Pure Encapsulations L-Carnitine 340mg - Bioavailable Amino Acid - 60 Vegetarian Capsules

I started taking these to support my endurance training. The vegetarian capsules are standard size and easy to swallow. I take one about thirty minutes before a cardio session. While it does not give a jittery rush like caffeine, I have found that I can push a little harder for longer. The sweat pours off me more than usual, which suggests my metabolism is firing up. I have not noticed any fishy body odour, which is a rare but dreaded side effect of some carnitine supplements. Recovery seems a bit faster too. It is a subtle aid rather than a magic pill. I appreciate the clean ingredient list. Digestion has been fine, even when taking it on an empty stomach before a morning run. It feels like it helps mobilise energy stores effectively. I have gone through a full bottle and feel that my conditioning has improved, partially supported by this addition to my routine. It works well alongside my other pre-workout habits without conflict.

Most of us on a good diet ‘should’ be getting enough L-Carnitine through said diet; but some of us with certain health-conditions do need topping-up with this “conditionally essential” (the body should produce enough on its own amid a healthy diet) amino acid. I take this for improved energy use, and have been using this Pure Encapsulations version since its release. It not only works as intended; but also without issue, as well. Some people tend-to say that this helps with their weight loss, too; but then, it’s difficult for me to personally confirm this after taking L-Carnitine, as I am already a rake handle with a face, already. But taking long fatty acid chains and converting them for energy (ATP) is this amino-acids’ role or party-piece; so, this is potentially ‘hugely’ viable if you are consuming this product whilst on a good diet and coupled-to a continuous and consistent exercise program. One mid-morning and one capsule consumed mid-afternoon ‘away’ from meals is preferred; so, the maximum supply is only one-month per bottle; and having consumed this before now, I know that it does give you a little extra effort when required. But at a typical price of around £45 per pot, (very variable) it is a painfully expensive long-term option; (more-than the typically ‘most’ expensive brand that has even greater potency per-capsule, but is a slightly different derivative of L-Carnitine, see below) but then, this is one of only a few ‘good’ brands that you should try at-least once to determine whether L-Carnitine delivers what you personally require. It’s important to say that there are different derivatives of L-Carnitine. Other derivatives cross the blood-brain barrier, such as “Acetyl L-Carnitine”, (or ALCAR) and are more suited to those individuals seeking more cognitive focus, or “brain energy”, as I tend-to ‘label’ it; but this Pure Encapsulations derivative is “L-Carnitine-L-Tartrate” which has a higher bioavailability, or it’s absorbed into the body far quicker, and is therefore better for bursts of athletic energy, amid other benefits that come from feeling slightly more energetic. So, you decide whether having more direct energy, or more focused, cognitive energy is your aim from L-Carnitine. As some other brands may give you a false failure reading, and is highly dependent upon their source ingredient(s), the processing of the said active ingredient, which all results-in the supplements’ actual effectiveness. But there’s no such concerns with the Pure Encapsulations brand; which is one that you can trust to deliver the answers to your L-Carnitine health-related questions.

Over the course of using them, I felt my recovery times improved slightly after heavy cardio sessions. I seemed to have a bit more in the tank towards the end of a run. It is a subtle effect rather than a sudden jolt of energy. The ingredients list is short and clean, without unnecessary fillers. They are vegetarian-friendly, which is a bonus. It feels like a high-quality product that supports a fitness regimen without any negative side effects. The packaging is robust and keeps the capsules dry.

I tend to take this around training days when I want better endurance and less sluggishness. Sessions feel smoother and I recover a bit faster afterward. It doesn’t feel dramatic, but over time I notice I can push harder without feeling as drained. This works best for me when training is consistent.

L-carnitine is one of those amino acids you can usually get in whey powder, but I have stopped protein powders, so this helps transport fatty acids into cells for energy production. It helps my exercise performance and general energy support. I take this before workouts and on days when I need sustained mental energy and physical energy, it does give you a push. It has a 340mg dose, which is moderate, enough to be useful without needing to take multiple capsules. The capsules are small and easy to take on an empty stomach. I've noticed my endurance during cardio feels slightly better and I'm less fatigued towards the end of longer sessions. It's not a stimulant so there's no jittery feeling, just a subtle sense of having more available energy. 60 capsules gives you a two month supply at one per day. Works well stacked with other mitochondrial support supplements if you're into that approach.