L-Carnitine

Description

L-CARNITINE occurs naturally in animal products (esp. beef) with smaller amounts
in dairy, fish, and chicken. There are also very small amounts in avocado and
some fermented soy products such as tempeh. Methionine and lysine serve
as precursors to the synthesis of L-Carnitine. People with high stress levels,
parenteral nutrition patients, and elderly patients may not be able to synthesize
sufficient quantities of L-Carnitine. Under these circumstances L-Carnitine is
considered a conditionally essential nutrient and supplementation may be
required. Children at 2 1/2 years of age synthesize L-Carnitine at about 30% the
adult rate. Full capacity does not occur until age 15.
L-Carnitine has cardioprotective activity, triglyceride lowering, and HDL raising
benefits. L-Carnitine may have neurological protective properties.
All body tissues, except for the brain, metabolize long-chain fatty acids for energy
production. L-Carnitine transports long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria
where they are oxidized (metabolized). Once oxidized they enhance the
mitochondrial production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Enhancing ATP
production improves the metabolic efficiency in the tissues involved.
Walking capacity is significantly improved for patients with lower leg cramping
due to circulatory vasospasm. Skeletal muscle function and metabolic efficiency
is enhanced with L-Carnitine supplementation.
Approximately 40% of those with nutrient deficiency induced muscle disease
respond favorably to L-Carnitine therapy with enhanced muscle strength and
reduced muscle breakdown proteins in the urine (myoglobinuria).
The liver and kidney are involved in L-Carnitine synthesis. Those with liver disease
or chronic kidney disease may have impaired L-Carnitine synthesis and suffer from
L-Carnitine deficiencies in skeletal and heart muscle tissues.
L-Carnitine has been observed to lower inflammatory cytokines such as tumor
necrosis factor. It also was shown to increase lymphocyte proliferation in response
to mitogen exposure.

Special Info

Beneficial for heart and circulatory health
May have neuroprotective properties
Possible immune system benefits
Supports mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism for high energy and
overall vitality

Notes

L-Carnitine has been observed to lower inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor.