L-carnitin was discovered in 1905; scientists at first supposed it to be a vitamin, but later realised, through the study of its effects, that it was in fact an amino acid.

L-carnitin is essential to the human body for the production of proteins.  It is not, as is the case with most amino acids, a protein component, but in fact supplies oxygen to the cells.  It is responsible for the transport of fatty acids to the mitochondria of the muscle cells.  Without L-carnitin the fatty acids cannot penetrate into the mitochondria and thus cannot be utilised by the body.  The unused fatty acids are either eliminated from the body or stored up as a reserve.  An inadequate supply of L-carnitin usually shows itself through lowered performance, loss of energy, early exhaustion and tiredness.

Top athletes, who need a lot of energy, appreciate the stimulating effect of L-carnitin on their performance.  However, ordinary persons with weak heart muscles and coronary problems are also advised to supplement their daily diet with L-carnitin.  The heart needs a constant supply of energy.  It is especially important for the metabolic processes inside muscles that are continually used (such as the heart muscle) that there is a sufficient supply of L-carnitin.  That is why L-carnitin can be thought of as a heart safety factor.

L-carnitin has also a purifying function.  It removes unwanted substances - such as toxic matter from the environment - more effectively from the cells.  Thus toxic substance can be eliminated more quickly from the body through normal bodily functions.

Further research has shown that cases of fatty degeneration are often associated with a shortage of L-carnitin.  L-carnitin is required to move fats into the power centres of the cells where they are transformed into energy and used as such.  However, it is wrong to assume that taking in L-carnitin is by itself sufficient to lose surplus weight.  Loss of weight using L-carnitin only works in direct association with sporting activity and a sensible diet.

Summing it all up we can say that L-carnitin raises performance, improves stamina en shortens the necessary rest and recuperation periods after strenuous exercise.  The tendency to muscle cramp decreases, heart performance improves, the typical symptoms of old age are held back and pockets of fat are more easily removed.