Carnitine Information - Promotes normal growth and development

Carnitine is an amino acid that is essential for babies
and nonessential for others. In this context, essential
means it must be obtained in the diet. Nonessential types
of amino acids can be synthesized to some extent within
the body. The kidney is able to form carnitine from the
amino acids lysine and methionine, in addition to iron
and vitamins B6, niacin, and C. The function of carnitine
is to mobilize long-chain fatty acids into the powerhouse
of the cell, where they are used for energy. Carnitine is
necessary for infants to grow and develop normally. The supply of carnitine depends upon the ingestion of some essential amino acids, particularly, lysine and methionine. An adequate amount of vitamin C is also necessary. Men seem to have a greater need for carnitine than women.

Carnitine Benefits - Functions in the Body

Carnitine plays an important function in the metabolism of fat and the reduction of triglycerides in the body. One to three grams of carnitine should be administered daily for the required oxidation of triglycerides, especially when there is poor hand and foot co-ordination, myocardial infarction, and kidney disease.

Carnitine is also a useful supplement in cases of muscular dystrophy and cardiac ischemia.

Your heart contains more carnitine than any other part of your body. It's there to help the
mitochondria (the tiny power plants) in your heart cells produce energy. How? It helps by carrying
fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they're converted to energy. Some researchers believe that
taking supplemental carnitine may help people with heart problems by making their hearts work
more efficiently. Extra carnitine can sometimes be very helpful for people with angina or heart failure.
If you have a heart condition, discuss carnitine with your doctor before you try it.

A condition known as chronic fatigue syndrome
(CFS) causes a number of potentially debilitating symptoms,
including severe fatigue, muscle pain, and depression.
Carnitine may prove helpful in alleviating the
symptoms of CFS, perhaps by increasing the efficiency
of energy production. One small study used a dose of 0.1
oz (3 g) of L-carnitine per day.

Undocumented claims for the health benefits of carnitine
include treatment of Down’s syndrome, muscular
dystrophy, some forms of male infertility, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD), and alcoholic fatty
liver disease. Carnitine has also been said to reduce the
toxicity of AZT, a medication for AIDS.

Natural sources of L-Carnitine

Precautions related to Carnitine

Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant
should not take carnitine supplements. Breastfeeding
mothers should also avoid them, since they may not be
safe for infants in this situation. Babies requiring a supplement
due to low birth weight or pre-term conditions
should have it prescribed and monitored by a healthcare
provider. Those with food allergies to proteins are at risk
of adverse reactions to carnitine. People who have chronic
liver disease are at risk of having high carnitine levels due
to their illness and should not take carnitine supplements.

Side Effects of Carnitine

L-carnitine taken by mouth has been known to cause
gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting,
cramps, and diarrhea. DL-carnitine is sometimes associated
with a syndrome of severe weakness and wasting
of muscle, particularly in patients with kidney disease
who have been on long-term hemodialysis.

Interactions of Carnitine

Valproic acid, a drug sometimes used to treat
seizures, is more likely to cause toxicity if the patient under treatment has a carnitine deficiency. The drug may
cause decreased carnitine levels. A healthcare provider
should be consulted regarding the advisability of taking
supplemental carnitine under those circumstances. Supplements
of carnitine may increase the effects of the anticoagulant medication warfarin.

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Carnitine Benefits - Carnitine Information

This site is for educational purposes only. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. If you have, or suspect you have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.

Fri July 22/2005

Essential Amino Acids

Non-Essential Amino Acids

Alanine
Beta Alanine
Aspartic Acid
Carnitine
Citrulline
Cysteine and Cystine
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
Glutamine and Glutamic Acid
Glutathione
Glycine
Ornithine
Proline
Taurine
Tyrosine

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