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Carnitine is not an amino acid in the strictest sense (it is actually a substance related to the B vitamins and often called vitamin BT). However, because it has a chemical structure similar to that of amino acids, it is usually considered together with them. It is available as D-Carnitine, L-Carnitine, DL-Carnitine as well as Acetyl-L-Carnitine, but with L-Carnitine being the most popular type. L-Carnitine is synthesized from the essential amino acids Lysine and Methionine, but enough vitamin B-1 (thiamine) and B-6 (pyridoxine) must be available.
Unlike true amino acids, carnitine is not used for protein synthesis or as a neurotransmitter. Its main function in the body is to help transport long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria of the cell, which are burned within the cells to provide energy, as well as for the removal of short-chain organic acids from the mitochondria, which frees the intra-mitochondrial coenzymes. This is a major source of energy supply within the cell, as well as for the muscles. Carnitine thus increases the use of fat as an energy source. This prevents fatty buildup, especially in the heart, liver, and skeletal muscles.
Carnitine reduces the health risks posed by poor fat metabolism associated with diabetes; inhibits alcohol-induced fatty liver; and lessens the risk of heart disorders. Studies have shown that damage to the heart from cardiac surgery can be reduced by treatment with carnitine.
It has the ability to lower blood triglyceride levels, aid in weight loss, and improve muscle strength in people with neuromuscular disorders. Conversely, it is believed that carnitine deficiency may be a contributor to certain types of muscular dystrophy, and it has been shown that these disorders lead to losses of carnitine in the urine. People with such conditions need greater than normal amounts of carnitine. Carnitine also enhances the effectiveness of the antioxidant vitamins E and C.
SOURCES
Carnitine can also be obtained from food, primarily red meats and other foods of animal origin, such as fish, chicken and milk, which are also high in carnitine. Less carnitine is available in tempeh (fermented soybeans), wheat, and avocados. Vegetables and grains contain very little of this nutrient.
MOLECULAR DESCRIPTION
The major biochemical function of carnitine is to act as a trans-membrane carrier of fatty acids to the interior of mitochondria. Carnitine is not used in the biosynthesis of proteins or enzymes and has an unusual structure compared to the classical amino acids. It is synthesized naturally from the amino acids methionine and lysine, but good external sources of carnitine are milk products and meats.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Some studies indicate that carnitine may improve endurance in those weakened by disease, and boost an immune response in people who are HIV-infected.
A form of carnitine that is produced naturally in the brain - acetyl-L-carnitine, or ALC - is currently being studied in supplement form as a possible treatment for memory loss associated with aging and Alzheimer's disease.
Studies are conflicting regarding the effectiveness of carnitine for enhancing athletic performance by improving energy and fat metabolism. A positive effect appears most pronounced for endurance-related events, such as cycling and long distance running.
Carnitine supplements are particularly valuable for people with conditions that can interfere with its absorption, including various liver and kidney problems, metabolic stress, long-term alcohol use, and in some cases, a high-fat diet. So check with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. A simple urine test can determine if you have a carnitine deficiency.
CARNITINE DEFICIENCY
Without enough carnitine to move fatty acids to the right place, your body will eventually wear down, and you may feel drained and tired. The heart in particular is highly dependent on carnitine, and taking it in supplement form is currently being explored as an option for speeding recovery after a heart attack as well as for treating angina (chest pain), arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats), and congestive heart failure.
Carnitine can be manufactured by the body if sufficient amounts of iron, vitamin B-1 (thiamine), vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), and the amino acids lysine and methionine are available. The synthesis of carnitine also depends on the presence of adequate levels of vitamin C. Inadequate intake of any of these nutrients can result in a carnitine deficiency.
Many cases of carnitine deficiency have been identified as partly genetic in origin, resulting from an inherited defect in carnitine synthesis. Possible symptoms of deficiency include confusion, heart pain, muscle weakness, and obesity.
Because of their generally greater muscle mass, men need more carnitine than women do.
Vegetarians are more likely than non-vegetarians to be deficient in carnitine because it is not found in vegetable protein. Moreover, neither methionine nor lysine, two of the key constituents from which the body makes carnitine, are obtainable from vegetable sources in sufficient amounts. To ensure adequate production of carnitine, vegetarians should take supplements or should eat grains, such as cornmeal, that have been fortified with lysine.
CARNITINE DOSAGE
Since carnitine can be manufactured in the body, supplementation of carnitine is not essential. If you do take carnitine supplements for longer than a month, you should add mixed amino acids in with your supplemental program.
Most infant formulas that do not contain carnitine and could be supplemented with carnitine to the levels found in human milk, 11.3 mg/L (70 mmol/L). If possible, breastfeeding your baby should be your first choice, not supplementing your infant's formula. Breast milk is always superior to any commercially made infant formula. You should consult with your healthcare provider, your baby's pediatrician, or a lactation specialist regarding this matter.
Men normally require more carnitine than women, because of heavier body mass.
SPECIFIC DISORDERS
- Alzheimer's Disease: 500 mg L-carnitine 3 times a day.
- Angina: 500 mg L-carnitine 3 times a day on an empty stomach.
- Arrhythmia: 500 mg L-carnitine 3 times a day.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: 500-1,000 mg L-carnitine 3 times a day.
- Congestive Heart Failure: 1,000 mg (2 capsules) L-carnitine 2 or 3 times a day on an empty stomach.
- Fibromyalgia: 100 mg L-carnitine twice a day.
- Heart Disease Prevention: 500 mg L-carnitine twice a day.
- Infertility, Male: 2,000 mg L-carnitine 3 times a day.
- Memory Loss/Impairment: 500 mg L-carnitine twice a day with meals.
- Weight Loss: 500 mg L-carnitine 3 times a day.
SUPPLEMENT FORMS
Tablet
Powder
capsule
Injectable
Supplemental carnitine is available in different forms, including D-carnitine, L-carnitine, DL-carnitine, and acetyl-L-carnitine. L-carnitine is the preferred form.
GENERAL INTERACTIONS
There are no drug or nutrient interactions associated with carnitine.
CAUTIONS
Higher than commonly recommended doses (3,000 mg) can apparently promote an unusual body odor (fish odor syndrome) and/or may cause diarrhea.
OTHER INTERESTING INFORMATION
Carnitine may have functions in cellular metabolism such as plasma membrane fatty acid remodeling, gene regulation and modulation of cytokine concentrations in experimental sepsis and cancer cachexia.
Esters of carnitine (acetyl- and propionyl-carnitine) may have pharmacological value, by virtue of their antioxidant properties and/or ability to deliver readily oxidizable carbon units to mitochondria, in chronic disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and ischemia-induced myocardial dysfunction in angina pectoris.
The long-term administration of acetyl-L-carnitine to aged rats restores a synaptic pattern comparable to that of young rats. With the exception of the tocopherols all the antioxidants had lower concentrations in the Substantia nigra, which showed the most severe neuronal depletion with age. Acetyl-L-carnitine is being investigated as a determinant of neuronal longevity.
Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR), is regarded with interest because of its capacity to counteract several physiological and pathological modifications typical of brain aging processes. In particular, it has been demonstrated that ALCAR can counteract the age-dependent reduction of several receptors in the central nervous system of rodents, such as the NMDA receptor system, the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) receptors, those of glucocorticoids, neurotransmitters and others, thereby enhancing the efficiency of synaptic transmission, which is considerably slowed down by aging and appears to reverse age-associated deficits in cellular function, in part by increasing cellular ATP production.
HELPFUL RELATED LINKS
Ketogenic Diet & Carnitine
Acetyl L-Carnitine For Dealing With Alzheimer's Disease, Senile Depression, & Age-Related Memory Deficit
L-Carnitine For Treatment of Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS) Fatigue
Staying Healthy With Nutrition: Carnitine
CARNITINE SUPPLEMENT PRODUCTS
L-Carnitine, Stable Tartrate Form, NOW Foods, 250 mg, 30 Caps
Pure L-Carnitine is an amino acid that normally attracts water which can cause it to deteriorate rapidly. We use a tartrate form to help ensure that NOW L-Carnitine maintains stability and full potency.
Acetyl L-carnitine Powder, Vegetarian Formula, NOW Foods, 635 mg, 3 oz
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) is a stabilized form of the amino acid metabolite L-Carnitine and is utilized in the same manner in the body and it is the train that fats ride when it's time for them to go and be burned up for energy.
L-Carnitine (Acetyl), Pharmaceutical Grade, 500 mg, NOW Foods, 100 Caps
Incorporating this stabilized form of NOW Foods L-Carnitine into our diet is an effective way to ensure that we are producing the energy we need to live full and active lives.
L-Carnitine Liquid, Double Strength, NOW Foods, 16 fl oz
NOW® L-Carnitine Liquid provides all of the extensive benefits of Carnitine in a highly absorbable liquid form. L-Carnitine Liquid is a non-essential amino acid that helps to maintain overall good health by facilitating the transfer of fatty acid groups into NOW® L-Carnitine 2X Liquid provides double (1g) the potency of some competing brands per serving size.
L-Carnitine, Stable Tartrate Form, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 30 Caps
L-Carnitine is a non-essential amino acid that helps to maintain overall good health by facilitating the transfer of fatty acid groups into the mitochondrial membrane for cellular energy production.
L-Carnitine, Stable Tartrate Form, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 60 Caps
L-Carnitine is a non-essential amino acid that helps to maintain overall good health by facilitating the transfer of fatty acid groups into the mitochondrial membrane for cellular energy production.
Liquid L-Carnitine Plus Pantothenic Acid, Dynamic Health, 16 fl. oz.
Dynamic Health's liquid L-Carnitine can help boost energy, build new muscle and improve mental performance.
Amino Acids & GLA, DLPA, EPA, CoQ10, L-Carnitine, By Dr. Kurt Donsbach
"Dr. Donsbach Series" This newly revised booklet discusses all the important facts about amino acids and covers specific ones that are essential for good health.
Amino 1000 Complete, NOW Foods, 120 Caps
Amino 1000 Complete contains a balanced blend of 20 essential and non-essential amino acids.
Amino 1500, Chewable Blend of 20 Amino Acids, Predigested, NOW Foods, 150 Tabs
This Amino 1500 contains a balanced blend of 20 essential and non-essential amino acids in a chewable format.
Herbal Remedies: Carnitine / L-Carnitine Information
Herbal Remedies: Carnitine / L-Carnitine Supplement & Products
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics - Amino Acids Index
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