L-Carnitine is an amino acid that occurs naturally in the body and helps you metabolize fats properly, says Hilary Spruytenburg of Vanderbilt University. It is manufactured in the kidneys and liver, but L-Carnitine also can be found in muscle tissue. Although L-Carnitine is necessary for good health, much hype surrounds L-Carnitine supplements.
Prevention/Solution
L-Carnitine, as proposed by the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, reduces oxidative stress and therefore is a treatment option for several health concerns. Heart problems such as angina, heart attack, and heart failure may be helped by supervised L-Carnitine treatment. L-Carnitine may also reduce pain and fatigue in conditions such as peripheral vascular disease, diabetic neuropathy and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Research
A study conducted at the American College of Nutrition found that L-Carnitine is helpful to type 2 diabetics. Doctors say in the article "L-Carnitine Improves Glucose Disposal in Type 2 Diabetic Patients" that this supplement is valuable and necessary for glucose disposal. There is also evidence that L Carnitine improves heart health in those with this condition because it reduces LDL cholesterol.
Theories/Speculation
L-Carnitine is marketed as a weight-loss and physical performance-enhancing supplement, but no scientific evidence thus far proves that taking this supplement improves exercise endurance or helps with weight loss, but it may contribute to weight control. L-Carnitine, however, fights fatigue, decreases fat mass and increases muscle mass, UMMC says.
Sources
Although the body creates L-Carnitine, food sources can be used to get it. Lamb and other red meats are a potent source of L-Carnitine. Dairy, fish and poultry are other animal sources of L-Carnitine. For vegetarians and vegans, non-animal sources such as peanut butter, asparagus, wheat and avocados contain sufficient amounts of L-Carnitine.
Warning
Although L-Carnitine is important for overall well-being, some people should not supplement it unless under strict supervision by a doctor. Some speculation exists that L-Carnitine may interfere with the thyroid gland. Those with thyroid problems, especially hypothyroidism, should not take L-Carnitine. People with a history of seizures should avoid this supplement as well. It increases the prevalence of seizures for those with a history. Due to the lack of long-term research, pregnant women also should be wary of taking L-Carnitine supplements.
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