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Carnitine
Description: Carnitine is created by the body from the combination of amino acids Lysine and methionine, and is used in the release of energy from fat. It is one of the supplements most prescribed by doctors in Italy.1
Carnitine has been shown effective in the prevention of muscle ache in athletes.2 To date, however, there is no proof of the claim that carnitine will actually improve athletic performance.3
In addition to the amino acids Lysine and methionine, the body also needs the following nutrients to produce carnitine: Iron, niacin, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin C.
Carnitine deficiency is rare, but has on occasion been associated with diseases such as diabetes and cirrhosis of the liver.4 It is also sometimes deficient in patients whose heart disease has caused oxygen deprivation.5

Natural Sources: Dairy products and red meats have the highest levels of carnitine.

Useful in treatment of: Angina, Athletics and Sports, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Congestive Heart Failure, diabetes, high cholesterol, High Triglycerides, Male Infertility.

Recommended Dosage: 1 to 3 grams daily for therapeutic effects.

Contraindications: None.

References:

1Del Favero A. Carnitine and gangliosides. Lancet 1988;ii:337 [letter].
2Giamberardino MA et al. Effects of prolonged L-carnitine administration on delayed muscle pain and CK release after eccentric effort. Int J Sports Med 1996;17:320–24.
3Green RE, Levine AM, Gunning MJ. The effect of L-carnitine supplementation on lean body mass in male amateur body builders. J Am Dietet Assoc 1997;(suppl):A-72.
4Dipalma JR. Carnitine deficiency. Am Family Phys 1988;38:243–51.
5Del Favero A. Carnitine and gangliosides. Lancet 1988;ii:337 [letter].
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