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Hats off to heart health
So many factors contribute to healthy hearts -- low cholesterol, regular exercise, good diet, and love, to name a few. But there are unsubstantiated claims that L-Carnitine contributes greatly to a healthy heart function? It also may have an impact on the proper functioning of the brain, liver, and skeletal muscles.
L-Carnitine is a bit of a workaholic, striving constantly to replace body tissue, metabolize fatty acids, and help your muscles grow. Advocates say it can help prevent heart disease and help people lose weight, build muscle, and increase stamina and endurance. With promises like, "It will make you stronger, sleeker, and wiser," L-Carnitine tries hard to live up to its reputation.
We are just beginning to understand the important role L-Carnitine plays in our health. More research should reveal to us just exactly what the benefits of L-Carnitine are.
Quick Facts About L-Carnitine
- L-Carnitine transports fatty acids into the cells where they are oxidized into energy, especially for muscles.
- L-Carnitine increases the use of fat as an energy source.
- L-Carnitine can be synthesized in the kidney and liver from amino acids, vitamins B-6 and C, and iron.
- Natural sources of L-Carnitine include red meat and dairy products. Small amounts appear in avocados and tempeh, a soy-based product.
- Vegetarians and vegans may benefit from L-Carnitine supplements because animal products are the best dietary source available
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Consult Your Doctor Before Taking L-Carnitine Supplements If You
Have pre-existing liver or kidney conditions
Product Forms Available
Available as tablets, in natural or synthetic form
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L-Carnitine can be synthesized mainly in the liver and the kidneys from amino acids such as lysine and methionine, and vitamins such as niacin, vitamin B-6 and vitamin C.
In food sources, L-Carnitine can be found in red meats, dairy products, tempeh (a fermented soy product), and avocados. Vegetarians may benefit from taking L-Carnitine supplements.
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Common Uses
Advocates of L-Carnitine supplements maintain they may help:
- Protect against cardiovasular disease
- Enhance physical performance
- Protect against liver disease
- Control diabetes
- Prevent kidney disease
- Decrease cholesterol levels
- Treat muscular dystrophy
- Treat alcohol-induced fatty liver disease
- Reduce the progression of Alzheimer's disease
- Increase low sperm counts and improve sperm motility
Remember that no health claims for L-Carnitine have been evaluated by the FDA.
Basically, L-Carnitine may provide the above health benefits because this amino acid aids in the transportation of fatty acids to the mitochondria, the site in the cells where fatty acids are converted to energy. Hence, this supplement may help those with cardiovascular and heart diseases, and help increase energy levels.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light. Heat and moisture may change the action of the supplement.
Dosage and Administration
An average dosage of L-Carnitine is 1,500 to 4,000 mg per day. Three tablets of 250- to 500-mg capsules or tablets would be a sufficient daily dosage, or take as directed on the package.
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It is thought that taking D-Carnitine may lead to a deficiency in L-Carnitine. Therefore, L-Carnitine is the preferred form to take.
Side Effects
L-Carnitine, the preferred form of carnitine, is considered safe when used within the recommended dosages. D-Carnitine, however, has produced side effects and should not be used.
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Sources & Further Reading
Books
1. Balch, James, F., P.A. Balch. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Garden City Park, New York: Avery Publishing Group, 1997.
2. Lieberman, Shari, N. Bruning. The Real Vitamin & Mineral Book. Garden City Park, New York: Avery Publishing Group, 1997.
3. Murray, Michael. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1996.
Find more books on health and wellness at  barnesandnoble.com.
Articles
1. Arsenian MA. "Carnitine and its derivatives in cardiovascular disease". Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 40(3):265-86. Nov-Dec 1997.
2. Capecchi PL; Laghi Pasini F; Quartarolo E; Di Perri T. "Carnitines increase plasma levels of adenosine and ATP in humans". Vasc Med. 2(2):77-81. 1997.
3. Igisu H; Matsuoka M; Iryo Y. "Protection of the brain by carnitine". Sangyo Eiseigaku Zasshi. 37(2):75-82. Mar 1995.
4. Jeulin C; Lewin LM. "Role of free L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine in post-gonadal maturation of mammalian spermatozoa". Hum Reprod Update. 2(2):87-102. Mar-Apr 1996.
5. Marzo A; Curti S. "L-Carnitine moiety assay: an up-to-date reappraisal covering the commonest methods for various applications". J Chromatogr B Biomed Sci Appl. 702(1-2):1-20. Nov 21, 1997.
6. Pettegrew JW; Klunk WE; Panchalingam K; Kanfer JN; McClure RJ. "Clinical and neurochemical effects of acetyl-L-carnitine in Alzheimer's disease". Neurobiol Aging. 16(1):1-4. Jan-Feb 1995.
7. Plioplys AV; Plioplys S. "Amantadine and L-carnitine treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome". Neuropsychobiology. 35(1):16-23. 1997.
8. Schlenzig JS; Charpentier C; Rabier D; Kamoun P; Sewell AC; Harpey JP. "L-carnitine: a way to decrease cellular toxicity of ifosfamide?" Eur J Pediatr. 154(8):686-7. Aug 1995.
9. Walter JH. "L-Carnitine". Arch Dis Child. 74(6):475-8. Jun 1996.
10. Watanabe S; Ajisaka R; Masuoka T; Yamanouchi T; Saitou T; Toyama M; Takeyasu N; Sakamoto K; Sugishita Y. "Effects of L- and DL-carnitine on patients with impaired exercise tolerance". Jpn Heart J. 36(3):319-31. May 1995.
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