L-Carnitine Promotes Exercise Endurance
In a study published in November 2013, researchers report that carnitine taken prior to physical exercise delays exhaustion. L-carnitine is an amino acid derivative made by the body and important in energy production.
The researchers evaluated 26 professional footballers. The subjects received a glass of fruit juice one hour before taking 3 grams or 4 grams of L-carnitine. The subjects completed an exercise test in which the athletes began at a running speed of 8 km/hour, increased to 10 km/hour and then increased 1 km/hour every three minutes until the subject chose to quit. The researchers evaluated heart rate during the exercise test and measured blood lactate levels prior to the exercise test and before the speed increase during the one-minute intervals. The test was repeated one week later with a placebo.
The investigators found that, compared to placebo, during the L-carnitine supplementation exercise test, running speeds corresponding to specific lactate concentrations were increased and lactate and heart rate responses to the running speeds were decreased. The researchers showed that heart rate was significantly reduced in the group receiving 4 grams of L-carnitine or placebo. Analysis of the data determined that significant difference in running speed was found in both supplemented groups.
The researchers concluded, “The results show that 3 or 4 grams L-carnitine taken before physical exercise prolonged exhaustion.”
Reference:
Gamze EO, et al. J Strength Cond Res. 2013 Nov 20.
