Vegan source of L-Carnitine in a base of alfalfa.
L-carnitine is made in the body from the amino acids lysine and methionine, vitamin C, B3, B6, and iron, and is needed to release energy from fat. It transports fatty acids into mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells. In infancy, and in situations of high energy needs, such as pregnancy and breast-feeding, the need for L-carnitine can exceed production by the body. Therefore, L-carnitine is considered a "conditionally essential" nutrient.
Features
° FAT BURNING – carnitine transports fatty acids into the mitochondria to facilitate (beta oxidation), thus useful in weight control. Carnitine exerts a beneficial effect on blood lipids by lowering triglycerides and total cholesterol while raising HDL-cholesterol.
° CARDIOVASCULAR TONIC – carnitine is most highly concentrated in the heart, the organ to which fat oxidation is most crucial for energy. Normal heart function depends on adequate concentrations of carnitine. Patients with high blood pressure were given 4 grams of L-carnitine per day in a preliminary study. After 45 weeks, irregular heartbeat and abnormal heart functioning decreased significantly compared with nonsupplemented patients.
° FERTILITY – L-Carnitine (LC) and acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) are highly concentrated in the epididymis and play a crucial role in sperm metabolism and maturation. A variety of studies support the conclusion that LC and/or ALC at total daily amounts of at least 3 g per day can significantly improve both sperm concentration and total sperm counts among men with fertility problems.
° NEUROMUSCULAR SUPPORT – carnitine levels are often depleted in various neuromuscular disorders e.g. Down Syndrome
° KIDNEY DISEASE – carnitine supplementation is very much indicated in kidney disease because the kidney is a major site of carnitine synthesis. Carnitine supplementation has been extensively studied in patients undergoing hemodialysis due to chronic renal failure. These studies indicate the following – improvements in cardiovascular symptoms, improved muscle metabolism, increased muscle mass and significant improvements in blood quality and count.
° ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER - In a double-blind study, supplementation with L-carnitine for eight weeks resulted in clinical improvement in 54% of a group of boys with ADHD, compared with a 13% response rate in the placebo group. The amount of L-carnitine used in this study was 100 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day, with a maximum of 4 grams per day.
° BLOOD SUGAR REGULATION – patients with blood sugar regulation problems have been reported to have reduced serum carnitine concentrations. Carnitine supplementation has shown improvements in peripheral vascular function, and improved nerve conduction velocity.
° EXERCISE PERFORMANCE – carnitine speeds the oxidation of fats – the primary energy source for aerobic (sustained) exercise. Research shows that people who supplement with L-carnitine while engaging in an exercise regimen are less likely to experience muscle soreness. Carnitine (2g twice daily for 4 weeks) has been shown to improve energy producing enzyme levels in endurance athletes. Interesting to note that normal subjects taking carnitine have improved cardiovascular function and a more rapid return of heart rate to the resting rate after exercise.
° HYPER-THYROIDISM - A six months study comparing L-carnitine to placebo in 50 women with hyperthyroidism concluded that 2 or 4 grams of L-carnitine per day is effective in preventing and reducing the nine hyperthyroid related symptoms evaluated and has a beneficial effect on bone mineral density based on several other factors evaluated.
Potential applications: Elevated blood fats e.g. elevated triglycerides/cholesterol, muscle weakness, weight control, cardiovascular disease – e.g. angina, intermittent claudication, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, and recovery from a heart attack (MI). Fatty liver congestion (due to alcoholism), kidney support, Alzheimer’s disease, Downs Syndrome, COPD, male infertility, sports performance.
Vegetarians/vegans may also benefit from increased carnitine intake.
Size: 30 vegan capsules
Directions
Dosage range: For therapeutic use, typical amounts are 1.5 – 4g per day in divided doses away from food.
Cardiovascular disease – 2- 4g daily
Hyperthyroidism – 2g x 2 daily
Alzheimer’s disease – 2- 4g daily
Male Fertility (low sperm counts) – 3g per day for 4 months
COPD – 2g x3 daily
Precautions
Known contraindications: none known
Pregnancy and lactation: Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established.
Interactions: L-carnitine has not been consistently linked with any toxicity. The body needs lysine, methionine, vitamin C, iron, niacin, and vitamin B6 to produce carnitine. The following medications are known to interact with L-carnitine: Allopurinol – has been shown to restore lcarnitine levels in cases of muscular dystrophy.
The following medications increase the need for l-carnitine - Anticonvulsants, AZT, Chemotherapy, Doxorubicin, Gabapentin, Phenobarbital, Valproic Acid.
Safety: L-Carnitine is extremely safe, with no significant side effects ever being reported in any of the human clinical studies.
Allergen Information
Vegan
Kosher
Ingredients
(see Nutrition Information)
Nutrition Information
One vegan capsule provides:
|
Amount Per Serving |
% Daily Value |
L-Carnitine (L-tartrate) |
500mg |
|
In a base of alfalfa. |
|
|