So, I’ve been away for quite some time. Today I’m bringing to you something interesting about carnitine, more precisely, Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR). Having an acetyl group attached effectively means that ALCAR should for all intents and purposes offer greater bioavailability (greater solubility in water). ALCAR has been shown in numerous studies to effectively cross the blood brain barrier. In simple terms it would seem that it can reach parts of the body other forms cannot, and if mental clarity/focus (pre workout for example) is a primary requirement the ALCAR form would be preferred. Both also showed an increase in androgen receptors, which prevents a drop in testosterone caused by physical and mental stress (such as exercise and low calorie diet) due to the suppressing effect on cortisol levels, the hormone that breaks down muscle tissue. It also clears muscle lactate, and can increase anabolic hormone response. You’ll be able to perform at a higher intensity, such as lift heavier weights for more reps, or run faster for longer without it feeling as tough. Increased carnitine levels within the muscle helps decrease metabolic stress and lowers the lactate build up in the muscles. Not only, but also supplemental carnitine allows for greater weight loss by burning body fat as fuel and increasing energy production while training/doing daily activities. In addition, can improve physical performance by burning more fat, especially visceral fat, (brown adipose tissue (BAT) also known as intra-abdominal fat), and sparing muscle glycogen. While L-Carnitine helps transport fats to the energy factories of the cells (mitochondria), Acetyl-L-Carnitine helps break it down through oxidation, thereby creating energy from fats in a process known as fatty acids oxidation and both showed to increase androgen receptors. Basically, Acetyl-L-Carnitine helps rid the body of the byproducts of intense exercise allowing you to train harder for longer Carnitine doesn’t saturate the muscle unless accompanied by high insulin concentrations. Carbohydrates trigger insulin release, which allow the carnitine to load into the muscle. A substitute for carbs is alpha lipolic acid (ALA), which increases insulin sensitivity by activating AMPK in skeletal muscle. It can take between 3 and 6 months of supplementing with Acetyl-L-Carnitine to saturate the muscles and reap the benefits of improved energy production, making it a lifestyle supplement and not one that you need to cycle as frequently as other supplements. To offset any temporary gastrointestinal effects, take Acetyl-L-Carnitine with food. Acetyl-L-Carnitine can interfere with thyroid hormones thereby avoid it if you have thyroid disease. If your thyroid is ok and you are taking carnitine supplements, check your thyroid hormones, every few months. Cheers, João Lopes
Posted on: Mon, 01 Jul 2013 22:24:37 +0000
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