Help Biogeek!

[Sweet Strudel]

Ok...I'm confused. Which of these L-Carnitines should I use? I live in Canada where you can't buy this over the counter but will be in the U.S. soon so I would like to buy the right one when I'm there. Thanks!

BTW....I'm on track with all the rest of my vitamins and supplements!

I might post a list of what I'm taking and if you wouldn't mind looking it over and giving me any advice...that would be great...

• Acetyl-L-Carnitine- the acetyl group basically means a collection of acetyl acid. To put it simply the addition of it to the carnitine aids in good memory function and mental focus. As with other forms of L-carnitine it also increases energy
• L-Carnitine-L-Tartrate- tartrate, found in nature in some fruits, helps stabilize the L-carnitine. It's also and effective antioxidant and some studies have shown it aids in more rapid muscle recovery after heavy stress
• L-Carnitine fumarate- especially good for both metabolizing fat and sending plenty of oxygen to the heart, both valuable properties for athletes
• D-Carnitine, D-L-Carnitine- only available synthetically and the FDA labels it as an illegal food additive
• Glycine Propionyl-L-Carnitine (GPLC) - especially good for muscles as it promotes strong blood flow to them and makes up for oxygen lost during workout. Enhances fat metabolism and waste removal from cells

[biogeek]

Re: Help Biogeek!

Good job on staying on track with your supplements! Feel free to post what you're taking.

As far as picking which L-carnitine to choose from, here's my view...

Acetyl-L-carnitine is a fine supplement for mental function, but it's not what you want for fat burning, exercise recovery, etc. It is safe to add to your supplement regimen even with the addition of L-carnitine.

However, ANY form of D-Carnitine or DL-carnitine is NOT acceptable, so make certain when you buy L-carnitine, that the manufacture specifically states that it does NOT contain the D forms in ANY amount. It's the non-active form of carnitine (so it won't help with fat-buring or mental function, etc) & has shown to be toxic. Eeek!

Glycine Propionyl-L-carnitine is also fine to take as an additional supplement, but for me, does not work as well as L-carnitine even though it's derived from L-carnitine.

L-carnitine-L-tartrate and L-carnitine fumarate are both salts of L-carnitine. They are acceptable to take for the purpose you're seeking. There is also a free form of L-carnitine, which is the form that I prefer to take because I can really tell a difference--but then, that is me. My hubby uses the tartrate version & is happy with it, so it's really up to you. We use TwinLabs brand, but other manufacturers may be just as good. It's pricy, but we know it works for us.

Best of luck!!! Let me know if I can be of further help!