Carnitine: The weight loss secret

“I’m not losing weight. I’m getting rid of it. I have no intention of finding it again.”

That quote sums up what most of us feel when we’re motivated to finally lose body fat. We go to the gym, stick to our diet, and wham! We lose momentum and quickly. Why so? For some, soreness and social gatherings tempt the mind to stop what it’s doing. Pain is justification enough for giving up, but that is not the solution. Many natural supplements for weight loss have been scientifically proven effective. You can finally say that you’re getting rid of the fat once and for all. Carnitine is one of those special supplements that will help you finally succeed your fat loss goals and more.

What is Carnitine?

Classified as an amino acid, Carnitine’s function is a bit different from other aminos. It is found in nearly every cell of your body, and energy production is its main role. Generally, the body uses amino acids for protein synthesis or neurotransmitters. However, Carnitine resembles B vitamins where its primary function is to transport long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria where they can be burned up for energy production.  Vital organs, especially your heart, benefit greatly from Carnitine.

Carnitine Benefits

Finally a booster for your fat loss success and more! Better than that, it’s scientifically proven to help you. In 2011, The Journal of Physiology provided documentation proving that Carnitine will boost fat burning. Other scientific studies have shown that taking Carnitine with Omega-3 fish oil provides the greatest fat loss. This includes the stubborn visceral belly fat. You may also find Carnitine to help you with:

·         high intensity workouts

·         increased performance in the gym

·         recovery from intense exercise

·         better brain function

·         optimized hormone levels

·         improved insulin health and type 2 diabetes prevention

·         restoration of life-threatening diseases (i.e., heart disease, cancer, AIDs)

·         correction of male erectile dysfunction

·         improved male fertility

·         better skin

Carnitine Dosage

To be effective, Carnitine should be taken with carbohydrates or Omega-3 fish oil, as well as protein. Omega-3 fish oil is the better partner for Carnitine as research shows this to be more effective for fat loss. One gram may be the right dose for some. For others, 2-3 grams will be more beneficial. You may want to experiment to see what is working for you. The same amount of Omega-3 fish oils should be taken with Carnitine two to three times per day. Take it after your workout or with well-balanced meals.

Side Effects of Carnitine

No major side effects have been reported with over-the-counter Carnitine supplements. Minor side effects are a result of high dosages which may include nausea, stomach upset, heartburn, diarrhea, or vomiting. Therefore, it is recommended to build your dosage slowly. Start with a small dose for 1-2 weeks and build gradually until you’ve reached your desired dose.

As with all supplementation, you may want to consult with your physician before taking. If you are on prescription medication or have any major illnesses, please check with your doctor first.