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What
is Carnitine?
Carnitine is not a true amino acid, but
rather a water-soluble vitamin like compound that the body
uses to turn fat into energy. Carnitine works as part of
an enzyme complex made up of carnitine acyltransferase,
carnitine translocase, and carnitine transferase. Carnitine
is not normally considered essential because the body can
make enough of it from the amino acids lysine and methionine.
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Why
Carnitine? How does Carnitine Work?
Carnitine and Heart Disease
Carnitine is primarily used for heart
conditions, and research has shown it may be useful in the
treatment (along with conventional treatment) for angina,
or chest pain. In one study 200 people with angina were
given either 2,000 milligrams of carnitine or a placebo
per day along with their usual medications. Those supplementing
with carnitine showed improved heart function, including
a greater ability to exercise without chest pain, compared
to those receiving the placebo. Moreover, many in the carnitine
supplement group were able to reduce the dosage of some
of their heart medications-under a doctor's supervision.
Preliminary research indicates that carnitine
may also be useful in the treatment of congestive heart
failure and intermittent claudication (pain in the legs
after walking). Individuals with advanced hardening and
narrowing of the arteries, or arteriosclerosis, often have
difficulty walking due to a lack of blood flow to the legs.
The pain can hit after walking less than half a block. Although
carnitine does not increase blood flow, it may enable the
muscles to function better under difficult circumstances.
In a study of 245 people with intermittent claudication,
those treated with 2,000 milligrams of carnitine per day
showed a 70 percent improvement in walking distance.
Researchers are also looking at the potential
role of carnitine in reducing the death rate following a
heart attack. Findings from a study of 472 people showed
that carnitine may improve survival rate if given within
24 hours after a heart attack.
Carnitine and Other Potential Benefits
There are a number of alleged benefits
of carnitine supplements, but the scientific research to
support such claims is either preliminary contradictory
or significantly lacking at this time. Examples include
the use of carnitine in Alzheimer's, depression in the elderly,
and adult-onset diabetes. Researchers are also beginning
to look at the role of carnitine in reducing cholesterol
and triglyceride levels, but much more research is needed.
Despite claims to the contrary,
carnitine has not been shown to be useful for treating Down's
syndrome, muscular dystrophy, irregular heartbeat, impaired
sperm motility, and the toxicity of the AIDS drug AZT. Nor
does carnitine aid in weight loss, endurance performance,
or enhanced aerobic or anaerobic exercise performance. Although
carnitine does play a role in energy production, amounts
in excess of the body's needs do not appear to provide any
benefit.
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Carnitine
Supplements
Although there is no dietary requirement
for carnitine, a small number of individuals have a genetic
defect that prevents the body from making this compound.
Additionally, liver, brain, and kidney diseases can hinder
carnitine production. Certain medications such as antiseizure
drugs may also reduce carnitine levels. Infants on formulas
that do not contain carnitine (i.e., non-milk-based formulas)
should be supplemented with carnitine to the levels found
in breast milk. Carnitine supplements are not recommended
for children.
L or D?
Amino acid names on supplement labels
are frequently preceded by the letters "L" or
"D." This refers to the chemical form of the amino
acid. Those with the "L" in their name are the
most similar to amino acids in the body, and are therefore
preferable over the "D" forms.
There are two Carnitine supplements that
are most recommended by the nutritionists: Acetyl L-Carnitine
500mg from Jarrow Formulations and
L-Carnitine 250 mg from TwinLab for their great price and
high quality Ingredients.
>
Click here for Acetyl L-Carnitine 500mg from Jarrow Formulations
>
Click here for L-Carnitine 250 mg from TwinLab
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