QUESTION:
Hi. I recently read an article that said supplementing l-carnitine worked well for raising natural testosterone levels. Do you know if there’s any legit evidence to back this up? Thanks in advance.
Gary
ANSWER:
Hi, Gary. Meats and fish commonly contain the amino acid L-carnitine. It’s a compound that’s essential to our survival. In fact, L-carnitine deficiencies can lead to some serious health like muscle weakness, cognitive diseases, hepatic (liver) dysfunction, and cardiomyopathy (heart disease).
Since meats and fish are the best sources of carnitine, vegans are more susceptible to l-carnitine deficiencies. In fact, they should seriously consider supplementing with this amino acid.
L-Carnitine Synthesis
The human body does have the ability to synthesize l-carnitine from the amino acids methionine and lysine. Vitamin C dependent enzymes initiate this process. Therefore, a Vitamin C deficiency can inhibit l-carnitine biosynthesis within the body.
L-carnitine is commonly added to a variety of diet and sports nutrition products because of its notoriety as a potential fat burner and testosterone booster. Research shows that l-carnitine plays a significant role in transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria of cells for energy. Moreover, studies have also shown that androgen receptor (AR) activity within these same cells is also increased.
This is significant to testosterone levels. Androgenic hormones, such as testosterone or dihydrotestosterone, activate androgen receptor AR by binding them into the cytoplasm and then the nucleus of the cells.
L-Carnitine & Testosterone
With this in mind, l-carnitine doesn’t actually make your body produce more testosterone. However, your brain and body become more sensitive to your existing testosterone because of that increase in receptors. As a result, this increase may potentate the desired superpowers of testosterone. For example, increased energy, increased libido, increased strength, increased motivation, and increased confidence.
One study I read demonstrated that subjects who supplemented 2 grams of l-carnitine tartrate per day significantly increased androgen receptor (AR) within 3 weeks: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16826026
Although supplementing l-carnitine alone won’t actually increase the synthesis of testosterone, it may actually help your body make better use of the testosterone it already produces. I think it would make a great companion to a trustworthy natural testosterone boosting supplement like Test Charge, which actually can increase testosterone synthesis.
I hope this answers your question. Here’s to the best of success in achieving your goals!
Prove ‘Em Wrong,
Chad Shaw
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