When is the best time to take l-carnitine?

Hello Rob,

L-carnitine is an amino acid that possibly helps with fatigue, increases muscle mass and helps reduce body fat. If you exercise frequently, some people recommend supplementing with it. Your body does produce it itself, but some say a little more does not hurt.

One of the main functions is to help shuttle fat into cells so it can be used as an energy source. It might help with fat burning.

Research by Dr Paul Greenhaff (Nottingham University in England) has shown that its muscle uptake and effects can be enhanced by taking it with a big serving of carbs (just like creatine) hence why its recommended to take it with food. The only problem with this is that the excess carbs and calories may erase any of the fat burning effects.

So that's the theory. Therefore I would suggest taking one at breakfast and one at lunch as these should be the only carbohydrates your consuming if you are trying to lose fat.

I personally don't use l-carnitine.