L-carnitine is a trimethylated amino acid that plays essential roles in many areas of the body, including fatty acid translocation and muscle function. Carnitine is also acetylated into the ester Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) in the brain, liver, and kidney. ALCAR also plays a variety of roles in the body, including increasing acetylcholine production and stimulation of protein and membrane phospholipid synthesis. Orally administered L-carnitine and ALCAR have profound anti-aging and nutrient repartitioning properties, and the effects of supplementing with them have been extensively researched.
The carnitines are excellent supplements for athletes, as well as anyone who wants to look and feel thier best. Studies with both ALCAR and L-carnitine have shown that they have potent nutrient repartitioning effects, and there are some studies indicating that L-carnitine can increase exercise performance.