L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine is a molecule vital to the healthy operation of the body. Its prime function is as a transporter molecule, moving long-chain fatty acids, to the energy-producing mechanisms, the Mitochondria, located in each and every cell of the body. It also helps to remove the toxic accumulation of the energy-making by-products from the cell.

High blood pressure, angina, congestive heart failure, heart attack, blood clots: Research has shown that L-Carnitine is instrumental in lowering blood lipids with the result of increased heart viability.

Diabetes: L-Carnitine lowers triglyceride levels which helps stabilize insulin levels.

L-Carnitine carries long-chain fatty acids and triglycerides to the mitochondria or the power center of each cell where they can be oxidized to produce energy. Without the L-carnitine transporter, these fuels can't easily enter the cell and therefore can build up in the blood where they can start to cause problems. As you would expect, research has shown that low systemic levels of L-carnitine are tied to high levels of blood lipids. Human studies utilizing L-Carnitine supplementation have resulted in the lowering of cholesterol and triglyceride level. Actual studies with heart attack patients who took therapeutic levels of L-carnitine showed a reduction in the amount of damage to the heart muscle and an increase in its viability. Similar results were documented in patients with angina and congestive heart failure.

Since L-Carnitine has such a pivotal role in the transference of triglycerides, it also plays a key role in glucose metabolism and 'fuel-sensing'. A low level of L-carnitine can lead to an excess of triglycerides which is implicated in insulin resistance.

In many clinical trials, L-Carnitine has shown virtually no serious side effects and is generally considered safe for use in adults. L Carnitine has not been linked to any toxicities.

Patients taking HIV or Cancer therapies should always first consult with their doctors before taking new supplements.

Because herbs also contain active chemical substances which can and will interact with others, no herb or drug should be taken without first consulting with one's physician.

The recommended starting dose is 50 to 250 mg/daily with an occasional break of a day or two every month.

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