L-Carnitine is a molecule found in the body, used in numerous bodily processes. It is a combination of two amino acids which, when mixed together, create a single compound. Primarily, this supplement is associated with fat loss and brain function of which there are a number of studies to support this. Recently, however, people have started taking L-Carnitine with coffee to maximise the benefits. In this article, we explore whether or not it’s worth mixing L-Carnitine with coffee and discuss these potential benefits.
So, can I take L-Carnitine with coffee? Yes, you can mix L-Carnitine with coffee. It is often recommended to take with your morning coffee for best results. In fact, some experts recommend this method of consumption as the caffeine, alongside the time of day taken, may increase the benefits of taking L-Carnitine.
Read on to learn more about L-Carnitine coffee, why you should do it, and how to make it. We also go into further detail about the general benefits of taking L-Carnitine supplements.
Can You Mix L-Carnitine with Coffee?
L-Carnitine is naturally found in the body and in some foods, but to really reap the benefits, most people need to supplement their intake of L-Carnitine. Some people choose to mix L-Carnitine with coffee as caffeine can significantly improve the benefits of taking this supplement. This is due to a number of factors:
- Most people take their coffee first thing in the morning. When mixing with L-Carnitine, this allows you to leverage the energy provided by both the caffeine and the supplement throughout the day.
- L-Carnitine can help to stabilise the energy gained from coffee and may help to reduce the coffee shakes!
- L-Carnitine coffee provides energy without needing to eat additional food. When eating this additional food, energy is gained from it, and any surplus is stored for later. With L-Carnitine, the energy comes from stored fat, making it great for weight or fat loss.
- Some studies show that L-Carnitine works best when consumed in smaller amounts alongside foodstuff. Mixing it with coffee gives you a bit of supplement with each sip, rather than in one large dose.
When to Take L-Carnitine Coffee
Most people recommend taking L-Carnitine mixed into their morning coffee. This is because one of the key benefits of taking the supplement this way is to boost energy. There’s no point in waiting to take it with lunch or dinner if your primary aim is an energy boost (unless you need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up!).
Furthermore, some people recommend taking L-Carnitine coffee in the morning on an empty stomach. This is to allow the compound to more rapidly digest and activate the benefits sooner.
How to Take L-Carnitine With Coffee
If you want to add L-Carnitine to coffee, simply take your L-carnitine capsule with your morning coffee.
If you’re taking L-Carnitine coffee for exercise purposes, it’s important to take it around an hour before working out. For other benefits, it can be taken at your convenience, although it’s best to have it early in the morning.
Benefits of L-Carnitine
We’ve touched on the benefits of taking L-Carnitine with coffee, but there are a world of other benefits associated with the supplement. These include:
Weight/Fat Loss
Research is divided on the effects of L-Carnitine on weight loss, however, in theory, it supports weight loss by producing energy from existing fat stores. Learn more about this in our blog, What are the Benefits of L-Carnitine? Where we go into more detail about this particular benefit.
Supports Brain Function
We’ve already discussed how L-Carnitine is great for energy production, but it may also be effective in supporting general brain function. Research indicates that the ALCAR form of L-Carnitine may help against age-related mental decline. Additionally, it may support and improve markers of learning.
Furthermore, some studies indicate that taking L-Carnitine daily helps to reverse the decline in brain function in association with brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s. In some cases, it may also protect the brain from cell damage.
Supports Heart Health
Some studies have shown that L-Carnitine may help to reduce blood pressure and support the inflammatory processes associated with heart disease. In fact, one study reported that just 2 g per day resulted in an almost 10-point drop in systolic blood pressure – an important indicator of heart health.
Boosts Exercise Performance
Evidence is mixed in relation to L-Carnitine’s relationship with exercise performance. However, it may benefit the following factors, especially when taken with caffeine:
How Much L-Carnitine Should You Take?
If you’re ever unsure about supplement dosage, consult the instructions on the packaging, or speak with your doctor or functional medicine practitioner. As a rule of thumb, however, experts suggest the following dosages for different forms of L-Carnitine:
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine: 0.6-2.5 g per day
- L-Carnitine L-Tartrate: 1-4 g per day
L-Carnitine Supplements at Human Performance Hub
At Human Performance Hub, we aim to empower people with knowledge, personalised services, and quality supplements to make informed decisions to improve their health.
We stock a range of L-Carnitine supplements to help support your goals. Choose from
Carnitine Complex Vegetarian Capsules.
Acetyl L Carnitine UK Vegetarian Capsules
Alternatively, get in touch with our experts today for more information and advice on health supplementation.