Carnitine

L-carnitine is an amino acid named after its primary source: meat (carnis). Our body can also produce carnitine from the amino acids L-lysine and L-methionine with the help of vitamin C. This makes it particularly important for vegetarians and vegans to ensure they consume enough of these two amino acids, which is not always the case. Vegans, in particular, would benefit from regularly taking a vegetarian L-carnitine supplement.

In the body, carnitine is involved in transporting fatty acids to the cell nucleus, where they are burned for energy. Many athletes therefore take extra L-carnitine before their training.

The acetylated form, acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR), can cross the blood-brain barrier and is especially effective in the brain.