It plays a key role in energy metabolism, as it transports fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they are burned for fuel. This process supports many functions, such as muscle contraction, heart health, and brain activity.
While the body naturally produces L-carnitine, it is also available as a supplement. Many athletes use L-carnitine supplements to enhance performance and get better results. L-carnitine can help athletes by:
- Increasing fat oxidation and sparing muscle glycogen, which can improve endurance and stamina
- Enhancing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the muscles for increased strength and performance
- Reducing muscle damage and soreness, which can speed up recovery and prevent overtraining
- Stimulating protein synthesis and preventing muscle breakdown, which can promote muscle growth and maintenance
- Boosting cognitive function and mood, which can improve focus and motivation
However, not all L-carnitine supplements are the same. There are different forms of L-carnitine, like acetyl-L-carnitine, L-carnitine L-tartrate, propionyl-L-carnitine, and L-carnitine fumarate. They all have their own upsides and downsides depending on one’s purpose.
Moreover, there are different factors that affect the quality, effectiveness, and safety of L-carnitine supplements, such as the dosage, purity, bioavailability, additives, and testing. Therefore, it is vital to select the right L-carnitine supplement for your needs and goals.
In this article, we will review some of the top L-carnitine supplements for athletic performance based on their ingredients, benefits, drawbacks, price, and customer feedback. We will also list a few suggestions on using L-carnitine supplements properly and safely.
The Top L-Carnitine Supplements for Athletic Performance
Here are some of the best L-carnitine supplements for athletes:
1. Homemade L-Carnitine Supplement (DIY)
If you’re looking for the most cost-effective and customizable option to boost your athletic performance, the top recommendation would be to make your own L-Carnitine supplement at home.
To prepare a homemade L-Carnitine supplement, you’ll need high-quality L-Carnitine powder, which can be purchased from reputable supplement suppliers. To ensure accurate dosing, use a milligram scale. The recommended dosage for most individuals is around 500 to 2000 mg daily, taken before workouts for optimal results.
A standard 100-gram package of L-Carnitine powder costs approximately $20 to $30. Considering the recommended dosage of 1000 mg per serving, each serving would cost you roughly $0.20 to $0.30. This cost-effective alternative allows you to personalize your L-Carnitine intake based on your specific needs and preferences.
To get precise step-by-step guidance on how to make your own L-carnitine supplement at home, check out our in-depth course here.
2. Legion Recharge
Legion Recharge is a post-workout supplement that contains 2.1 grams of L-carnitine L-tartrate per serving. This form of L-carnitine is one of the most effective for improving recovery and muscle growth after exercise. It can also enhance performance through sparing muscle glycogen and oxidizing fat quicker.
Legion Recharge also contains 2.1 grams of creatine monohydrate and 10.8 grams of l-glutamine per serving. These ingredients can further support muscle recovery and growth by increasing ATP production, hydration, protein synthesis, and antioxidant defense.
Legion Recharge is made with natural ingredients and sweeteners. It is also vegan-friendly and gluten-free.
Legion Recharge comes in four different flavors and costs $34.97 for 60 servings (1.13 kg), which amounts to $0.58 per serving.
3. Transparent Labs Fat Burner Stim-Free
Transparent Labs Fat Burner Stim-Free is a fat-burning supplement that contains 750 mg of acetyl-L-carnitine per serving. This form of L-carnitine can cross the blood-brain barrier and enhance cognitive function and mood. It can also increase fat oxidation and energy production in the brain and muscles.
Transparent Labs Fat Burner Stim-Free also contains other ingredients that can boost metabolism and fat loss without stimulating the central nervous system. These include 500 mg of forskolin extract, 400 mg of 5-HTP, 300 mg of l-tyrosine, 300 mg of rhodiola rosea extract, 150 mg of cayenne pepper extract, 120 mg of fucoxanthin extract, and 100 mcg of chromium picolinate per serving.
Made with natural ingredients, Transparent Labs Fat Burner Stim-Free comes in two flavors: orange cream and strawberry grapefruit. It costs $49 for 60 servings (180 capsules), i.e. $0.82 per serving.
4. Kaged L-Carnitine
Kaged L-Carnitine is a pure L-carnitine supplement that contains 500 mg of L-carnitine L-tartrate per serving. This form of L-carnitine is one of the most effective for improving performance and recovery. It can also enhance blood flow and oxygen delivery to the muscles, which can improve strength and power.
Kaged L-Carnitine comes in capsule form and is unflavored. It costs $19.99 for 120 servings (120 capsules), which works out to $0.17 per serving.
5. NOW Supplements L-Carnitine
NOW Supplements L-Carnitine is a simple and affordable L-carnitine supplement that contains 500 mg of L-carnitine tartrate per serving. This form of L-carnitine can support energy production and metabolism, support heart health, and enhance brain function by reducing oxidative stress and improving blood flow.
NOW Supplements L-Carnitine comes in capsule form and is unflavored. It costs $14.93 for 60 servings (60 capsules), which is about $0.25 per serving.
6. BulkSupplements ALCAR HCl
BulkSupplements ALCAR HCl is a bulk powder supplement that contains 500 mg of acetyl-L-carnitine HCl per serving. It can also increase fat oxidation and energy production.
BulkSupplements ALCAR HCl is unflavored and comes in powder form. It costs $19.96 for 200 servings (100 grams), putting it at a pretty affordable $0.10 per serving.
How to Use L-Carnitine Supplements
L-carnitine supplements can be used for different purposes, depending on your goals and preferences. Here are some general tips on how to use L-carnitine supplements:
- The optimal dosage of L-carnitine varies depending on the form, purpose, and individual factors. However, a common range is between 500 mg to 2000 mg throughout the day.
- The best time to take L-carnitine supplements is before or after exercise, as this can maximize its effects on fat metabolism and muscle recovery. However, you can also take it at any time of the day, as long as you follow the instructions of the product label or your healthcare provider.
- L-carnitine supplements are generally safe and well-tolerated, but they may cause some side effects in some people, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, muscle weakness, or allergic reactions. If you experience any of these side effects or any other adverse reactions, stop using L-carnitine supplements and consult your healthcare provider immediately.
- L-carnitine supplements may interact with some medications, such as anticoagulants, thyroid hormones, or antibiotics. Therefore, if you’re taking any, please consult your healthcare provider before using L-carnitine supplements.
- L-carnitine supplements are not recommended for people under 18, pregnant women, feeding mothers, or people with kidney disease or seizure disorders. Therefore, if you belong to any of these groups, you should avoid using L-carnitine supplements unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
L-carnitine supplements are popular among athletes who want to enhance their performance, recovery, and body composition. L-carnitine can help athletes by increasing fat oxidation, sparing muscle glycogen, enhancing blood flow and oxygen delivery, reducing muscle damage and soreness, stimulating protein synthesis and preventing muscle breakdown, and boosting cognitive function and mood.
In this article, we reviewed some of the best L-carnitine supplements for athletic performance based on their ingredients, benefits, drawbacks, price, and customer feedback. We also provided some tips on how to use L-carnitine supplements properly and safely.
If you want to learn more about L-carnitine and how it can help you achieve your fat loss, fitness, and health goals, we have a great resource for you. We have created an online course that will teach you everything you need to know about making your own injectable L-carnitine and how to take it. Click here to enroll in our online course today!
