A method and composition for improving the health of a mammal, such as by increasing the bioavailability of L-carnitine to the mammal. The method and composition includes administering an effective amount of branched chain amino acid metabolite substituted carnitine compound. The method and composition also includes administering an effective amount of branched chain amino acid metabolite substituted carnitine compound in order to improve the health of the mammal. The mammal's health may be improved by providing increased energy, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and/or anti-oxidant properties, increased mitochondrial function, increased brain function, weight management and/or obesity management properties, exercise endurance and exercise recovery, increased protein synthesis, mTOR pathway activation, and/or Kreps cycle stimulation.
