L-carnitine was discovered in the early 1900s in muscle tissue, but most of the research into its health effects occurred in the 1970s and 1980s. Your body can manufacture L-carnitine from the essential amino acid lysine. Some experts categorize L-carnitine as a nutraceutical, a compound that provides health benefits beyond its nutritional value. L-carnitine may assist with prevention and treatment of adrenal fatigue in some people.
Functions
Your cells use L-carnitine to help with energy production and waste removal. When your body's supply of L-carnitine is low, its ability to produce antioxidants suffers, leading to mental and physical fatigue and increased susceptibility to illness and injury, according to Dr. David Perlmutter, author of "The Better Brain Book: The Best Tools for Improving Memory and Sharpness and Preventing Aging of the Brain." Increased oxidative stress raises levels of cortisol, a hormone produced by your adrenal glands. With age, the feedback mechanism in your brain that suppresses excess cortisol levels becomes less efficient, resulting in higher cortisol levels for longer periods of time, placing additional stress on your adrenal glands.
Exercise
A study published in the August 2011 issue of the "European Journal of Pharmacology" found that L-carnitine protected against oxidative stress induced by long bouts of vigorous exercise in laboratory animals. Researchers observed that L-carnitine was particularly protective when exercise occurred at higher environmental temperatures, which impose greater physiological stress. By decreasing the stressful effects of exercise, L-carnitine helps prevent adrenal fatigue and may increase your adrenal resilience. Further studies to confirm these preliminary results in humans are needed.
Metabolism
Your metabolism may get a boost that helps you burn certain types of fat when you supplement with L-carnitine, according to nutritionist Brigitte M. Britton, author of the book "The Palm Beach Way." L-carnitine brings long-chain fatty acids, which form hard-to-burn deposits of brown fat, into the energy-producing mitochondria of your cells. By helping you burn these fats, L-carnitine contributes to weight loss. Reaching and maintaining your ideal weight helps reduce adrenal stress.
Chronic Fatigue
L-carnitine is a helpful natural supplement for treating chronic fatigue syndrome, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by severe fatigue, unrestful sleep, mood swings, brain fog and low-grade fever. Its precise cause is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a virus. Adrenal fatigue may occur in chronic fatigue syndrome due to the depleting effects of this condition on the immune system. Doses of 500 mg to 1,000 mg of L-carnitine daily support cellular energy production and can help reduce symptoms.
References
- "The Better Brain Book: The Best Tools for Improving Memory and Sharpness and ..."; David Perlmutter, Carol Colman; 2005
- "European Journal of Pharmacology"; Protective Role of L-carnitine Supplementation Against Exhaustive Exercise Induced Oxidative Stress in Rats; E. Sıktar, et al.; August 2011
- "The Palm Beach Way"; Brigitte M. Britton, Layne D. Nisenbaum; 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; 2011
- "Nutraceuticals in Health and Disease Prevention"; Klaus Kramer; 2001
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