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How does (L-)carnitine work to aid in weight loss, and what potential side effects or limitations should be considered? 


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L-Carnitine plays a crucial role in weight loss by promoting fat metabolism and accelerating fat burning, especially in overweight and obese individuals when combined with exercise . It aids in reducing body weight, BMI, and fat mass, particularly in adults with overweight/obesity . However, prolonged use of L-Carnitine may lead to weight gain and reduced insulin sensitivity in older non-growing animals . Additionally, the effectiveness of L-Carnitine alone for weight loss is limited in individuals with normal weight and without exercise . While L-Carnitine is generally well-tolerated, potential side effects may include gastrointestinal disturbances and a fishy body odor in some individuals . Therefore, it is essential to consider individual weight status, exercise regimen, and potential side effects when incorporating L-Carnitine supplementation for weight loss.

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(L-)Carnitine may initially lower blood ammonia and glucose levels, but over time it could lead to weight gain and reduced insulin sensitivity. High fat diets do not increase serum carnitine.
(L-)carnitine aids weight loss by modestly reducing body weight, BMI, and fat mass, especially in adults with overweight/obesity. Potential side effects and limitations were not addressed in the paper.
(L-)carnitine aids in weight loss by enhancing metabolism. Potential side effects or limitations are not mentioned in the paper, suggesting it may be safe for weight management.
L-Carnitine aids weight loss by enhancing endurance, fat loss, and post-workout recovery. Potential side effects and limitations include the need for anti-radical medicines due to susceptibility to free radicals.
L-Carnitine aids weight loss by promoting fat metabolism and enhancing exercise tolerance. Side effects include digestive issues and potential heart complications. Long-term use may not be recommended for everyone.

Related Questions

Is carnitine bad for hypothyroidism?5 answersL-carnitine supplementation shows promise in alleviating fatigue symptoms in hypothyroid patients. However, it's important to note that L-carnitine has been shown to act as a peripheral antagonist of thyroid hormone action, inhibiting the entry of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) into cell nuclei. In hyperthyroidism, L-carnitine has been observed to reverse hyperthyroid symptoms and prevent/minimize biochemical changes associated with the condition. Muscle carnitine levels are affected by both hypo- and hyperthyroidism, potentially contributing to thyroid myopathy. Therefore, while L-carnitine may help manage fatigue in hypothyroid patients, its role in altering thyroid hormone action warrants consideration, especially in the context of thyroid disorders.
What isf l-carnitine?5 answersL-carnitine is a compound found in nearly all cells of the body and plays a critical role in energy production by transporting long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for oxidation. It is derived from an amino acid and is concentrated in tissues like skeletal and cardiac muscle that utilize fatty acids as a fuel source. L-carnitine is considered an essential nutrient and has vitamin-like qualities. It has been shown to have therapeutic effects in various conditions, including type II diabetes, where it improves glucose metabolism and prevents complications. L-carnitine also has potential effects on fertility and male reproductive function, as it increases testosterone levels and promotes spermatogenic activity. Additionally, L-carnitine has been studied for its potential role in exercise capacity and fat oxidation, with athletes using it to enhance performance and delay fatigue. Effervescent compositions containing L-carnitine have been developed to mask its off-notes and poor taste, as well as reduce 'fishy' odors and flatulence.
Does L-CARNITINE L-TARTRATE help to lose weight?5 answersL-Carnitine L-Tartrate has been studied for its potential effects on weight loss. Several papers have found that L-Carnitine supplementation can lead to a modest reduction in body weight, BMI, and fat mass, especially among adults with overweight or obesity. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials have shown that L-Carnitine supplementation significantly decreased body weight and showed a dose-response relationship, with higher doses providing greater weight loss effects. However, it is important to note that the weight loss effects of L-Carnitine alone may be limited, and significant weight loss is more likely to occur when L-Carnitine is combined with exercise and training. Additionally, the use of L-Carnitine in effervescent tablets and capsules has been explored as a potential method for weight loss, with claims of promoting fat metabolism and controlling weight. Overall, while L-Carnitine L-Tartrate may have some weight loss benefits, it is recommended to combine its use with exercise for optimal results.
What is the optimal time of day to take L-carnitine?5 answersL-carnitine can be taken orally at a dose of 10 to 30 mg/kg/day during preanesthesia and post-operative phases to counteract the toxic effects of halogen-containing general anesthetics. It can also be administered intravenously within a few hours of the onset of symptoms of acute myocardial infarction, followed by oral administration, to reduce the number of deaths caused by myocardial infarction and the duration of intensive care in hospital. L-carnitine is synthesized mainly in the liver, brain, and kidneys, and is found in meat and dairy products. Deficiency or depletion of carnitine can lead to fatty acid accumulation and various clinical conditions, including skeletal myopathy, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and plasma lipid abnormalities. However, the optimal time of day to take L-carnitine is not mentioned in the abstracts provided.
Is L-carnitine supplementation effective for muscle hypertrophy?5 answersL-carnitine supplementation has shown potential benefits for muscle hypertrophy. Studies have demonstrated that L-carnitine supplementation, when combined with carbohydrates, can increase total carnitine content in skeletal muscle. Additionally, prolonged supplementation of L-carnitine has been found to increase muscle mass and improve physical effort tolerance in centenarians. Furthermore, L-carnitine supplementation has been shown to increase muscle mass and thigh circumference while decreasing fat mass in hemodialysis patients. These findings suggest that L-carnitine supplementation may have a positive impact on muscle hypertrophy. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and optimal protocols for L-carnitine supplementation in promoting muscle hypertrophy.
Does L-carnitine have an anticoagulant effect?4 answersL-carnitine exhibits a significant Ca2+ chelating activity, which could affect calcium-dependent biological systems, including decelerating the blood clotting process and amplifying the effect of anticoagulants. Additionally, L-carnitine decreases platelet activation and protects against oxidative changes induced in blood platelets. There is evidence that L-carnitine and its derivatives can protect the heart against ischemic/reperfusion injury. Furthermore, L-carnitine contributes to the restoration of mitochondrial function and decreases the size of the brain necrosis zone. In the context of hyperlipidemia, L-carnitine has a hypotriglyceridemic effect and lowers serum free fatty acid levels. However, none of the abstracts explicitly state that L-carnitine has an anticoagulant effect.

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