Vegetarianism (Vegetarian) is the practice of a diet that excludes meat (including game and slaughter by-products), fish (including shellfish and other sea animals) and poultry.[1][2] There are several variants of the diet, some of which also exclude eggs and/or some products produced from animal labour such as dairy products and honey. wikipedia

Being Vegetarian:
You are a vegetarian because you believe that a food devoid of red meat and/or other animal products will give you a low-fat, high fibre content and a well balanced food. Also, ethical issues of animal cruelty, environmental problems due to animal farming and fear of foot and mouth disease, may have convinced to go vegan.

Take Note:
But did you know a vegetarian diet is almost devoid of a very important nutrient which helps in supply of energy to your body? That nutrient is called L-Carnitine.

What is L-Carnitine?
L-Carnitine plays a key role in providing energy in your body. It basically transports fatty acids into your body cells, burns it inside mitochondria (oxidation) and thus releases energy. This makes L-Carnitine the most natural ,effective and safest nutrient for fat burning and energy generation for your body.

Why should you consume L-Carnitine?
Though, a vegetarian diet can be a healthy choice and has various benefits, there are some nutritional risks associated with being a vegetarian. Animal products such as lamb, beef and pork contain the highest amount of dietary L- Carnitine. Lower levels of L-Carnitine are found in dairy products. In many plants foods, L-Carnitine level cannot be even detected.

Facts & Benefits of L-Carnitine:

* It is naturally made in your body but in limited quantity.
* It is the natural approach to weight management
* It is essential for a healthy heart
* It boost immune function
* Improves mental alertness
* Good for skin texture and hair growth

Therefore other than the limited amount naturally produced by the body, strict vegetarians have negligible sources of this nutrients.
The best source of L-Carnitine for vegetarians is by dietary supplements from non-animal based products to meet the nutritional requirements.

By the way before we forgot let us read the benefits and the risks of vegetarian diet

Benefits of a Vegetarian diet

* Lower intake of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol
* High intake of Vitamins
* Higher intake of anti-oxidants nutrients
* Higher intakes of fibres
* Higher intake of purines.

Risks of a Vegetarian Diet

* Low consumption of L-Carnitine
* Low than required consumption of Vitamin B12
* Low iron consumption
* Lower Zinc, Iodine and selenium consumption
* Lower protein consumption & lower protein quantity of plant food.