WHAT IS CARNITINE?
Carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid metabolized from Lysine and
Methionine (with Vitamins B-6 and C) and synthesized in the liver and kidneys.
The food source is meat and milk and it is absent in strict vegetarian diets.
Carnitine is a necessary component of heart and skeletal muscle tissue. It is
involved in lipid metabolism, and it functions to transport fatty acids across
the inner mitochondrial membranes. This amino acid is also essential for brain
cells and healthy neurological function, and it promotes longevity by helping to
provide cells with the necessary energy to function. Carnitine deficiencies are
common, and are evident in two types of conditions. Those, in which Myopathy is
involved, note Carnitine deficiencies in muscles, whereas systemic deficiencies
are results of long term diseases, such as renal failure, and Reye syndrome.
Low levels of Carnitine have been also noted in patients with diabetes,
myocardial ischemia, cancer and alcoholism. There are different types of
Carnitine. Elemental (active) L-Carnitine Fumarate has an extra molecule of
fumaric acid, that helps maintain Krebs Cycle function, and Acetyl-Carnitine
crosses the blood brain barrier quickly and aids in neurological function.
Carnitine supplementation results in increased plasma and tissue levels of
Carnitine.
CARNITINE AND HEART FUNCTION
In healthy heart tissue, Carnitine has adequate amounts to provide sufficient
fatty acids, which are the principal energy substrate of the heart.
Carnitine levels decrease in patients with acute and chronic ischemic
cardiopathy, including angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, chronic coronary
insufficiency, as well as heart failure. This causes the heart to shift to
Glucose metabolism to supply energy, resulting in over-utilization of glycogen,
thus depleting glycogen stores, which are necessary to supply emergency energy
to the heart.
Carnitine supplementation enables the facilitation of fatty acid oxidation,
preserving glycogen stores and restoring normal metabolic conditions to the
heart.
Supplementation of Carnitine to patients with angina pectoris may improve
exercise tolerance, help prevent arrhythmias, and may be beneficial in patients
with congestive heart failure as well.
Carnitine supplementation may improve tachycardia and reduce signs and
symptoms of ischemia in patients with coronary artery disease.
CARNITINE, ACETYL-CARNITINE AND BRAIN & NEUROLOGICAL FUNCTION.
Carnitine and Acetyl-Carnitine are present in the grey matter of the central
nervous system.
Acetyl-Carnitine, the Ester form of Carnitine, is quickly absorbed into the
brain and has significant effect on healthy neurological function, especially on
age-related changes on dopamine receptors and amino acid levels in the brain.
Acetyl-Carnitine protects neurons against oxidative damage and may slow the
progression of dementia in Alzheimer patients.
Acetyl-Carnitine has a role in neuronal metabolism and increases neurotrophic
factors, and it may be beneficial with patients who have peripheral neuropathies
with pain.
LIPID METABOLISM
Carnitine is involved in fat metabolism, and is the only known substance that
can lower harmful Triglycerides, which can cause poor circulation, myocardial
infarction and kidney disease.
Carnitine transfers long chain fatty acids across the mitochondrial membranes
of cells, where they can be used as an energy source. By mobilizing the fatty
acids, it stimulates fat metabolism resulting in fat reduction.
Acetyl-Carnitine is also involved in lipid activity, and has a positive
effect on lowering cholesterol.
CARNITINE AND WEIGHT REDUCTION
Various studies have shown that those who were on weight reduction programs,
who were supplemented with 2-6 grams of Carnitine daily, lost more body fat than
the control groups who were given placebos.
HOW DOES CARNITINE EFFECT WEIGHT LOSS?
In order to lose weight, it is necessary to burn excessive fat in a process,
which converts long chain fatty acids into energy (b-oxidation). Those who dietEmay
lose at lease 25-30% of the weight from water loss and lean muscle tissue
instead of fat. Carnitine is the only element that can transport the long chain
fatty acids across the mitochondria, where they can be turned into energy in
this process of b-oxidation. Since low caloric diets decrease the amount of
Carnitine available from food sources, the body then uses glycogen stores for
energy instead of burning up fat. Carnitine, by stimulating b-oxidation, reduces
the utilization of the branch chain amino acids, which if decreased result in
reducing lean body mass rather than fat. By preventing the utilization of the
glucogenic amino acids for energy, there is a higher amount available to supply
the brain with energy and help induce appetite suppression. Supplementation with
Carnitine can increase the b-oxidation process, thus burning fat while
maintaining lean muscle, as well as increasing the resting metabolic rate. For
those wishing to lose fat, Carnitine is an important adjunct along with a
program of reduced calories and increased exercise.
ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
Carnitine supplementation increases lipid metabolism in muscles during
physical activity, which leads to saving glycogen stores. This helps prevent the
breakdown of muscle tissue during prolonged & vigorous workouts and general
athletic activities.
Carnitine increases energy, but without supplementation, Carnitine pools
become depleted due to strenuous activity. Acetyl-Carnitine also has a
beneficial effect on muscles, which is important for athletic performance.
Athletes administered Carnitine supplementation showed increased performance in sports activities.
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