L-Carnitine and Taurine: Why Are They Used in Energy Shots?

What is a Botanical Energy Shot?

‘Botanical’ means an ingredient derived from a plant (such as an herb, seed, leaf, or fruit).

‘Energy shot’ – well, this one is pretty self-explanatory. It is a petite, concentrated ready-to-drink product marketed as for energy or alertness.

It depends on the product, of course, but many of these plant-based powerhouses contain a handful of the same ingredients such as guarana, green tea, Kratom, and ginseng. B Vitamins and electrolytes are also popular ingredients, though it is important to note not every ingredient within the shot is botanical. For example, L-carnitine and taurine are not automatically plant extracts.

Do botanical energy shots differ much from regular energy shots? 

Well, because there is no single FDA definition requiring every “botanical energy shot” to follow the same formula, the phrase really just tells shoppers that the product contains one or more plant-derived active ingredients. A conventional energy shot leans heavier on B Vitamins and caffeine. To reiterate, botanical energy shots can boast caffeine and Vitamins alongside the plant-based ingredients. The shots don’t differ greatly, but this all boils down to specific ingredients, their amounts, and the user’s body composition.

Let’s take a deeper dive into L-Carnitine and Taurine benefits.


What Does L-Carnitine Do?

L-carnitine is a naturally occurring compound that helps the body turn nutrients (especially fats) into usable cellular energy. Its main job is transportation. Think of it as a cellar shuttle. It helps move long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell, folks ⚡)! Once inside, these fatty acids can be broken down through a process called beta oxidation.

It functions in the opposite direction, as well. It helps transport byproducts back out of the mitochondria. In fact, about 90% of the body’s carnitine is stored in skeletal muscle. This is why it makes a frequent appearance in sports nutrition, energy shots, and energy drinks.

So, where does L-carnitine come from? As just mentioned, it does exist naturally in the human body and is made using the amino acids lysine and methionine.

It can be found in various foods, though! Major dietary sources include red meat (particularly beef and lamb), fish, poultry, and dairy products.

It’s important to note: people who eat little or no animal food generally consume less L-carnitine, although healthy bodies usually manufacture what they need without this intake.

L-Carnitine Vs Caffeine

Does L-carnitine give you energy? Not quite. There’s an important distinction between L-carnitine and caffeine.

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system by blocking adenosine, a brain chemical that builds sleepiness. ☕️ The effects generally come on quite quickly giving its recipient a boost in alertness with the slight possibility of jitters and faster heart rate. 

L-Carnitine helps transport certain fatty acids into the mitochondria where they can be broken down for energy. This does not stimulate the brain or bring on an immediate “buzz” like caffeine does.


What Does Taurine Do?

Let’s drop some more science. Taurine is an amino sulfonic acid. Unlike typical amino acids, taurine isn’t used to construct proteins.

Instead, it serves these functions:
🟢 Assists with maintaining the balance of fluids, salts, and minerals within our cells.
🟣 Supports normal nerve and muscle function
🟡 Helps regulate calcium movement within cells
🟠 Assists with formation of bile acids used during digestion
⚫️ Supports normal cardiovascular and cellular function

Is taurine a stimulant? No, unlike caffeine, it’s not considered a conventional stimulant. Caffeine promotes alertness, while taurine supports the cellular environment in which nerves and muscles operate.

Where does taurine come from? While the body does produce taurine naturally, it can also be obtained through similar food sources like l-carnitine. It primarily comes from fish and shellfish, meat, poultry, and dairy products. 

L-carnitine and taurine are popular ingredients in energy shots. This is because they provide the formula a broader “energy support” and “fluid and mineral balance” adventures beyond caffeine. They’re also great for the humble size of the energy shot because manufacturers can incorporate them without adding heaping amounts of sugar or calories.


Our Products

Looking for a Kratom energy shot to crank up the alertness? Our Electro MIT Energy Shot options bring the boost with fresh fruit flavors and botanicals.

🍓 Electro MIT Botanical Energy Shot Strawberry Guava

Ingredients: Purified Water, Vegetable Glycerin, Cane Sugar, Dextrose, Phosphoric Acid, Kratom Extract, Allulose, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Strawberry Guava Flavoring, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate

Servings per container: 2
Calories: 80
Total Carbohydrate: 18g
Total Sugars: 14g
Vitamin B6 (as Pyroxidine): 8mg
Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin): 5mg
Energy Blend: 750mg
(L-Carnitine, Taurine)
Guarana Extract: 200mg
(Paullina Cupana) (Seed)
Caffeine: 50mg
Kratom Extract (Mitragyna Speciosa) (Leaf)
Mitragynine: 45mg
7-hydroxymitragynine: 0mg

🍍 Electro MIT Botanical Energy Shot Pineapple Burst (Sugar Free!)

Ingredients: Purified Water, Vegetable Glycerin, Phosphoric Acid, Kratom Extract, Allulose, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Pineapple Orange Flavoring, Potassium Sorbate,Sodium Benzoate

Servings per container: 2
Calories: 80
Total Carbohydrate: 18g
Total Sugars: 0g
Vitamin B6 (as Pyroxidine): 8mg
Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin): 5mg
Energy Blend: 750mg
(L-Carnitine, Taurine)
Guarana Extract: 200mg
(Paullina Cupana) (Seed)
Caffeine: 50mg
Kratom Extract (Mitragyna Speciosa) (Leaf)
Mitragynine: 45mg
7-hydroxymitragynine: 0mg

Available in Singles, 4-Packs, and a Duo-Pack.

Disclaimer

⭐️ Kratom is not FDA-approved. Effects may vary.