITH L-CARNITINE
Meat (especially red meats), fish, and dairy products contain L-carnitine; vegetables, on the other hand, contain almost no L-carnitine.
