Carnitine
Scientific Name: 3-hydroxy-4-trimethylammonio-butanoate (C7H15NO3).
Other Names: L-carnitine, Levocarnitine.
Carnitine is a quaternary ammonium compound (a salt that can be used as a fabric softener and is often found in disinfectants and shampoos) that is produced primarily in the liver and kidneys.
It assists in the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria.
Origin: Originally found as a growth factor in mealworms, L-carnitine (or simply carnitine) is synthesized from lyine and methionine, two amino acids found in the liver and kidneys.
Vitamin C is also essential to the production of this compound. During growth and pregnancy, it is believed that natural production is insufficient.
Sources of Carnitine: While many health food supplements include carnitine as an ingredient, the most common source of the compound is red meat such as:.
- Pork
- Fish
- Chicken
- Some dairy products
these are also high in carnitine.
Home Remedies using Carnitine:
Benefits and Uses of Carnitine:
The supplementation of carnitine in a diet has shown to increase glucose disposal in patients with Type II Diabetes as well as healthy volunteers in small studies.
Glucose uptake and storage increased in both groups, while oxidation of glucose increased only in the diabetic group.
Carnitine is used as a supplement for individuals who cannot produce sufficient levels of their own (for example, premature infants).
Many athletes use the substance to enhance performance, since it is known to be essential in the production of energy.
Carnitine transports fatty acids into the mitochondria for oxidation (burning) and energy production and also removes toxic compounds generated during this process to prevent accumulation.
As a supplement, it is believed that carnitine can reduce the effects of aging by improving the functionality of mitochondria and thus keeping energy levels constant.
Side Effects of Carnitine:
If carnitine is taken in doses of 3 grams per day, some patients experience abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and a “fishy” body odor.
Rarely, individuals with disorders causing seizures experience an increase in such episodes, and uremic patients may see muscle weakness.
Additional Information for Carnitine:
Other areas where carnitine is being researched as a health supplement and treatment option are cardiovascular and arterial disease, cancer, HIV and AIDS, renal disease, hemodialysis, and even male infertility, as it is believed that carnitine supplementation can improve sperm quality in both levels of concentration and mobility.
