L-carnitine may sound complex, but this amino acid plays an important role in how helping your body uses produce energy. 

Registered dietitian Natalie Allen shares in a recent Women’s Health article, that most people get enough L-carnitine from food. However, certain groups of people like vegetarians, older adults or those with certain health conditions may benefit from a supplement. 

Allen is also a clinical associate professor of nutrition and dietetics in the School of Health Sciences at Missouri State University.