L Carnitine | Whole Body Health

L-carnitine

Carnitine is one of the naturally-occurring, essential amino acids that are produced in the human body. It is crucial for its role in fat metabolism. L-carnitine helps the body turn fat into energy by transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria, the metabolic furnace of the cell. This important nutrient is produced in the liver and kidneys by two other amino acids called lysine and methionine. L-carnitine is then stored in the skeletal muscles, heart, brain, and sperm.

An adequate supply of L-carnitine is necessary for the maintenance of good health. L-carnitine transports long-chain fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane to be metabolized. L-Carnitine plays a vital role in the release of stored body fat into the bloodstream. This process is crucial for energy production. Triglycerides (fatty acids) are the primary fuel for energy production in the heart and skeletal muscles. L-Carnitine is known to be responsible for muscle contraction and the maintenance of healthy protein levels in the body. L-Carnitine also works to support cardiovascular health. Specifically, L-Carnitine levels can dramatically impact energy levels during intense physical exertion while exercising or playing sports. Research is also showing that L-Carnitine levels in the human body can have an impact on other conditions like diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, male infertility and sexual dysfunction, poor cognition, peripheral vascular disease, kidney and liver disease, and hyperthyroidism.

L-Carnitine Deficiency

The human body is typically capable of synthesizing the L-carnitine needed for optimum health. However, some people may be deficient in L-carnitine because their bodies cannot make an adequate supply or are unable to transport it into the body’s tissues so it can be used. There are also some medications that can interfere with the body’s supply of carnitine as well as some medical conditions, such as angina or intermittent claudication. L-carnitine is available in the several food sources such as red meat, dairy products, avocado, fish, poultry, tempeh, wheat, asparagus, and peanut butter. A well-balanced diet can provide approximately 75% of the L-carnitine needed. When natural production of L-carnitine and diet fall short, supplementation might be needed to maintain health.

How Does L-Carnitine Work?

Glycogen from carbohydrates is stored in the liver and is used during times of heavy physical exertion. L-Carnitine stimulates the burning of triglycerides as the body’s fuel, sparing the supply of glycogen stored in the liver for heavier exertion. L-carnitine allows the body to burn more fat and save more glycogen. L-Carnitine provides more fat to the muscles, causing the body to utilize an extra energy source. The result is more energy, stamina, and endurance during exercise. Some studies have also shown that L-Carnitine can aid in the ability to exercise without chest pain for people suffering from certain conditions of the heart.

Additional Health Benefits of L-Carnitine

• Heart Health

Several clinical trials have shown that L-carnitine can help reduce symptoms of angina and improve the ability of those with angina to exercise without chest pain. Some studies have indicated that taking L-carnitine supplements following a heart attack may reduce the likelihood of a subsequent heart attack. People in this situation who take L-carnitine are also less likely to die of heart disease, experience chest pain and abnormal heart rhythms, or develop heart failure. There is also evidence that L-Carnitine can help reduce symptoms of heart failure and improve exercise capacity in people with heart failure.

• Peripheral Vascular Disease

Intermittent claudication is aching or cramping pain (usually while walking or exercising) caused by decreased blood flow to the legs from atherosclerosis. Diminished blood flow to the legs is called peripheral vascular disease (PVD). A number of studies show that L-carnitine can help reduce these symptoms and increase the walking distance capable for people with intermittent claudication.

• Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy (nerves damaged by high blood sugar levels) can be painful. L-carnitine has been found to help decrease pain and increase normal feeling in affected nerves. Additionally, L-Carnitine can help promote nerve regeneration.

• Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Impairment

There is some evidence that L-Carnitine may help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, relieve depression related to senility and other forms of dementia, and improve memory, particularly for the elderly.

• Kidney Disease and Dialysis

Kidney disease could lead to a deficiency of carnitine in the body because the kidneys are responsible for the production of L-carnitine. L-carnitine is often prescribed for people with kidney disease.

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Some researchers speculate that chronic fatigue syndrome may be caused by deficiencies in a variety of nutrients, including carnitine. One study compared L-carnitine to a fatigue medication in 30 people with CFS. Those who took L-carnitine did much better than those who took the medication. The positive effects were especially noticeable in patients receiving the supplement for 4 - 8 weeks.

• Male Infertility and Sexual Function

L-carnitine supplementation may increase sperm count and mobility as low levels of carnitine have been linked to low sperm count.

One study compared acetyl-L-carnitine to tamoxifen in 48 men with Peyronie's disease. This condition is a curvature of the penis that leads to pain during an erection because of reduced blood flow. In the study, Acetyl-L-carnitine was more effective than tamoxifen at reducing pain during intercourse as well as minimizing the curve of the penis. In addition, Acetyl-L-carnitine presented fewer side effects than tamoxifen.

There is also some proof that L-Carnitine can help improve erectile dysfunction.

• Hyperthyroidism

Research has shown that L-carnitine may be effective in preventing or reducing symptoms of an overactive thyroid, such as insomnia, nervousness, elevated heart rate, and tremors. One study evaluated a small group of people with hyperthyroidism. The patients experienced an improvement in the above mentioned symptoms plus a normalization of their body temperature when taking L-Carnitine.

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/carnitine-l-000291.htm

Side Effects and Dosage

The recommended dose of L-Carnitine is usually between 1-3 grams per day. Side effects from L-carnitine are generally mild. Diarrhea has been noted when high doses (5 or more grams per day) of L-carnitine are taken. Other rare side effects include increased appetite, body odor, and rash.

L-carnitine has been found to interact with some drugs such as AZT, Doxorubicin, Isotretinoin, and Valproic acid. You should always consult with your physician before taking any new medications or supplementation, especially if you have any of the conditions mentioned above.

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