L-carnitine is a compound produced in the body from lysine and methionine.[1][2] It is also found in food, primarily in meat products,[3][4] and can be taken as a supplement. L-carnitine can be acetylated to produce acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR), which is similar to L-carnitine but crosses the blood-brain barrier more efficiently.[5] L-carnitine is best known for its role in helping to ”shuttle” long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria to produce energy.[6][1]
What is L-carnitine?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
L-Carnitine is a compound that is synthesized in the body from lysine and methionine; it is found in meat products and is available as a supplement. It plays a crucial role in transporting long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy production and can be converted into acetyl-L-carnitine, which more effectively crosses the blood-brain barrier.