L-Carnitine is a popular choice of performance-enhancing food supplement, particularly among endurance sport athletes. It is regarded as the most effective fat burner, although this is disputed among the experts. While it is beyond doubt that L-Carnitine’s main effect is to change fat to energy, however, it can actually do substantially more.

For mental and physical fitness

L-Carnitine conveys the energy gained from fatty acids to muscle cells, such as skeletal muscles, the heart or the brain, increasing both physical and mental performance. Researchers have also discovered that cardiovascular diseases may be attributable to a L-Carnitine deficiency. Effective as a detoxifier and antioxidant, it also supports kidney and liver function by removing harmful substances and preventing the destruction of cells and tissue by free radicals. This means that L-Carnitine may have a role to play in protecting us from degenerative neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease.

Infants have greater need

Infants are at greatest risk of deficiency because their reserves of L-Carnitine are still relatively low and they need more to sustain their rapid growth. This is why HOCHDORF’s infant formula contains L-Carnitine – although breast milk remains the best source.

L-Carnitine is found almost exclusively in animal products such as red meat, milk and, to a lesser extent, poultry. It is a chemical protein compound made from the amino acids lysine and methionine, which occurs naturally. Our system can create L-Carnitine itself but absorbs it mainly from food, which is why this protein compound is classed as a conditionally essential nutrient. L-Carnitine may work quietly in the background, but it still plays a key role in our physical and mental well-being.