L-Carnitine

STRENGTH: 500 mg
FORM: 120 capsules

Carnitine is a nonessential amino acid, which means that it is manufactured from other amino acids in the liver; and it does not have to be obtained directly through the diet. For this reason, L-Carnitine is usually not considered to be an essential nutrient. There are however certain situations where supplementation may be required, such as in premature infant birth and in some adults who can't make L-Carnitine in sufficient amounts to supply their needs. The role of Carnitine therapeutically is linked to its use systemically for fat metabolism. So, it is used by the body to help transport fat into the mitochondria of the cells, where these fatty acids can be used as a source of energy. Carnitine is not found in a vegetable-based diet; it is only found in animal products. Therefore, vegetarians who may consume a Lysine (a precursor to Carnitine) deprived diet may not be able to make sufficient amounts of Carnitine. It has been estimated that only about 0.1 percent of your dietary Lysine is converted to Carnitine in the body, in most normal situations. Since the conversion of Lysine is possible, deficiencies and low levels can be treated by supplementation with Lysine and vitamin C and may help correct a low Carnitine level, or by just taking Carnitine itself.

In humans, Carnitine deficiencies result in the buildup of acid metabolites in tissues and increased levels of triglycerides. Research in this area suggests that L-Carnitine can lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) levels while raising HDL levels, the so-called "good" cholesterol. Recent studies suggest that L-Carnitine may have a number of applications in supporting the overall health of the heart and treating cardiovascular related disorders. As such, any Carnitine deficiency may lead to poor energy production in the heart, muscle function and poor metabolism of fats. Reports indicate that Carnitine may be useful for extending endurance in athletes who are engaged in long-term exercise. L-Carnitine has also shown promise in patients with an irregular heartbeat, heart muscle inflammation (cardiomyopathy) and angina. The most advanced studies recently have also looked at the use of large doses of L-Carnitine to improve immune response in AIDS patients.

Additionally, treatment with L-Carnitine may support health in people with diabetes. It may also enhance walking ability to those suffering from peripheral vascular disease, a painful circulatory disease that affects the lower extremities. L-Carnitine can support the health of those undergoing regular kidney dialysis, preventing toxic waste build up. In male animals, Carnitine deficiency can result in infertility. In humans it may increase fertility in males by boosting sperm counts and making the sperm more mobile. It has recently been suggested that Carnitine deficiency may also account for some of the muscle wasting, weakness, and poor sense of well being in some cancer patients. To date, there is no known toxicity associated with this dietary supplement. †

REFERENCES:

1. Brass EP, Hiatt WR. The role of carnitine and carnitine supplementation during exercise in man and in individuals with special needs. J Am Coll Nutr. 1998; 17(3):207-215.
2. Costell M, O'Connor JE, Grisolia S. Age-dependent decrease of carnitine content in muscle of mice and humans. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1989; 161(3):1135-1143.
3. Rebouche CJ. Carnitine. In: Shils ME, Olson JA, Shike M, Ross AC, eds. Nutrition in Health and Disease. 9th ed. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins; 1999:505-512.
4. Arrigoni-Martelli E, Caso V. Carnitine protects mitochondria and removes toxic acyls from xenobiotics. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 2001; 27(1):27-49.
5. Iliceto S, Scrutinio D, Bruzzi P, et al. Effects of L-carnitine administration on left ventricular remodeling after acute anterior myocardial infarction: the L-Carnitine Ecocardiografia Digitalizzata Infarto Miocardico (CEDIM) Trial. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1995; 26(2):380-387.