Evidence supporting the use of: L-carnitine
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

L-carnitine is a naturally occurring compound involved in the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy production, which is particularly relevant in muscle cells during exercise. Its use as an athletic and exercise aid is based on the hypothesis that supplementing with L-carnitine can enhance fat metabolism, reduce muscle damage, and improve exercise performance and recovery. Several scientific studies have explored these potential benefits, with mixed results. Some research indicates that L-carnitine supplementation may help reduce markers of muscle soreness and damage after exercise, potentially improving recovery time. A few trials have also suggested that it might improve exercise performance, especially in populations with initial deficiencies or in older adults. Additionally, there is some evidence that L-carnitine can increase oxygen supply to muscles and enhance blood flow during and after exercise. However, the majority of well-controlled studies in healthy, active adults have found little to no significant improvement in exercise performance, endurance, or fat loss with L-carnitine supplementation compared to placebo. The variability in results may be due to differences in study design, dosage, duration, and individual metabolic factors. In summary, while there is a scientific rationale for the use of L-carnitine as an athletic and exercise aid, and some supportive evidence for certain aspects like recovery, the overall quality and consistency of the evidence are moderate at best. More robust, large-scale studies are needed to provide clearer guidance on its effectiveness for athletic performance enhancement.

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Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids

1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
7-Keto-DHEA
Acetyl L-carnitine
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Agmatine
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Alpha D-ribofuranose
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Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
amino acids
antler
arachidonic acid
arginine alpha ketoglutarate
Arginine aspartate
arginine creatine
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Arginine silicate
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
ba ji tian
bacillus subtilis
BCAA
bee pollen
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beet
beta-alanine
bicarbonate
black ginger
black tea
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cordyceps
creatine
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D-Ribose
deer velvet
dihydrocapsiate
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ecdysterone
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
eleuthero
elk antler
Ephedra
ephedrine
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Eurycoma Longifolia
eurycomanone
Fadogia agrestis
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glucose
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guanidinoacetic acid
guarana
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guayusa
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hydroxymethylbutyrate
Isoleucine
isomaltulose
jiaogulan
ketone salts
kola nut
L-alanine
L-alanyl-L-glutamine
L-arginine
l-carnitine
L-citrulline
L-glutamine
L-glycine
l-isoleucine
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l-tyrosine
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lactalbumin
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maca
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ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
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Synephrine
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