L-carnitine, or carnitine, is an essential nutrient derived from amino acids. It plays an important role in energy production and is found in most cells of the body. It is most abundant in the body's cardiac and skeletal muscles. Carnitine produces energy by transporting long chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for oxidation; oxidized or "burned" fatty acids are then converted into energy. Carnitine also transports toxic compounds, preventing accumulation.
Foods that Provide L-Carnitine
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, animal products are the best sources of L-carnitine. Red meat is the richest source of L-carnitine, while chicken, fish, milk and dairy products are good sources. A 4-oz. serving of ground beef has 87 to 99 mg, while a cup of whole milk has approximately 8 mg; 4 oz. of codfish has 4 to 7 mg and 4 oz. of chicken breast has 3 to 5 mg. Adults who eat a mixed diet obtain about 60 to 180 mg of carnitine, while vegetarians get less than 10 to 12 mg daily.
Male Infertility and Erectile Dysfunction
Carnitine is found in seminal fluid, which is directly related to sperm quality, quantity and motility. Carnitine supplementation of about 2 to 3 g per day may increase sperm count and motility. Preliminary studies suggest L-carnitine may help improve male sexual function. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, one study found that carnitine significantly improved the effectiveness of Viagra in men with diabetes who had not previously responded to Viagra.
L-Carnitine and Aging
L-carnitine may help delay the aging process, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. A decrease in the cell's mitochondrial function is one of the contributing factors of aging. Taking L-carnitine supplements combined with alpha lipoic acid, a powerful antioxidant help reduce mitochondrial decay. Supplementation of L-carnitine can also help improve cognitive impairment and mental function in older adults.
Medication Interactions and L-Carnitine
Carnitine interacts with pivampicillin, a pivalate-conjugated antibiotic used to treat long term urinary tract infections. Chronic use of this antibiotic increases the excretion of carnitine from the bloodstream, which can lead to carnitine deficiency. Patients, especially children taking anti-convulsants and seizure medications such as phenobarbital, valproic acid, phenytoin and carbamazepine, are also prone to carnitine depletion.
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