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L-Carnitine and the Heart
The Carnitine Miracle
Natural Energy: From Tired to Terrific in 10 Days
L-Carnitine, The Supernutrient for Fitness: The Safe and Stress-Free Way to Manage Weight, Increase Physical Performance and Mental Capacity, and Build a Natural Immune-Protective Shield
Other Books:
Recent Research on Carnitine : Its Relation to Lipid Metabolism
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Types: L-acetylcarnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, L-proprionyl carnitine (LPC), L-carnitine
fumarate, L-carnitine tartrate, L-carnitine magnesium citrate, l-carnitine
Carnitine is a vitamin like substance related to the
B vitamins. It is usually considered to be an amino acid because it has a
chemical structure similar to that of an amino acid. It is used by the body for the
transport of long chain fatty acids into the energy producing units in cells
(the mitochondria) where they are burned for energy production. It can be
purchased either as a prescription or an over-the-counter supplement.
The body needs lysine, methionine, vitamin C, iron, niacin and
vitamin B6 to produce carnitine.
L-Acetyl-Carnitine for
Memory and Brain Function
Considered by many to be very helpful for brain
function, it has been the subject of several studies relating to the treatment
of Alzheimer's Disease. In one double-blind study of 236 elderly subjects with
mild mental deterioration, the group that received 1500 mg of L-Acetylcarnitine
daily, demonstrated significant improvement in mental function, particularly in
memory and constructional thinking.5
Propionyl-L-Carnitine for Cardiac Function
Several double-blind clinical studies have shown that it improves cardiac
function in patients with congestive heart failure.1, 2
L-Carnitine for Weight, Improvement in
Cholesterol, Triglycerides and Immune Function
Purported to be helpful to dieters because of it's role as a fat burner.
Carnitine is also a lipotropic agent (a nutritional compound that promotes the
flow of fat to and from the liver). It has
been shown to overcome the negative effects that elevated cholesterol and
triglycerides levels have on immune function.3 This is
probably due to carnitines role in the removal of fat from the blood.4
L-Carnitine has been shown to lower triglycerides in several
studies.7,8
One study on diabetic rats showed a beneficial effect on triglycerides and
cholesterol.9
Some nutritionally oriented doctors recommend 1-3 grams per day.
Click here for
Information on L-Carnitine and lowering cholesterol.
Blood Sugar and Diabetic Neuropathy
Both Carnitine and Acetyl-L-Carnitine have been shown to be beneficial in
studies for type 2 diabetics. In addition, Acetyl-L-Carnitine may be
helpful in reducing pain in neuropathy. Please see the following for more
details.
Carnitine for Blood Sugar and
diabetic neuropathy
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
Apparently low levels of acety-l-carnitine have been
found in the blood and/or muscles of people with CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and FMS
(Fibromyalgia) by two different
research centers. Some practioner's find supplementation with acetyl-l-carnitine helpful for patients with CFS
and FMS. For further information please see:
Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients: Jump-starting
your body's energy furnaces: the importance of nutrition in fatigue and pain.
(Highly Effective Treatments for Pain and Fatigue).
Alcoholism
Alcohol consumption can result in a deficiency of carnitine.
This might be related to the fact that many of the vitamins that are needed to
make carnitine are deficient in alcoholics. Carnitine can
significantly inhibit alcohol induced fatty liver disease.
10 11 12
Warnings:
Don't take carnitine in the evening as it invigorates the brain and may keep you
from sleeping. Carnitine administration may cause euphoria in some
individuals.6 Carnitine can have a laxative effect. In
larger doses (5 grams or more per day) it may cause diarrhea or rarely, body
odor, rash or increased appetite.
Before taking any supplements, consult with your health care provider.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any
disease. We do not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the
information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of
any of the information contained herein.
References
1. M. Mancini et al,
"Controlled Study on the Theraputic Efficacy of Propionyl-l-Carnitine in the
Treatment of Congenstive Heart Failure", Arzneim Forsch 42 (1992):1101-1104
2. G. Pucciarelli et, al
"The Clinical and Hemodynamic Effectis of Propionyl-l-Carnitine in the
treatment of Congestive Heart Failure", Clin Ter 141 (1992) : 379-384
3. D. Simone, M. Ferrari, D. Meli, et al.
"Reversibility by L-Carnitine of ImmunoSuppression Induced by an
Emulsion of Soya Bean Oil, Glycerol, and Egg Lecithin", Arzneim Forsch, 32
(1982): 1488-8.
4. C. Simone, M. Ferrari, A. Lozzi et al.
"Vitamins and Immunity II: Influence of L-Carnitine on the immune
system.", Acta Vit Enz 4 (1982):135-140
5. C. Cipolli and G. Chiari
"Effects of L-Acetylcarnitine on Mental Deterioration in the Aged: Initial
results." Clin Ter 132 (1990): 479-510
6. Guarnieri GF, Ranieri F, Toigo G, Vasile A, Ciman M, Rizzoli V, Moracchiello
M, Campanacci L.
Am J Clin Nutr 1980 Jul;33(7):1489-92
7. Pola P et al. "Carnitine in the therapy of dyslipidemic patients."
Curr Ther Res 1980;27(2):208
8.Abdi-Aziz MT et al. "Effect of carnitine on blood lipid pattern in
diabetic patients." Nutr Rep Int 1984;29(5):1071
9. Eskandari HG, Cimen MY, Tamer L, Kanik A, Atik U, "Short term effects of L-carnitine
on serum lipids in STZ-induced diabetic rats.",Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2004
Nov;66(2):129-32
Entrez PubMed Abstract
10. Sachan DS, Rhew TH, Ruark RA., "Ameliorating effects of carnitine and its
precursors on alcohol-induced fatty liver.", Am J Clin Nutr. 1984
May;39(5):738-44
Entrez PubMed abstract
11. Hosein EA, Bexton B., "Protective action of carnitine on liver lipid
metabolism after ethanol administration to rats", Biochem Pharmacol. 1975 Oct
15;24(20):1859-63
12 Bykov I, Jarvelainen H, Lindros K., "L-carnitine alleviates
alcohol-induced liver damage in rats: role of tumour necrosis factor-alpha.",
Alcohol Alcohol. 2003 Sep-Oct;38(5):400-6.
Entrez PubMed Abstract
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