L-Carnitine (Vitamin Bt)
Nutritional Enhancers
Amino Acids
541-15-1
C₇H₁₅NO₃
$21.49 ~ $32.23
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:25kg/barrel
One unit of:25kg/barrel
25kg/barrel
Product Info
What is L-Carnitine (Vitamin Bt)?
L-Carnitine is an essential amino acid derivative crucial for the transport of fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production, utilized primarily as a dietary supplement and functional food ingredient for sports nutrition and weight management.
How is L-Carnitine (Vitamin Bt) made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microbial Fermentation | Cultivate a specific, selected microorganism in a sterile nutrient broth containing a precursor (e.g., crotonobetaine). | Strain purity is critical to exclusively produce the biologically active L-isomer. Monitor and control pH, temperature, and nutrient feed to maximize bioconversion efficiency and yield. |
| 2 | Harvesting & Broth Clarification | Separate the microbial biomass from the L-Carnitine-rich fermentation broth. | Use centrifugation or microfiltration. Complete removal of cells is essential to prevent the release of intracellular impurities in subsequent steps. |
| 3 | Purification (Ion Exchange) | Pass the clarified broth through an ion-exchange resin column to selectively capture the L-Carnitine molecules. | The resin type, pH, and flow rate must be strictly controlled for optimal binding and separation from salts and other impurities. This is a primary purification step. |
| 4 | Elution & Decolorization | Wash the resin to remove impurities, then elute (release) the captured L-Carnitine using a specific solution (e.g., dilute ammonia water). Treat with activated carbon. | Monitor the eluate for L-Carnitine concentration to ensure complete recovery. The activated carbon step is crucial for removing color and residual organic impurities. |
| 5 | Concentration | Remove water from the purified L-Carnitine solution, typically using a vacuum evaporator. | Concentration must be performed at a low temperature to prevent thermal degradation of the product. The process is stopped when a target concentration is reached. |
| 6 | Crystallization | Induce crystallization by carefully cooling the concentrated solution, causing pure L-Carnitine to precipitate out. | Control the cooling rate and agitation to form uniform crystals and maximize purity. This step effectively separates L-Carnitine from any remaining soluble impurities. |
| 7 | Drying | Separate the wet crystals from the remaining liquid (mother liquor) by centrifugation and then dry the crystals under vacuum. | Drying temperature and vacuum level are critical to achieve the specified low moisture content (e.g., <1.0%) without causing product degradation. |
| 8 | Milling & Sieving | Mill the dried L-Carnitine to achieve a consistent particle size, followed by sieving to ensure uniformity. | Particle size distribution is a key quality parameter affecting product handling, flowability, and dissolution. |
| 9 | Quality Control & Packaging | Conduct final QC tests (e.g., HPLC for purity, optical rotation for isomeric identity) and package the final product. | Confirm >98% purity and specific rotation to guarantee it is the correct L-isomer. Package in sealed, moisture-proof containers to ensure stability. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 541-15-1 |
| Chemical Formula | C₇H₁₅NO₃ |
| Solubility | Freely water-soluble zwitterion |
| Storage Conditions | Store in cool (<25°C), dry, shaded environment |
| Shelf Life | 24 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
Infant formulae
dietary supplements
functional & clinical nutrition foods
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | L-Carnitine (Vitamin Bt) |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Nutrient Fortification Agent; Metabolism Enhancer; Antioxidant Synergist |
| Key Ingredients | L-Carnitine (3-hydroxy-4-N,N,N-trimethylaminobutyrate); commonly used as L-Carnitine Tartrate or L-Carnitine Fumarate for stability. |
| Mechanism of Action | Facilitates the transport of long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane into the mitochondrial matrix for β-oxidation and subsequent energy (ATP) production. It also modulates the intramitochondrial acetyl-CoA/CoA ratio, influencing cellular energy metabolism. Can act as an antioxidant by chelating pro-oxidant metal ions and protecting cell membranes from lipid peroxidation. |
| Application Effect in Product | Enriches infant formulas, sports nutrition products, and functional foods to support energy metabolism. May improve the oxidative stability of products containing fats, potentially delaying rancidity. Used to fortify beverages, bars, and supplements to meet specific nutritional or physiological claims related to energy production and recovery. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L-Carnitine | Amino Acid Derivative / Fat Transporter | Transports fatty acids into mitochondria to be used for energy. | Direct role in fat metabolism; non-stimulant; supports exercise recovery; well-researched. | Fat loss effects are modest unless an individual is deficient; limited cognitive benefits. | Enhancing fat utilization during cardio, reducing muscle soreness, supporting energy in low-carb diets. | For a non-stimulant way to improve fat-for-fuel efficiency and support exercise recovery. |
| Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) | Acetylated Amino Acid / Nootropic | A form of carnitine that crosses the blood-brain barrier, providing cognitive benefits. | Offers both metabolic and significant nootropic (focus, memory) effects; neuroprotective. | More expensive than standard L-Carnitine; metabolic benefits are not superior. | Improving mental focus and clarity while also supporting energy production; brain health. | When the primary goal is cognitive enhancement with a secondary benefit of energy metabolism. |
| Green Tea Extract (EGCG) | Polyphenol / Thermogenic Antioxidant | Contains catechins (EGCG) that increase overall metabolic rate and promote fat oxidation. | Provides strong antioxidant benefits alongside a mild thermogenic effect; non-jittery energy. | Indirect mechanism on fat transport; high doses may pose liver risk; less potent than stimulants. | Boosting daily calorie expenditure, general antioxidant support, enhancing fat burning during exercise. | For a health-focused supplement that provides a gentle metabolic lift and powerful antioxidant protection. |
| Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) | Omega-6 Fatty Acid / Body Composition Agent | A fatty acid thought to influence enzymes involved in fat storage and breakdown. | Non-stimulant; may help preserve lean muscle mass during a cutting phase. | Human research shows mixed and often modest results for fat loss; can cause digestive upset. | Long-term support for improving body composition (fat vs. muscle ratio) alongside diet and exercise. | For a gradual, non-stimulant approach focused on body composition over acute energy boosts. |
| Caffeine | Stimulant / Thermogenic | Blocks adenosine receptors, increasing alertness, metabolic rate, and lipolysis (fat breakdown). | Potent, fast-acting, and highly effective for energy, focus, and increasing metabolism. | Can cause jitters, anxiety, and sleep disruption; tolerance builds quickly, reducing effectiveness. | Pre-workout energy, overcoming fatigue, increasing acute physical and mental performance. | For a powerful, immediate boost in energy, alertness, and metabolic rate before a workout or task. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
COA, spec sheet, regulatory status docs
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
SDS available
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications