{"id":628683,"date":"2024-07-12T09:30:28","date_gmt":"2024-07-12T13:30:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628683"},"modified":"2025-05-07T11:43:53","modified_gmt":"2025-05-07T15:43:53","slug":"when-to-take-l-carnitine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/when-to-take-l-carnitine\/","title":{"rendered":"When to take L-carnitine"},"content":{"rendered":"

L-carnitine<\/span><\/a> is a common form of <\/span>carnitine<\/span><\/a>, an amino acid found in animal products, especially red meat. A vegan diet may be low in carnitine content<\/span>. <\/span>According to the <\/span>National Institutes of Health<\/span><\/a> (NIH), it is also naturally produced in the human liver, kidneys, and brain. It is found in the highest concentrations in the brain and <\/span>skeletal muscle<\/span><\/a>. L-carnitine is vital for mitochondria function and fatty acid oxidation\u2014essentially, it helps with energy production by transforming fat into fuel for the body\u2019s cells.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re considering an L-carnitine supplement, you might wonder: When is the best time to take it to get the most benefits? The answer depends on the form you\u2019re taking and why you\u2019re taking it\u2014for <\/span>exercise performance<\/span><\/a>, post-workout muscle recovery, or <\/span>brain function<\/span><\/a>, for example.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is L-carnitine?<\/span><\/h2>\n

L-carnitine is a nutrient that helps your body transform fat into energy. Your body produces it, and it is available as a supplement. Studies have shown that combining it with <\/span>creatine and leucine<\/span><\/a> may help increase muscle mass and improve physical performance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Types of L-carnitine<\/span><\/h3>\n

L-carnitine is the most widely used form\u2014and the form produced by your body\u2014but there are four other types of carnitine you may come across.<\/span><\/p>\n