In this comparison between L-Carnitine Tartrate vs Acetyl-L-Carnitine, who will come out on top?

L-Carnitine is one of the best natural fat loss supplements out there. A compound considered as half amino acid and half vitamin, it is naturally produced by the human body and serves a number of physiologic functions. There are 2 main forms of this compound found in the human body: L-Carnitine Tartrate and Acetyl-L-Carnitine. What are their similarities and differences? What are the traits that make one form unique from the other? Can one considered to be better than the other? In this comparison between L-Carnitine Tartrate vs Acetyl-L-Carnitine, who will come out on top?

To better understand what these 2 seemingly similar but fundamentally different compounds are, it would be best to take a closer look at both of them. L-Carnitine Tartrate, also known as L-Carnitine or Proprionyl-L-Carnitine, is considered as the biologically active form of carnitine in the human body. It is stored in just about every part of the human body, but it is mainly found in muscle cells, including those in the heart. Meanwhile, Acetyl-L-Carnitine is mainly found in the central nervous system, specifically the brain. One reason that it’s found in the CNS is its ability to pass the blood brain barrier. Essentially, the only structural difference between the 2 is the addition of the acetyl group, but this element creates the functional difference between them.

Now that the structural differences between the 2 have been mentioned, it’s now time to put a focus on the functional differences of L-Carnitine Tartrate vs Acetyl-L-Carnitine. To begin, it would be nice to talk about the similarities first. Basically, all forms of L-Carnitine serve as a means for transporting long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria. When this happens, fat is transformed into ATP in a process called beta-oxidation. This will provide energy for the tissues, allowing them to sustain their functions for longer periods. In a nutshell, here is how these 2 compounds differ functionally.

1. L-Carnitine Tartrate

As mentioned earlier, L-Carnitine Tartrate is mainly concentrated in the muscles. The significance of this is that the main function of this compound is to provide an extra source of ATP for this highly-metabolic form of tissue. Because of its role in mobilizing fat to muscle tissue, the presence of L-Carnitine actually helps in improving muscle endurance due to increased energy supply. At the same time, it also helps in improving endurance by preserving muscle glycogen storage and by preventing the buildup of lactic acid. Because of its ability to increase mobilization of fat, L-Carnitine tartrate is seen as a great weight loss supplement.

This compound has a unique way of taking effect in the human body because of its ability to penetrate the blood brain barrier. This property allows it to stay in the central nervous system, where its main effects actually take place. It plays a role in providing energy for brain cells thru its fat transport mechanism. However, its main function is its ability to become a substrate for production of acetylcholine, one of the main neurotransmitters of the human body. Also, it has antioxidant properties, which protects brain tissue from the destructive effects of free radicals.

The method of taking either L-Carnitine Tartrate or Acetyl-L-Carnitine is virtually similar. It is most recommended to take L-Carnitine tartrate during meals, especially after completing your workout. This is because after working out, the glucose stores of the body, most especially muscle glycogen, are depleted. Also, during a meal, an increase in insulin is observed. This increased insulin is crucial because it enhances the assimilation of carnitine into tissues. Meanwhile, Acetyl-L-Carnitine can be taken at any time of the day because it is easily assimilated by brain, muscle, and intestinal cells. What’s more, this form of carnitine can be “stacked” with other fat-burning ingredients such as green tea and caffeine.

Given that the effects of L-Carnitine Tartrate and Acetyl-L-Carnitine are distinct from each other, it seems to be unfair to make these 2 compete against each other. In the comparison between L-Carnitine Tartrate vs Acetyl-L-Carnitine so far, it can be observed that they are both important while taking action in different parts of the body. Basically, one factor that can help determine which one is better than the other is the purpose in which the product would be used. If you are mainly looking for the weight loss benefits, you’re better off using L-Carnitine Tartrate. If you are looking for nervous support, taking Acetyl-L-Tartrate is the better option.

Given that both products serve vital functions for the human body, the question you might have in your mind is if you got to choose one over the other. Technically, you don’t have to choose one over the other. In fact, you can actually take both supplements at the same day without any potential health risk! However, should you choose to take both supplements, it is recommended that you take them at different times of the day. In fact, taking both may result to double effect, meaning you’ll get both weight loss and memory support benefits.

However, there is a question regarding the usefulness of such a method. After all, L-Carnitine and Acetyl-L-Carnitine both have the same physiologic effects, although their main biological functions differ. There is no scientific evidence pointing that taking both supplements at the same time actually enhances the benefits takers can get from it. At the same time, one has to consider the potential costs of going for 2 supplements, when going for just 1 can help you get all the benefits you need.

So what can be concluded in this L-Carnitine Tartrate vs Acetyl-L-Carnitine matchup? Both are beneficial for the human body if used the right way, so it’s not totally fair to say that one is better than the other. However, what’s best for you will be determined by the kind of bodily benefits you are looking for. If you are mainly aiming for weight loss and better physical performance, L-Carnitine Tartrate is the better option. If you are primarily looking to enhance the health of your brain, then Acetyl-L-Tartrate should be the product to pick.

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