What is L-Carnitine?: L-Carnitine is not an amino acid in the strict sense (it is not used as a neurotransmitter or in protein synthesis), however L-Carnitine bears many resemblances to amino acids and is usually grouped under this heading. L-Carnitine (the "L" refers to its chemical polarity) is used by the body to transport long chain fatty acids to the mitochondria in your cells, where they are burned for energy. Since this fat burning is such a major source of muscular energy, deficiencies in L-Carnitine are manifested as low energy levels and muscular weakness. L-Carnitine deficiencies can also appear as mental confusion or cloudiness, angina (heart pain) and weight gain.
Sources of L-Carnitine: L-Carnitine can be manufactured in the body provided the requisite vitamins and minerals are also present. These vitamins and minerals are B1, B6, C, and iron. The amino acids lysine and methionine are also needed for L-Carnitine synthesis. L-Carnitine is also present in meats and other animal foods, so if you are a vegetarian or vegan you may want to consider supplementing with L-Carnitine. This would be especially important if you are an athlete, since you are using lots of L-Carnitine during periods of exertion.
More on L-Carnitine Deficiency: We know already that L-Carnitine deficiency, by denying the mitochondria the needed fatty acids, decreases energy output, but let's look at the other side of this energy equation. If you aren't burning fat, you must be storing it. This obviously leads to a variety of health problems, namely fatty build-ups. L-Carnitine supplementation can help prevent fatty build-ups in the heart and liver (especially likely if you are a regular consumer of alcoholic beverages). Putting it all together, L-Carnitine emerges as a great supplement: it helps increase energy, burn fat (making it excellent addition to a weight loss program), and supports heart and liver health all at the same time!
Who Needs L-Carnitine?: Simply: athletes, vegetarians and vegans, and anyone who wants to increase muscle strength and energy, and burn fat more efficiently - either to help lose weight or improve heart and liver health by preventing fatty buildups. L-Carnitine deficiency may also be implicated in diabetic cardiomyopathy, and seems to help people who have suffered congestive heart failure. L-Carnitine is well known to help in the treatment of angina pectoris, or heart pain (usually induced by physical stress). Take 500mg, twice a day.
