L-Carnitine Description
L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring compound derived from amino acids that plays an essential role in energy metabolism. It functions primarily as a transporter molecule for long-chain fatty acids, shuttling them from the cytoplasm into mitochondria where they can be oxidized to produce energy.
Chemically, L-carnitine is known as 3-hydroxy-4-N-trimethylaminobutyrate. It exists in two stereoisomeric forms: L-carnitine (the biologically active form) and D-carnitine.
In biochemistry, L-carnitine:
- Facilitates the transport of activated long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane
- Helps regulate the ratio of acyl-CoA to free CoA in mitochondria
- Participates in removing toxic compounds from mitochondria
- Is involved in branched-chain amino acid metabolism
L-Carnitine Structure
Molecular Formula: C7H15NO3
Molecular Weight: 161.2 g/mol
Synonyms:
- Levocarnitine
- 541-15-1
- (R)-Carnitine
- Carnitor
Research Areas:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Insulin Resistance
- Metabolic Health
- Neurological Conditions
- Exercise Recovery
- Male Fertility
Source: PubChem



