| Scientific Info | | L-Carnitine: Potential role of levocarnitine supplementation for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced fatigue in non-anaemic cancer patients | An investigation whether restoration of the carnitine pool might improve chemotherapy-induced fatigue in non-anaemic cancer patients.
F Graziano1, R Bisonni2, V Catalano3, R Silva2, S Rovidati4, E Mencarini4, B Ferraro4, F Canestrari4, A M Baldelli3, A De Gaetano5, P Giordani3, E Testa1 and V Lai1
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| L-Carnitine: Use of carnitine therapy in selected cases of male factor infertility | To determine the efficacy of L-carnitine therapy in selected cases of male factor infertility
Lenzi A, Lombardo F, Sgro P, Salacone P, Caponecchia L, Dondero F, Gandini L.
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| | | | | Supplier: Tuck's Discount Vitamins USA Ltd. | | Brand: NOW Foods (USA) | | Case Size: N/A | | L-Carnitine
60 caps | | | Stock #: 320011 | | | Description: Carnitine is classified as an amino acid, although it is not an amino acid in the classic sense. Amino acids are generally used by the body for protein synthesis and/or as a neurotransmitter. Carnitine (actually more closely related to the B vitamins) is primarily used to facilitate the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria of cells for energy production. This process provides muscular energy by burning fat, and also prevents fatty build-up around vital organs. Natural Carnitine is found primarily in red meats, so vegetarians may need to supplement to ensure healthy levels in their bodies. NOW Carnitine is a synthetic product manufactured in a laboratory using bacterial synthesis, and is considered vegetarian due to the absence of any animal sources or by-products. | | Benefits & How it Works: The body needs lysine, methionine, vitamin C, iron, niacin, and vitamin B6 to produce carnitine. L-carnitine is needed to release energy from fat. It transports fatty acids into mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells. L-carnitine is made in the body from the amino acids, lysine and methionine. However, 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.
L-carnitine’s actions appear to be particularly important in the heart. As an example, patients with diabetes and high blood pressure were given 4 grams of L-carnitine per day in an preliminary study. After 45 weeks, irregular heartbeat and abnormal heart functioning decreased significantly compared to non-supplemented patients. In one report, deficient levels of L-carnitine were found in five people with Mitral Valve Prolapse. One of these people was given L-carnitine (1 gram three times per day for four months) and experienced a complete resolution of the symptoms associated with MVP. A carnitine deficiency can also result from oxygen deprivation which can occur in some heart conditions. In Italy, L-carnitine is prescribed for heart failure, heart arrhythmias, angina, and lack of oxygen to the heart.
In other trials, increases in exercise capacity after six months were observed. Patients with congestive heart failure given 1.5 grams PC daily for 15 days had a 21% increase in exercise tolerance and a 45% increase in oxygen consumption. Research shows that people who supplement with L-carnitine while engaging in an exercise regimen are less likely to experience muscle soreness.
L-carnitine has been given to people with chronic lung disease in trials investigating how the body responds to exercise. In these double-blind reports, 2 grams of L-carnitine taken twice per day for two to four weeks led to positive changes in lung function and metabolism during exercise.
Beta thalassemia major is an inherited, fatal form of anemia commonly seen in people of Mediterranean descent. People with beta thalassemia major invariably require blood transfusions, which can eventually result in iron overload. L-carnitine stabilizes red blood cells and supplementation may decrease the need for blood transfusions. In a preliminary study, children with beta thalassemia major who took 100 mg of L-carnitine per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day for three months, had a significantly decreased need for blood transfusions.
Rare genetic diseases can cause a carnitine deficiency. Also, deficiencies are occasionally associated with other diseases, such as diabetes and cirrhosis. Among people with diabetes, carnitine deficiency is more likely to be found in persons experiencing complications of diabetes (such as retinopathy, hyperlipidemia, or neuropathy), suggesting that carnitine deficiency may play a role in the development of these complications.
L-Carnitine & CoQ10 have been shown to be very beneficial in giving the sperm the energy to travel through the male reproductive system and during fertilization. 1000 mg/3X a day of L-carnitine and 30-100 mg/day of CoQ10 are recommended.
In double-blind trials, supplementation with either L-carnitine has increased walking distance in people with intermittent claudication. Walking distance was 75% greater after three weeks of L-carnitine supplementation (2 grams taken twice per day), than after supplementation with a placebo. | | | Dosages & Ingredients: As a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule 1 to 3 times daily before meals or on an empty stomach | | |
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