Carnitine facts

• Carnitine is not actually an amino acid
• Carnitine is sometimes known as Vitamin T
• Carnitine can be synthesised from lysine
• A popular supplemental form of carnitine is L-carnitine
• Men need more carnitine in their diet than women
• Carnitine is synthesised by a variety of other nutrients

Carnitine is not actually an amino acid, but because its structure is very similar to amino acids, it is classed here with the rest of the amino acids. It is also sometimes known as vitamin T.

Carnitine is not necessary in the diet, as the body can create it from the essential amino acid lysine. As long as there is enough foods rich in lysine in the diet, carnitine levels should be adequate.

Carnitine is available in many forms, but the most popular and active form of carnitine that the body can use the best, is L-carnitine.

Men need more carnitine in their diet, due to their heavier body mass, as compared to women.

Carnitine can be created in the body, as long as there is sufficient intake of the following essential nutrients: iron, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), lysine and methionine