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L-Carnitine 98% Powder
What is L-carnitine?
L-Carnitine is an amino acid-like compound that promotes the conversion of fat into energy. Its chemical formula is C₇H₁₅NO₃. In its pure form, it appears as white crystalline or fine white transparent powder, highly soluble in water, ethanol, and methanol, slightly soluble in acetone, and insoluble in ether, benzene, chloroform, and ethyl acetate. L-Carnitine is hygroscopic, heat-resistant (above 200°C), and has no toxic side effects on the human body.
Sources & Functions
L-Carnitine is naturally present in the human body, with red meat being its primary dietary source. The body can also synthesize it. It plays a crucial role in fat oxidation, weight loss, and fatigue resistance, making it a vitamin-like substance.
As a food additive, L-Carnitine is widely used in infant nutrition, weight management products, sports supplements, elderly nutrition, vegetarian dietary supplements, and animal feed additives.
Daily Intake Requirements
In a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet or under high-stress conditions, daily dietary intake of L-Carnitine is typically less than 50 mg. However, the optimal daily intake for an average adult should be at least 500 mg, which is difficult to achieve solely through endogenous synthesis and regular diet.
Chemical Properties and Metabolism of L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine has a chemical structure similar to choline and is closely related to amino acids, but it does not participate in protein biosynthesis. The human body, as well as most animals, can synthesize sufficient amounts of L-Carnitine to meet physiological needs, making it a vitamin-like substance rather than a true vitamin. L-Carnitine is highly soluble in water, and dietary intake is fully absorbed by the body, primarily in the small intestine, although its exact absorption mechanism remains unclear.
Biosynthesis Pathway
In addition to obtaining L-Carnitine from dietary sources, the human body can synthesize endogenous L-Carnitine in the liver and kidneys. This process begins with lysine, which is converted into ε-trimethyl-β-hydroxylysine. Through the action of aldolase and aldehyde oxidase, it is further transformed into γ-butyrobetaine, which is then hydroxylated to produce L-Carnitine. The synthesis process also requires methionine, along with essential cofactors such as vitamin C, niacin, and vitamin B6.
Mechanism of Action of L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine is a vitamin-like compound that facilitates the conversion of fat into energy and is non-toxic to the human body. Its most significant physiological function is acting as a transporter for fatty acids. In the form of acetyl-L-carnitine, it shuttles medium- and long-chain fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane, where they undergo oxidation in the mitochondrial matrix to generate energy.
Functions and Benefits
L-Carnitine functions like a "transporter," delivering fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production. It is recognized worldwide as a safe and non-toxic fat-burning nutritional supplement. A recommended daily intake of 1–5 grams is suggested, particularly when combined with aerobic exercise, to enhance fat loss effectively.
Synthesis and Storage
L-Carnitine is synthesized in the liver and kidneys and is primarily stored in muscles, semen, the brain, and the heart.
