L Carnitine Benefits

Carnitine is a non essential amino acid and is produced by lysine and also methionine in the liver and kidney. L carnitine can also be obtained in the diet from animal sources such as dairy products, fish, poultry and especially red meat. Small amounts are found in avocados, asparagus, peanut butter, tempeh and wheat.

Carnitine is found in a few forms namely l carnitine, d carnitine, acetyl l carnitine and propionyl l carnitine. Once synthesized, l carnitine is transported to tissues in the body and stored in the skeletal and heart muscles, brain and sperm.

Carnitine Deficiency

Carnitine deficiency is rare in healthy people but very strict vegetarians and infants may have low levels of carnitine. Medications that contain valproic acid which is an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizing medication can lower carnitine levels. Conditions such as intermittent claudication which is pain or cramping in the lower leg, angina or chest pain, severe liver problems, metabolic and hereditary disorders, major burns and post surgery of the GI tract can cause carnitine deficiency.

The best way to find out if your carnitine level is low is by doing blood tests because it's difficult to recognize the signs and symptoms. Some tell tale symptoms may include fatigue, muscle weakness, mental confusion and vomiting.

L carnitine benefits No. 1 - Energy production

One of the main functions of l carnitine is to assist in the metabolism of long chain fatty acids. L carnitine transports the fatty acids into the mitochondria and converts them into energy. It also transports toxic compounds from accumulating from organs. Studies done on rats show that l carnitine supplementation may prevent decline in energy metabolism.

L carnitine benefits No. 2 - Male infertility

100 infertile men went through a randomized, double blind trial. The result concluded that by taking 2g to 3g of carnitine over a period of 2 months, there were increase in sperm count and the mobility of the sperm. According to the report, carnitine increased the oxidation of fatty acid and reduced cell death in the testes.

L carnitine benefits No. 3 - Hyperthyroidism

If the thyroid gland produces too much thyroxine or T4 hormones, you'll suffer from hyperthyroidism. The common symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, nervousness, inability to concentrate, irregular menstruation in women and impotence in men. A small study done on a group of people with overactive thyroid indicates that taking 2g to 4g of carnitine supplement per day may reduce the symptoms.

L carnitine benefits No. 4 - Chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue can make you feel so exhausted, tired and worn out even with sufficient rest or sleep. There are several possible conditions that can cause chronic fatigue syndrome and a deficiency of carnitine is one of them. Though inconclusive, a preliminary study suggests that carnitine supplementation may treat the symptoms.

L carnitine benefits No. 5 - Heart problems

The heart requires lots of energy to function effectively and sufficient amount of l carnitine is very beneficial. Some studies suggest that individuals who have had a heart attack may prevent another attack by taking l-carnitine supplement. Other studies and clinical trials indicate that taking 1.5g to 2g l-carnitine daily may help prevent chest pain and heart failure.

Acetyl l carnitine benefits - Cognitive health

The intestine absorbs acetyl-l-carnitine easier than l carnitine. Acetyl l carnitine also gets into the brain tissue more efficiently by passing through the blood brain barrier. It helps in the formation of acetylcholine. Acetyl l carnitine benefits include supporting cognitive health and brain functioning and also promote concentration.

Taking l carnitine supplement may help with weight loss if it is accompanied with healthy diet and consistent exercise program. What it does is it transport the fatty acids into the mitochondria and burn it as energy.

Other l-carnitine benefits include treating intermittent claudication and other carnitine deficiencies. Studies are still ongoing to determine the effects of carnitine on memory improvement and treating Alzheimer's disease. The studies that were already done showed conflicting results.

Carnitine Supplements

Carnitine supplement is available in the form of l-carnitine, acetyl l carnitine and propionyl l carnitine. They are packed in capsules and are available as carnitine powder and carnitine liquid supplement. Even though you can also find d carnitine, it is not recommended because it interferes with l carnitine and may cause adverse effects.

L Carnitine Side Effects

If you have cirrhosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease or vascular disease, check with your doctor before taking l carnitine supplements. If you are in good health but want to take carnitine supplement, follow the dosage recommended which is normally 500mg to 100omg per day.

Taking high dosage of more than 5g may cause side effects such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fishy body odor, increased appetite and rashes. If your carnitine supply comes mainly from your diet, you don't have to worry about excess because the excess will be excreted in the urine.

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