Carnitine, an amino acid derivative, is one of the more commonly popped supplements. It’s touted as a fat mobiliser and weight loss aid, but is also said to improve athletic performance. Support for the weight loss benefits of carnitine is very slim to say the least, but what about its use as a sports supplement?
What is carnitine?
Carnitine is a nutrient responsible for the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the energy-producing centres of the cells (known as the mitochondria). In other words, carnitine helps the body convert fatty acids into energy.
What foods is it found in?
Red meat (particularly lamb) and dairy products are the primary sources of carnitine. Carnitine can also be found in fish, poultry, tempeh (fermented soybeans), wheat, asparagus, avocados and peanut butter.
Do athletes need more?
It has been proposed that endurance athletes are at risk of carnitine deficiency. However, a recent study published in the journal Nutrition and Dietetics has refuted this finding. The study looked at 14 endurance trained male cyclists and measured their dietary carnitine intake along with other measures of carnitine status. The researchers concluded that there was no evidence that the athletes were at risk of carnitine deficiency from consuming a varied, mixed diet.
Bottom line
Carnitine is classed as a group C supplement by the Australian Institute of Sport. Group C supplements are those which have no proof of beneficial effects and are therefore not to be provided to official AIS programs.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
