L-carnitine is one type of carnitine and is found in animal products, including meat, fish, poultry and milk. By transporting long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria, it serves an important role in how the body generates energy. It also helps the body function by assisting in the removal of toxic compounds from the cells. Because of these important functions, L-carnitine works to your benefit.
Anti-Aging
The Office of Dietary Supplements reports that L-carnitine may help to slow the aging process. Studies have shown that mitochondrial function decreases with age, along with the concentration of L-carnitine. This decline coincides with the aging process. Research on the effect of L-carnitine supplements revealed that mitochondrial decay was reduced in animals who were given additional L-carnitine.
Healthy Heart
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC, L-carnitine has been shown to reduce the symptoms associated with angina, and it may improve the pain associated with exercising among those with the condition. Angina is a pain resulting from a lack of oxygen in the heart muscle. There have also been some relatively small studies that revealed a possible decrease in subsequent heart attacks among those who took L-carnitine shortly after an initial heart attack, according to the UMMC.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Peripheral arterial disease is a condition in which the arteries in the legs experience a decrease in blood flow to the point that the oxygen needs of muscles is not met. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University reports that in one study, people taking an L-carnitine supplement were able to walk for longer distances than those who were not, and experienced less pain while walking.
Male Fertility
L-carnitine has been shown to increase sperm motility in men. The Linus Pauling Institute reports that two uncontrolled studies conducted in 1994 and 1995 showed that, in a group of men diagnosed with low sperm motility, L-carnitine had the effect of increasing sperm motility when it was taken for three to four months. Also, higher L-carnitine levels were associated with higher sperm counts.
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