Carnitine, also known as L-carnitine, is a substance found naturally in your body that helps convert lipids or fat into fuel. The primary benefit of carnitine, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, is as an antioxidant. Antioxidants neutralize potentially damaging byproducts of metabolism known as free radicals. Carnitine appears to be effective in treating several conditions of the cardiovascular system, including angina, heart failure and vascular disease. Because of its purported benefits to the vascular and cardiac systems, carnitine may also help reduce high blood pressure. Check with your doctor before using any dietary supplement.
Carnitine (L-Carnitine)
Carnitine is produced by your body, and in most cases you won't experience a deficiency of this nutrient, although certain medications and conditions can lead to an insufficient supply. Carnitine, according to the UMMC, has shown promise in some research that reveals it may help reduce fatigue and increase muscle mass. These properties are the reason carnitine is frequently found in weight-loss products, although it does not appear to elicit weight loss directly. A specific type of carnitine, called propionyl-L-carnitine, has been found to reduce symptoms of decreased blood flow to the legs, allowing patients to walk more freely.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition in which the pressure of the blood in your arteries is chronically high. This condition, left untreated, can lead to a heart attack, stroke or chronic kidney disease. Hypertension usually has a genetic component, so if a parent or sibling has it, your risk of developing the condition is higher. In addition, obesity, a high sodium diet and excess consumption of alcohol can lead to hypertension. Treatment usually includes prescription medication, weight loss, dietary changes and abstinence from alcohol. However, once damage has occurred to the kidneys or the coronary system, it is irreversible.
Carnitine and Blood Pressure
Carnitine may help reduce factors that can lead to high blood pressure. A study published in the "European Journal of Pharmacology" in January 1998 found that laboratory rats who were administered L-carnitine for six weeks lowered their systolic and average blood pressure readings. In addition, the researchers found that these rats did not develop the expected increase in cholesterol and triglycerides that occur with aging. An article published in the "Journal of Clinical Hypertension" in April 2007 found that administration of acetyl-L-carnitine to cardiac patients reduced blood pressure by increasing the diameter of their arteries, allowing more blood to flow through with less pressure.
Considerations
The UMMC explains that carnitine supplements, although usually not necessary, are relatively safe. The center adds, however, that supplements labeled "D-carnitine" should be avoided, as this type of carnitine can impair the efficacy of L-carnitine in your body. In addition, if you already have high blood pressure, you should check with your physician before using a carnitine supplement. In some cases, certain medications, such as valproic acid, can cause a deficiency of L-carnitine that may require intravenous intervention to restore balance.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Carnitine (L-Carnitine)
- Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health: Carnitine
- "European Journal of Pharmacology"; The Effect of Chronic L-Carnitine Treatment on Blood Pressure and Plasma Lipids in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats; H. Rauchová, et al.; January 1998
- "Journal of Clinical Hypertension"; Effect of Combined Treatment With Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Acetyl-L-Carnitine on Vascular Function and Blood Pressure in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.; C.J. McMackin, et al.; April 2007
- PubMed Health: Hypertension
