Does L-Carnitine and L-Tartrate Supplementation Improve Recovery?

Researchers from the University of Connecticut found that 1g and 2g doses of L-Carnitine and L-Tartrate (LCLT) improved post-exercise muscle recovery.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of different doses of LCLT on post-exercise muscle recovery. Eight healthy men were supplemented with 0g, 1g, and 2g of LCLT for 3 weeks and then were subjected to a bout of resistance exercise. The results of this study showed that both the 1g and 2g doses were effective in mediating several markers associated with metabolic stress and muscle soreness.

Many coaches and athletes seek to improve recovery after training sessions. This study demonstrated that as little as 1g of LCLT per day can increase muscular recovery and may lead to an increased frequency of quality training.

Spiering B, Kraemer W, Vingren J, Hatfield D, Fragala M, Ho J, Maresh C, Anderson J, Volek J. (2007). Responses of criterion variables to different supplemental doses of l-carnitine I-tartrate. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 21(1): 259-264.