(also referred to as...)
BT Factor, Vitamin BT, L-3-Hydroxy-4(Trimethylammonium)Butyrate
Description
Carnitine is not strictly an amino acid, as it is related to the B-Complex vitamins. It can exist in two forms: D- and L- isomers. Isomers are compounds with the same chemical make up but, molecularly, are "mirror images" of each other. Only the L- isomer, L-carnitine, is found in nature and has a biological effect. The D- form is biologically inactive.
Carnitine is present in every cell in the body. It transports long-chain fatty acids to the mitochondria of cells, which carry out energy production. Once carnitine reaches its destination, it unloads its fatty acid payload so they can be "burned" and converted to energy. Carnitine thus promotes the utilization of fat as a source of energy by sparing muscle and liver glycogen. It prolongs exercise time, prevents muscle fatigue, increases muscle mass and helps burn fat. It also aids in overall weight loss.
Carnitine can be manufactured by the body if appropriate amounts of vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), iron, and the amino acids lysine and methionine are present. Carnitine also enhances the effectiveness of two antioxidant vitamins: C and E.
Carnitine also helps lower cholesterol and metabolize fatty acids in the liver.
