Carnitine-L-Tartrate (CLT)

I think it's a fair assumption that most of us here, if not all, on a medically supervised TRT protocol do some form of resistance training. Our goal: to get in the best shape possible while building lean muscle mass.

For the most part we all take some form of supplementation to make sure we are getting the nutrients we need but to also optimize our training to get as big and strong as possible.

I did some research on the supplement Carnitine-L-Tartrate (CLT) and, while not necessarily new news, it was for me.

Sound research has found that CLT increases the androgen receptor content of muscle tissues. This means there are more "docking sites" for Testosterone to do its job.

So, if it does what it's supposed to do then, the more receptor sites on the muscle combined wtih optimal levels of Testosterone and we're talking bigger muscles via supplementation and diet (as in protein).

Here's what got my interest:

The effects of L-carnitine L-tartrate supplementation on hormonal responses to resistance exercise and recovery.

Kraemer WJ, Volek JS, French DN, Rubin MR, Sharman MJ, Gómez AL, Ratamess NA, Newton RU, Jemiolo B, Craig BW, Häkkinen K.


Source

Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA. [email protected]


Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the influence of L-carnitine L-tartrate (LCLT) supplementation using a balanced, cross-over, placebo-controlled research design on the anabolic hormone response (i.e., testosterone [T], insulin-like growth factor-I, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 [IGFBP-3], and immunofunctional and immunoreactive growth hormone [GHif and GHir]) to acute resistance exercise. Ten healthy, recreationally weight-trained men (mean +/- SD age 23.7 +/- 2.3 years, weight 78.7 +/- 8.5 kg, and height 179.2 +/- 4.6 cm) volunteered and were matched, and after 3 weeks of supplementation (2 g LCLT per day), fasting morning blood samples were obtained on six consecutive days (D1-D6). Subjects performed a squat protocol (5 sets of 15-20 repetitions) on D2. During the squat protocol, blood samples were obtained before exercise and 0, 15, 30, 120, and 180 minutes postexercise. After a 1-week washout period, subjects consumed the other supplement for a 3-week period, and the same experimental protocol was repeated using the exact same procedures. Expected exercise-induced increases in all of the hormones were observed for GHir, GHif, IGFBP-3, and T. Over the recovery period, LCLT reduced the amount of exercise-induced muscle tissue damage, which was assessed via magnetic resonance imaging scans of the thigh. LCLT supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) increased IGFBP-3 concentrations prior to and at 30, 120, and 180 minutes after acute exercise. No other direct effects of LCLT supplementation were observed on the absolute concentrations of the hormones examined, but with more undamaged tissue, a greater number of intact receptors would be available for hormonal interactions. These data support the use of LCLT as a recovery supplement for hypoxic exercise and lend further insights into the hormonal mechanisms that may help to mediate quicker recovery.

Like all things, I do think this is probably too good to be ture but I also think there's enough imperical research on CLT that makes it worth testing myself.

Interesting. Is 2g of LCLT ED a lot?

very interesting! let us know if you do try it!

What surprises me is that the industry itself has not capitalized on this as yet to make $$$. Time will tell.

This is different than L-carnitine????

Kind of like the DAA study. The sample of subjects was so small its almost insignificant.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kelkel

What surprises me is that the industry itself has not capitalized on this as yet to make $$$. Time will tell.

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They have - they tout LCAR , ALCAR and PLCAR for muscle recovery as well as a proported fat loss aid (it transports fatty acids to mitochondria- but falls well short of fat loss aid claims) and not only is it sold standalone its sold as an ingredient in many combo products.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sirupate

This is different than L-carnitine????

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If my chemistry knowledge serves me correctly true lcarnitine would actually only be avail in a liquid form also IIRC its oral bioavailibitiy sucks. Other forms of lcar prob serve 2 functions 1- making it into a powder form and 2- attempting to increase bioavialibility. I do know NOW makes LCLT (as prob do many other lcar supps - you just need to determone what form it contains).
Id suspect the method of administration was orally in this study due to the use of lclt but the full study should be checked as this would be pertinent in lending some merit to the findings.

Gdev Interesting find re: trt use. I dont think for those on a cycle this would be particulary useful for a couple reasons (i concede many my opinion and speculative) but for those on trt it may be useful to a degree if in fact the results of this study prove accurate for the majority. Either way as gdev pointed out it may warrant trying in any case for this purpose. Its essentially useless for fat loss which is what most supp companies tout it for.