L-Carnitine L-Tartarate?

[Coderr]

How does this form differ from other forms? What are the benefits?

 

[miquelangeles]

Does anyone have personal experience with various forms of L-carnitine?

Especially the tartrate vs chlorhydrate.

In the early 1980s first amounts of synthesized L-carnitine (L-carnitine free base) became available on the market. The Swiss company Lonza patented a chemical process for the production of L-carnitine. Later on Lonza developed and patented a unique biotransformation process which yielded into the stereoselective production of pure nature identical L-carnitine (free from any D-carnitine). Today, Lonza is producing L-carnitine in an FDA-inspected plant in compliance with cGMP guidelines. All of Lonza’s L-carnitine products are Kosher certified and the processes are documented in DMFs (Drug Master Files). Lonza has branded its unique quality with the logo L-CARNIPURE®.

In order to overcome the odor and the hygroscopicity problem of L-carnitine free base, the hydrochloride salt of L-carnitine was introduced on the market. However, the market was still demanding for better forms. In 1991, Lonza developed and patented L-carnitine L-tartrate, which finally solved all odor, stability and quality problems. Today there are 4 main commercial forms on the market: L-Carnitine free base (USP 23) is the basic form and the starting material for all of Lonza’s L-carnitine derivatives. Lonza’s L-carnitine USP is a crystalline, white powder and is highly soluble in water. L-carnitine USP is extremely hygroscopic and therefore suitable for all liquid formulations (syrups, sport drinks, infant formula, whey drinks, clinical nutrition, ampoules), but is not recommended for solid dose formulations.

L-Carnitine L-tartrate (US Pat 5,073,376 and other international patents) is the market’s favorite and most used form of L-carnitine. It is a 100% stable, white crystalline, free-flowing salt of L-carnitine (68%) and natural GRAS tartaric acid (32%) and contains the highest L-carnitine concentration of all available salts. L-Carnitine L-tartrate has a pleasant citric taste, it is non-hygroscopic and therefore is the optimal form for all solid products including capsules, tablets, bars, etc. It perfectly fulfills the needs of contract manufacturers (absolutely free-flowing, non-hygroscopic, no dust) and marketing companies (bright white crystals, long-term stability, pleasant taste, odorless, etc.).

L-Carnitine magnesium citrate (US Pat 5,071,874 and other international patents) is another non-hygroscopic salt containing L-carnitine (43%), citric acid (51%) and magnesium ions (6%). It is a white granulated powder which is perfect for effervescent tablets and powder drink mixtures. L-Carnitine magnesium citrate combines the benefits of L-carnitine and magnesium. Active people have an increased need for both of these nutrients and L-carnitine magnesium citrate supplies both in an ideal ratio.

Acetyl-L-carnitine (‘ALC’) hydrochloride is a natural physiological active metabolite of L-carnitine and plays an important role in the nervous system. ALC is widely used in so-called brain food products. These applications in the dietary supplement area are supported by experimental studies showing that ALC acts as a precursor of acetylcholine [4] and to enhance acetylcholine release [5]. Various clinical studies suggest that ALC plays a vital role in maintaining brain function during aging as it was shown that ALC supplementation can help to reduce the mental decline in Alzheimer’s disease patients [6–9]. This effect is thought to be due to ALC’s cholinergic properties [4] and the ability to support cellular functioning at the mitochondrial level [10]. Furthermore, ALC was found to be beneficial in enhancing memory [11] and alleviating depression in elderly [11–13].

From L-Carnitine, a ‘Vitamin-Like Substance’ for Functional Food. Proceedings of the Symposium on L-Carnitine, April 28 to May 1, 2000, Zermatt, Switzerland