Produced by the body from the amino acids methionine and lysine, L-carnitine transports fatty acids into cell mitochondria thus making it possible for energy to be released from fat. During times of high energy needs, such as throughout infancy, during pregnancy, and while breast-feeding, the demand for L-carnitine can significantly surpass the supply. As such, L-carnitine is believed to be a nutrient that is “conditionally essential”.
It seems as though L-carnitine is especially valuable to the proper functioning of the heart. For instance, in a preliminary study when patients who suffered from both high blood pressure and diabetes were given L-carnitine in the amount of 4g each day for 45 days, it was found that they had a significant decrease in abnormal heart functioning, and irregular heartbeats when compared to patients who had not been given the supplemental dose. In addition, studies conducted on patients diagnosed with congestive heart failure were studied using a modified form of carnitine called propionyl-L-carnitine (PC). In one trail, it was found that by taking 500mg of PC each day patients could increase their exercise capacity by 26% after just 6 months. And, in another trial it was observed that patients who were given 1.5g of PC each day were able to increase their exercise tolerance level by 21% and their oxygen consumption by 45% after only 15 days.
Additionally, research has shown that supplementing with L-carnitine as part of an exercise routine can help reduce muscle soreness. However, research has not substantiated the belief that athletic performance and the build-up of muscle will be increased with L-carnitine supplementation.
by the Harvard School of Public Health
It has been asked by millions of people “If you eat a healthy diet, do you need to take vitamins?” Not very long ago, the common answer from most experts and professionals would have been an emphatic "no". However, today there's quite a bit of evidence that taking a daily multivitamin makes good sense for most adults.
by the Mayoclinic Staff
Given the popularity and availability of “high potency” amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes and herbs, it might seem like dietary supplements could replace food as a source of the nutrients the body requires. However, this is not the case.
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