L-Carnitin

Description

L-carnitine is an amino acid that is produced in the body by the kidneys and liver. In the muscles, it is formed from lysine and methionine. L-carnitine is present throughout the body and has the ability to transport fatty acids to the fat-burning cells, thus stimulating energy metabolism. L-carnitine is also found in meat and dairy products.

L-carnitine as a food supplement contributes to cardiovascular health and is very popular among athletes. The tablets support the function of the heart and muscles and thus promote everyday activities as well as athletic performance.

For whom is L-carnitine recommended as a food supplement?
For people who want to strengthen heart contraction
For people who want to accelerate the effect of fat burners
For endurance athletes such as marathon runners or cyclists
For Alzheimer’s patients
For men with fertility problems related to sperm motility
How does L-carnitine promote heart and muscle function?

Carnitine, also known as vitamin BT, activates fat burning. It facilitates, stimulates and considerably promotes fat utilisation. The molecule is formed naturally in the muscles by the amino acids L-lysine and L-methionine. In our organism, L-carnitine takes on the role of a taxi molecule. It transports the fatty acids into the cell interior of the mitochondria, which are responsible for burning the fats. If the fat cells are bound to L-carnitine, they can reach their power plants more easily. The faster utilisation stimulates energy production and the slimming effect. Weight loss is thus faster and fat reserves are gradually reduced.

L-carnitine is essential for the function of the heart muscle and muscle activity. The heart is unable to contract without this molecule. For this reason, heart diseases are an important area of application for this amino acid. L-carnitine and its active derivative L-acetyl-carnitine help to reduce triglyceride levels. It can thus counteract certain cardiovascular diseases.

L-carnitine and cardiovascular disorders: Cardiovascular disorders are the main area of use for L-carnitine, especially angina, post-infarction syndrome and cardiac arrhythmias. In these cases, the dietary supplement can make a valuable contribution.

L-carnitine lowers cholesterol levels and at the same time increases HDL levels (the “good” cholesterol). By reducing the risk of calcium deposits in the blood vessels, it contributes to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, it promotes the supply of oxygen to the cells, thus acting as a protective shield. By supplementing with L-carnitine, the heart muscle is optimally supplied with oxygen. Well-founded studies have shown that carnitine can have positive properties in the supportive treatment of angina pectoris, cardiac insufficiencies, heart attacks as well as dysfunctions of the heart muscle.

L-carnitine tablets stimulate athletic performance, especially during physical activities with long periods of exertion. It slows down the accumulation of lactic acid, which is involved in the development of cramps as well as the reduction of strength endurance. In this way, L-carnitine promotes performance during training: it optimises endurance, accelerates recovery and attenuates muscle soreness. It makes an excellent contribution to reducing the strain on the muscles, regardless of the sporting activity. L-carnitine is especially recommended for intense endurance exercise and helps maintain the body’s carbohydrate reserves. During exercise, the muscles first draw their energy from the glucose present in the blood. When glucose is broken down, the muscles also produce the substance ATP, which produces lactic acid that is harmful to the muscles and causes muscle soreness during intense efforts and long workouts.

L-carnitine and Alzheimer’s: Taking a carnitine supplement is said to improve the function of the nervous system through its activity on neurotransmitters. According to the latest studies, it is also said to help the liver break down alcohol.

L-carnitine and male fertility: L-carnitine is shown to be highly beneficial in terms of male infertility due to lack of sperm motility.

References:

1. Muller, D. M., H. Seim, et al. (2002). Effects of oral L-carnitine supplementation on in vivo long-chain fatty acid oxidation in healthy adults. Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental 51(11): 1389-1391.

2. Held US. L-Carnipure® in human nutrition. Chimia 2007, 61:8-10.

3. Sufeng Z et al. L-Carnitine’s effect on comprehensive weight loss program in obese adolescents. Acta Nutr Sin 1997, 19:151-156.

4. Wutzke KD et al. The Effect of L-Carnitine on Fat Oxidation, Protein Turnover, and Body Composition in Slightly Overweight Subjects. Metabolism 2004, 53(8):1002-1006.

5. Pauly DF, Pepine CJ. The role of carnitine in myocardial dysfunction. Am J Kidney Dis. 2003 Apr;41(4 Suppl 4):S35-43..

6. Iyer RN, Khan AA, et al. L-carnitine moderately improves the exercise tolerance in chronic stable angina. J Assoc Physicians India. 2000 Nov;48(11):1050-2.

7. Davini P, Bigalli A, et al. Controlled study on L-carnitine therapeutic efficacy in postinfarction. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1992;18(8):355-65.

8. Singh RB, Niaz MA, et al. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of L-carnitine in suspected acute myocardial infarction. Postgrad Med J. 1996 Jan;72(843):45-50.