What does L-Carnitine actually do?

L-carnitine is made in the body from the amino acids lysine and methionine, vitamin C, B3, B6, and iron, and is needed to release energy from fat. It transports fatty acids into mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells. In infancy, and in situations of high energy needs, such as pregnancy and breast-feeding, the need for L-carnitine can exceed production by the body. Therefore, L-carnitine is considered a "conditionally essential" nutrient.

Potential applications of L-Carnitine would be Elevated blood fats e.g. elevated triglycerides/cholesterol, muscle weakness, weight control, cardiovascular disease – e.g. angina, intermittent claudication, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, and recovery from a heart attack (MI). Fatty liver congestion (due to alcoholism), kidney support, Alzheimer’s disease, Downs Syndrome, COPD, male infertility, sports performance.

Vegetarians/vegans may also benefit from increased carnitine intake.

L-Carnitine as a Fat Burner.

carnitine transports fatty acids into the mitochondria to facilitate (beta oxidation), thus useful in weight control. Carnitine exerts a beneficial effect on blood lipids by lowering triglycerides and total cholesterol while raising HDL-cholesterol.

L-Carnitine for heart health

carnitine is most highly concentrated in the heart, the organ to which fat oxidation is most crucial for energy. Normal heart function depends on adequate concentrations of carnitine. Patients with high blood pressure were given 4 grams of L-carnitine per day in a preliminary study. After 45 weeks, irregular heartbeat and abnormal heart functioning decreased significantly compared with non- supplemented patients.

L-Carnitine and fertility

L-Carnitine (LC) and acetyl-L-carnitine ( ALC) are highly concentrated in the epididymis and playacrucialroleinspermmetabolismandmaturation. AvarietyofstudiessupporttheconclusionthatLC and/or ALC at total daily amounts of at least 3 g per day can significantly improve both sperm concentration and total sperm counts among men with fertility problems.

L-Carnitine for NEUROMUSCULAR SUPPORT

carnitine levels are often depleted in various neuromuscular disorders e.g. Down Syndrome

L-Carnitine and Kidney Health

carnitine supplementation is very much indicated in kidney disease because the kidney is a major site of carnitine synthesis. Carnitine supplementation has been extensively studied in patients undergoing hemodialysis due to chronic renal failure. These studies indicate the following–improvements in cardiovascular symptoms, improved muscle metabolism, increased muscle mass and significant improvements in blood quality and count.

L-Carnitine and ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

In a double-blind study , supplementation with L-carnitine for eight weeks resulted in clinical improvement in 54% of a group of boys with ADHD, compared with a 13% response rate in the placebo group. The amount of L-carnitine used in this study was 100 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day, with a maximum of 4 grams per day.

L-Carnitine for Blood Sugar Regulation.

patients with blood sugar regulation problems have been reported to have reduced serum carnitine concentrations. Carnitine supplementation has shown improvements in peripheral vascular function, and improved nerve conduction velocity.

L-Carnitine for Physical Performance

carnitine speeds the oxidation of fats – the primary energy source for aerobic (sustained) exercise. Research shows that people who supplement with L-carnitine while engaging in an exercise regimen are less likely to experience muscle soreness. Carnitine (2g twice daily for 4 weeks) has been shown to improve energy producing enzyme levels in endurance athletes. Interesting to note that normal subjects taking carnitine have improved cardiovascular function and a more rapid return of heart rate to the resting rate after exercise.

L-Carnitine and HYPER- THYROIDISM -

A six months study comparing L-carnitine to placebo in 50 women with hyperthyroidism concluded that 2 or 4 grams of L-carnitine per day is effective in preventing and reducing the nine hyperthyroid related symptoms evaluated and has a beneficial effect on bone mineral density based on several other factors evaluated.

Directions: As a food supplement, take one to three capsules daily with food, or as directed by your healthcare professional.

One vegetarian capsule provides:

Ingredient	Weight	%EC NRV
L-Carnitine (L-Tartrate)	500mg
in a base of alfalfa