L-carnitine is an amino acid that is naturally produced in the body. L-Carnitine is responsible for the transport of fats (long-chain fatty acids) into the energy-producing centers of the cells known as the mitochondria. This is where fatty acids are oxidized to produce vital biological energy that is essential to run all cellular processes. In other words, carnitine helps the body convert fatty acids into energy that is necessary for muscular and all other activities throughout the body.

As a nutritional supplement, L-carnitine is commonly used to treat carnitine deficiencies, but it is also said to have positive effects on health issues such as heart failure, angina pectoris, renal disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, HIV infection, male infertility, and age related declines in memory. Because of its role in energy production, L-carnitine is also thought to enhance athletic performance.