L-Carnitine enhances athletic performance
6.0Moderate
evidence
evidence
The Claim
Some athletes believe L-Carnitine supplements can dramatically improve endurance and overall athletic performance by boosting energy production in muscles.
Origin
This claim is partly based on early studies and the known biological role of L-Carnitine in transporting fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production.
What Science Says
Current evidence from RCTs and reviews suggests that L-Carnitine supplementation may have some beneficial effects on recovery and fatigue, but its impact on performance enhancement is limited. Improvements are often seen in specific conditions, such as in older adults or those with deficiencies, rather than in well-trained athletes.
Verdict
Partially True