In my opinion, this supplement is commonly called LCLT because frankly, who can pronounce any of its formal scientific names? Trimethylammonium hydroxide inner salt; 3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-N, N, N-trimethyl-1-propanaminium inner salt; Beta-hydroxy-gamma-trimethylammonium butyrate; L-carnitine L-tartrate. If you can believe it, it has even more of those . . . well, intriguing complex names (x)! The formal one most commonly used is L-carnitine L-tartrate. That’s where the “LCLT” comes from. It reflects the combination of two chemical compounds L-carnitine or carnitine and tartaric acid or L-tartrate (x).
L-carnitine
What is L-carnitine compound? It is a natural form of amino acid found in both mammals and plants. It partakes in energy production or metabolism and other functions in the body. When it is insufficiently-produced or we need to boost the functions it supports, we can consume certain foods or use supplements (x), (x).
Foods rich in carnitine include red meat, poultry, fish and dairy (x).
Carnitine and its derivatives, which include L-carnitine, is created from essential amino acids lysine and methionine. Essential amino acids are not made by the body, but are still needed to create the proteins necessary for our overall health and wellbeing. We have to get them from our food and/ or take supplements (x), (x).
L-tartrate
Tartaric acid is a naturally-occurring crystalline compound found in several plants, including tamarind, grape, cherry, banana and citrus. It is used as a flavoring agent in food and pharmaceutical manufacturing, but it also contributes to a number of important functions in human health. Our bodies access the compound when we eat the fruits of these plants or the products that contain it. L-tartrate is the salt of tartaric acid (x), (x), (x), (x).
Function of LCLT
What is the function of LTCT? L-carnitine and L-tartrate are combined because the latter salt makes absorption of the former compound easier (x). Together, they are simply called LCLT, carnitine or L-carnitine (x). LCLT is involved in several functions of the body, mostly impacting energy and metabolism. Simply, it helps our muscular and skeletal tissues convert fatty acids or lipids into fuel. The fatty acids are transported into the mitochondria of the cells of those tissues where the conversion or oxidation process takes place (x). Athletes, especially bodybuilders, favor this supplement because of its potential in providing energy and aid in recovery after workouts (x).
What are the Benefits of LCLT?
Research show that the LCLT supplement may have the potential to positively impact our health and wellbeing in a number of ways: boost energy and endurance, recover from exercise, support weight loss, cardiovascular health and cognitive function, provide relief from some of the side effects of cancer treatments and lower blood glucose levels. Always consult your healthcare provider for diagnoses, accurate medical information and permission before taking any supplements. There’s no medical evidence to support L-carnitine L-tartrate supplement curing, treating or preventing disease.
Boosts Energy and Endurance
Without LCLT we would be energy deficient. Without energy, our cells would not function efficiently. L-carnitine L-tartrate helps to convert or oxidize the fatty acids into cellular fuel, which helps to boost our endurance and wellbeing. It may also help clean up the cells’ free radical waste, saving them from damaging oxidative stress (x), (x), (x).
Promotes Workout Recovery
A few studies suggest that L-carnitine L-tartrate may aid the performance of individuals who exercise and professionals athletes as well as help them recover from muscle damage and soreness (x), (x), (x).
Promotes Weight Loss
Though results from studies have been mixed, LCLT is used by many individuals as part of their weight loss regimen. Because of its ability to turn lipids into fuel or energy, they believe it could help them lose weight at a faster pace, especially if they use it along with dieting and exercise (x), (x).
Improves Cardiovascular Health
A number of studies have been conducted to determine LCLT’s potential in supporting cardiovascular health. Could it help prevent blood flow restriction to the heart and save the muscle from dying, for instance? Could it help relieve symptoms of heart failure such as chest pain and arrhythmia? Could it limit symptoms of peripheral arterial disease, including poor leg circulation?
A failing heart seem to register low levels of L-carnitine. This creates a toxic environment as well as decreases metabolism and circulation. Supplementing L-carnitine L-tartrate shows positive results, but they may be short-term. Research found that LCLT did not prevent reoccurrence of symptoms or heart failure (x), (x), (x).
Regarding peripheral arterial disease, clinical trials with patients who received LCLT reveal significant improvements in their ability to walk or exercise because the blood-oxygen supply in their legs returned to appropriate levels (x).
Though more studies are needed, LCLT continues to show lots of promise in cardiovascular health improvement (x).
Boosts Cognitive Function
How does LCLT help our brain? Research imply that it may promote brain function and cognition. Scientists determined that a decrease in the L-carnitine levels in the brains of the elderly may cause mitochondria function to deteriorate. The effects are reduced concentration and memory, and greater fatigue. When the subjects were given supplements, the carnitine levels increased and so did their cognitive functions (x), (x), (x).
Eases Cancer Treatment Symptoms
Cancer patients who are on chemotherapy and/ or radiation often feel weak and fatigued because the treatments may be depleting their levels of L-carnitine (x). Studies show that when such individuals were given supplements, they felt stronger and had more energy (x).
Regulates Blood Sugar
Blood glucose content is controlled by the hormone insulin. It supports the transportation of glucose (sugar) from the blood to the cells, where it is utilized as fuel. Too much insulin can cause much higher levels of sugar in the bloodstream. This effect is known as insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes patients with high blood sugar showed marked improvement when given L-carnitine supplements (x), (x). LCLT may also increase insulin sensitivity (x).
How to Take L-Carnitine L-Tartrate
What is the suggested or recommended dosage for LCLT? As a dietary supplement, it is recommended that 500mg of LCLT or L-carnitine L-tartrate be taken twice daily or as directed by your physician (x). This is based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Daily value is not established. Always consult your healthcare provider for diagnoses, accurate medical information and permission before taking any supplements. There’s no medical evidence to support L-carnitine L-tartrate supplement curing, treating or preventing disease.
Safety Concerns and Possible Side Effects of LCLT
Is LCLT safe to consume? L-Carnitine L-Tartrate is generally safe, but some individuals may experience stomach issues such as nausea, cramps and diarrhea. It may also cause your breath, sweat and urine to smell like fish. People who suffer from seizures, hypothyroidism and those on blood thinners could also be negatively impacted (x).
Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should avoid taking LCLT (x).
Where to Buy L-Carnitine L-Tartrate
You can purchase LCLT at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor for pure dietary supplements. Bulksupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other brands that distribute food and other supplement products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.
Are you interested in trying L-carnitine L-tartrate as a dietary supplement for its potential in boosting energy, endurance, exercise recovery, supporting weight loss, cardiovascular health and insulin sensitivity? Contact BulkSupplements.com to place an order today.
Bottom Line
LCLT or L-carnitine L-tartrate supplement is the combination of a naturally-occurring amino acid compound in both mammals and plants and a salt of another compound used as a flavoring agent in the manufacture of foods and medicines. L-carnitine is actually created from two of our essential amino acids.
Though many of the studies that have been conducted show mixed results regarding the health benefits attributed to LCLT, there is hope that it can help boost energy, endurance, recovery from exercise, support weight loss, improve some of the symptoms of cardiovascular disease, cancer treatments, cognitive dysfunction, and type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that the naturally-produced carnitine is involved in mitochondrial lipid conversion to cell fuel and energy, and waste cleanup.
Be aware of possible side effects and drug interactions. Again, always consult your healthcare provider for diagnoses, accurate medical information and permission before taking any supplements.