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L-Carnitine

Meaning

L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring quaternary ammonium compound biosynthesized in the liver and kidneys from the amino acids lysine and methionine, and it is crucial for cellular energy metabolism. Its primary physiological role is to facilitate the transport of long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane into the matrix. Clinically, it is often regarded as a conditionally essential nutrient, playing a vital role in fat oxidation and energy production, which is relevant to metabolic and hormonal health.