L-carnitine is an amino acid that assists in the body's ability to metabolize fat and turn it into energy. Proponents of L-carnitine supplementation believe that it is an antioxidant that helps to control harsh cancer treatment side effects and to stabilize blood glucose levels. It is also said to improve brain and mood dysfunction, and serves as a complementary treatment for heart disease. As of publication, L-carnitine is also being tested in weight loss products. L-carnitine is found naturally in avocado, pork, beef, poultry, fish, dairy and oranges. Consult with a physician before attempting to self-medicate any condition.
Antioxidant Qualities
Cisplatin and similar chemotherapy drugs used in the treatment of cancer can cause numerous unwanted and toxic side effects. This is due to the creation of free radicals in this medication that are purposely generated to destroy cancerous cells. The downside to chemotherapy is that it also kills healthy cells, leaving the patient with nausea, vomiting, fatigue, kidney or liver damage, neuropathy, hearing loss, ringing in the ear, loss of appetite, abnormal taste sensations and hair loss. Tufts Medical Center states that antioxidants such as acetyl-L-carnitine may provide minimal benefit for symptom relief. However, certain cancers may feed on antioxidants. It is imperative to consult with the attending oncologist before taking anything.
Blood Glucose Stabilization
When a constant infusion of L-carnitine was used in a clinical study among diabetics, the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" reported positive results. The L-carnitine infusion improved sensitivity to insulin in patients that were diagnosed insulin resistant. Other significant findings reported include better use of tissue glucose as energy thanks to increased oxidation during treatment with L-carnitine. According to this research, diabetics generally tend to show depressed pyruvate dehydrogenase activity resulting in insulin resistance. L-carnitine may be the right wake up call for a sluggish glucose metabolism. Only time and further clinical trials will tell.
Brain and Mood
In a report published by Providence Health and Services, L-carnitine performed well for improving symptoms of depression in the elderly, Alzheimer's disease, age-related cognitive decline, fibromyalgia, minimal hepatic encephalopathy, diabetic neuropathy and in alleviating depressive symptoms that can accompany these disorders. The dosing for optimum benefit starts at about 500 mg per day and ranges up to about 1,500 mg daily. The elderly may require a smaller dose. L-carnitine must be used under the supervision of a physician.
Heart Disease
Studies that employ the use of L-carnitine for heart disease are still in infancy. L-carnitine was first recognized for having a potential benefit for patients with cardiomyopathy but it is now being reviewed for angina, heart attacks, congestive heart failure and peripheral vascular disease. According to University of Maryland Medical Center, L-carnitine is believed to reduce the effects of oxidative stress and increase exercise tolerance and improve overall muscle weakness for some heart patients. However, supplemental L-carnitine is used as an adjunct treatment with other heart medications and shows only mild improvements when used alone. For patients with an existing heart disease, ask your cardiologist if an L-carnitine supplement will benefit your condition before taking it.
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