- Beneficial for heart and circulatory health
- May have neuroprotective properties
- Supports mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism for high energy and overall vitality
- Has shown increased hair growth
- Possible immune system benefits
L-Carnitine occurs naturally in animal products (esp. beef) with smaller amounts in dairy, fish and chicken and in very small amounts in avocado and some fermented soy products such as tempeh.
In a recent experiment with human hair at the University of Lubeck in Germany, L-carnitine was shown to promote hair growth.(1) Exposure to L-carnitine stimulated hair shaft elongation and reduced hair cell death.
The authors of this study conclude, "Our findings suggest that L-carnitine stimulates human scalp hair growth by up regulation of proliferation and down regulation of apoptosis in follicular keratinocytes in vitro. They further encourage one to explore topical and nutraceutical administration of l-carnitine as a well-tolerated, relatively safe adjuvant treatment in the management of androgenetic alopecia and other forms of hair loss."
Methionine and lysine serve as precursors to the synthesis of LCarnitine. High stress levels, parenteral nutrition patients and elderly patients may not be able to synthesize sufficient quantities of LCarnitine. Under these circumstances L-Carnitine is considered a conditionally essential nutrient and supplementation may be required. Children at 2 1/2 years of age synthesize L-Carnitine at about 30% the adult rate. Full capacity does not occur until age 15.
Serum levels of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone were measured at baseline and after the intravenous treatment. Neuropsychological assessment was also carried out at the same times and at the end of the oral treatment. The results show a trend toward a decrease of the mean cortisol levels and a significant improvement of cognitive performances.
L-Carnitine has cardioprotective activity, triglyceride lowering and HDL raising benefits. L-Carnitine may protect neurological protective properties.
All body tissues, except for the brain metabolize long-chain fatty acids for energy production. L-Carnitine transports long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria where they are oxidized (metabolized) and enhance the mitochondrial production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Enhancing ATP production improves the metabolic efficiency in the tissues involved.
Walking capacity is significantly improved for patients with lower leg cramping due to circulatory vasospasm. Skeletal muscle function and metabolic efficiency is enhanced with L-Carnitine supplementation.
Approximately 40% of those with nutrient deficiency induced muscle disease respond favorably to LCarnitine therapy with enhanced muscle strength and reduced muscle breakdown proteins myoglobinuria.
The liver and kidney are involved in of L-Carnitine synthesis. Those with liver disease or chronic kidney disease may have impaired LCarnitine synthesis and suffer from L-Carnitine deficiencies in skeletal and heart muscle tissues.
L-Carnitine has been observed to lower inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor. It also was shown to increase lymphocyte proliferation in response to mitogen exposure.
References:
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Brevetti G, Chiarello M, Ferulano G, et al. Increases in walking distance in patients with peripheral vascular disease: a double-blind, cross-over study. Circul. 77:767-773, 1988.
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Pola P, et al. Statistical evaluation of long term L-Carnitine therapy in hyperlipoproteinemias. Drugs Exptl Clin Res. 9:925-934, 1983.
Davini P, et al. Controlled study on L-Carnitine therapeutic efficacy in most MI patients. Drugs Exptl Clin Res. 18:355-365, 1992.
