L-carnitine is needed to release energy from fat. It transports fatty acids into mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells.

Dairy and red meat contain the greatest amounts of carnitine. Therefore, vegetarians and people who have a limited intake of meat and dairy products tend to have lower L-carnitine intakes. Carnitine deficiencies are rare, because the body produces carnitine relatively easily. L-carnitine is made in the body from the amino acids, lysine and methionine. Rare genetic diseases can cause a carnitine deficiency. Carnitine 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. A carnitine deficiency can also result from oxygen deprivation which can occur in some heart conditions.

• Angina
• Congestive heart failure
• Heart attack
• Cardiomyopathy
• Intermittent claudication
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• High triglycerides
• Infertility (male)
• Sprains and strains
• Athletic performance
• Beta thalassemia major
• Liver cirrhosis
• Mitral valve prolapse
• Raynaud's disease
• Weight loss

In a preliminary study patients with diabetes and high blood pressure were given 4 grams of L-carnitine per day. After 45 weeks, irregular heartbeat and abnormal heart functioning decreased significantly compared to nonsupplemented patients. In one double-blind trial, using 500 mg propionyl-L-carnitine (PC) per day led to a 26% increase in exercise capacity after six months. In other research, 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.

Lastly, Heart protective supplements should include the followings:

References:

Get all your nutritional needs at the Informative "Tsang Nutrition" Store - Finest Supplements at Everyday Low Discount Prices. Please click the logo below to enter.

Free Newsletters and Unlimited e-mail consultation with Dr. Tsang are offered to Tsang Nutrition customers.

Dr. Tsang wishes to share his knowledge & Opinion with the public regarding the importance of " Nutritional Supplements ". This is for your information only. Drugs have powerful effects on the body, so please don't abruptly stop taking any prescription medication. Always consult your physician or health care provider before you use any nutritional supplement or switch from drugs to natural health products.