what amino produces carnitine

Boost low carnitine levels. When the body does not absorb or make sufficient carnitine, doctors will prescribe oral L-carnitine. [1]Carnitine levels may be low because of many reasons. Genetic disorders are the most common, but medical procedures such as hemodialysis also drain the body of L-carnitine temporarily.

How to Take L Carnitine

Vegetarians or anyone who is on a strict diet may also have low carnitine levels.

Lysine is one of 20 most common natural amino acids that the body needs for growth and tissue repair. Lysine is an essential amino acid because it cannot be synthesized in the body and its breakdown is irreversible. Lysine is the limiting amino acid in all cereal grains, but is plentiful in all pulses.

Lysine

Lysine

A deficiency in lysine can result in a deficiency in niacin (which is a B Vitamin ). This can cause the disease pellagra. In the tissues, lysine readily converts its epsilon carbon then to carbon dioxide, helping to form glutamic acid. It can also be converted to carnitine in the body. A unique property that lysine has is that it does not change its nitrogen with other circulating amino acids.

Like all amino acids, lysine functions as a building block for proteins. It's also a key player in the production of various enzymes, hormones, and disease-fighting antibodies. Lysine is involved in the browning reaction, or carmelization, in foods such as pastries, doughnuts, cookies and cereals. Lysine is dependent upon riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6 for its assimilation. Using iron and vitamin C, lysine helps form collagen.

Lysine functions, uses, and health benefits Lysine has many functions in the body because it is incorporated into many proteins, each of which is used by the body for a variety of purposes. It is an essential building block for all protein, and is needed for proper growth and bone development in children.

Lysine helps the body absorb and conserve calcium and it plays an important role in the formation of collagen, a substance important for bones and connective tissues including skin, tendon, and cartilage. When vitamin C is combined with lysine, the formation of collagen is enhanced. Collagen is important to the formation of bone and tissue along with its repair. Because it helps to build muscle protein and repair tissues, lysine is especially important for those recovering from surgery or sports-related injuries.

The most promising application of lysine is its use in managing and preventing painful and unsightly herpes sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Lysine interferes with replication of herpes viruses and is therefore often prescribed by doctors to people with cold sores or genital herpes.

Lysine supplements (as opposed to foods high in this nutrient) can also play an important role in staving off and reducing the severity of herpes-related cold sores. L-lysine can be used to treat mouth and genital lesions caused by herpes simplex virus as well as shingles caused by herpes zoster viruses.

Lysine, when combine with arginine can stimulate release of human growth hormone. Growth hormone boosts metabolic funcition, increasing the rate at which fat is burnt for energy. Growth hormone also has an anabolic effect, promoting protein formation and tissue growth. pain following an episiotomy.

These forms of lysine may also relieve migraine headaches and painful periods. Dietary sources of lysine Good sources of lysine are foods rich in protein including meat (specifically red meat, pork, and poultry), cheese (particularly parmesan), certain fish (such as cod and sardines), nuts, eggs, soybeans (particularly tofu, isolated soy protein, and defatted soybean flour), spirulina, and fenugreek seed.

The soy-based products are especially beneficial to vegetarians, who may find it difficult to enrich their diets with lysine. Vegetables, on the other hand, are generally a poor source of lysine, with the exception of legumes (beans, peas, lentils). Lysine is also available as L-lysine acetylsalicylate (LAS), Lysine clonixinate (LC), and L-lysine monohydrochlorine (LMH).

Foods (like gelatin, chocolate, carob, coconut, oats, wholewheat and white flour, peanuts, soybean) contain a high arginine to lysine ratio and should be avoided during a herpes eruption. Lysine dosage, intake As with all supplements and medications, it is necessary to consult your doctor for proper dosage. Most people do not require lysine supplementation. Adults may need up to 30 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.

Typical dosage used for possible prevention of herpes simplex virus recurrence is 500 mg to 3 grams daily.

The average dose is 1 gram daily. Higher doses are split throughout the day. Of all the amino acids, lysine is the most sensitive to the effects of food processing, such as dry heat. The amount of protein available in legumes and other sources of lysine can be significantly reduced if they have been toasted or roasted.

Lysine deficiency Lysine deficiencies occur more often in people who do not consume any animal products than in those who do. A lysine deficiency can occur either by an inadequate dietary intake or by an excessive arginine intake.

Lysine deficiency can interfere with carnitine synthesis and have adverse impact upon fat metabolism to energy. A lysine deficiency may also lead to calcium loss, which could increase your risk of developing osteoporosis.

Symptoms of lysine deficiency include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, agitation, bloodshot eyes, slow growth, anemia, and reproductive disorders. Toxicity, side effects, interactions, and contraindications Lysine supplements are considered safe and nontoxic.

Side effects have not been reported with the use of lysine, although very high doses (more than 10 grams a day) may cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Lysine must be used with care in supplement form when taking antibiotics. In very large doses (10 to 30 grams a day), lysine increases the toxicity of aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as gentamicin, neomycin, and streptomycin. Don't drink milk at the same time you take lysine.

But before I get into the details of this flawed study, let's first take a closer look at carnitine and what it does in your body. The Transporter L-carnitine, or just carnitine (the ""L"" refers to the configuration of the carnitine molecule that is biologically active) is often referred to as an amino acid, but it is not a true amino acid. Carnitine is an amino acid-like compound that is made in the body from the amino acids lysine and methionine. Its name is derived from the Greek word for flesh or meat, carnus. Not so coincidentally, it's abundant in red meat and dairy products, but it can also be found in various nuts, grains, and green vegetables.

Ask The Supplement Guru: Is Carnitine Safe?

"Nutrition Supplementation Ask The Supplement Guru: Is Carnitine Safe? Jim Stoppani, Ph. D. November 29, 2017 • 4 min read Its backers say carnitine offers powerful health and performance benefits.

But a new study seemed to link it to heart disease. I'm here to separate the truth from the hype. Vital Stats Name: Jim Stoppani, Ph D Occupation: Creator of JYM Supplement Science, fitness coach and consultant Website:www.jimstoppani.com/QI READ RECENTLY THAT CARNITINE IS A DANGEROUS SUPPLEMENT TO TAKE BECAUSE IT CAN CAUSE HEART DISEASE.

SO WHY DO YOU RECOMMEND PEOPLE USE IT IN YOUR PROGRAMS, SUCH AS SHORTCUT TO SHRED? Let me start by stating that carnitine is not dangerous and is a very safe and effective supplement. The recent confusion about carnitine arises from a new study that reported a possible association between carnitine and atherocsclerosis.

Your body also naturally produces carnitine, and if you're chronically deficient, you struggle to use fat as a fuel. This can lead to muscle weakness, stunted growth, and an enlarged liver, among many serious problems. One of the main roles that carnitine plays in the body is in assisting the transport of fat into the mitochondria of cells, such as muscle cells.

It is here in the mitochondria where the fat is burned away as fuel. This is why carnitine is a popular ingredient in fat burners. Research confirms that supplementing with carnitine increases the amount of fat burned, particularly during exercise.

This enhances fat loss and also boosts muscle endurance by sparing muscle glycogen. Carnitine has also been found to improve blood flow by increasing nitric oxide production. This relaxes the smooth muscles of the blood vessels, causing them to widen, allowing more blood to flow through. This can further promote muscle endurance through better deliver of nutrients and oxygen to working muscles, along with helping to improve recovery after exercise.

About That Study With all these benefits, carnitine sounds like quite a beneficial supplement. So you are likely confused with why the New York Times and many other newspapers are suddenly reporting on carnitine as if it's going to kill you. They even have a study to support this sensationalism! But let's take a closer look at that study.

It was published in the journal Nature Medicine by researchers at the Cleveland Clinic. They reported that the intestines contain microbiota that can convert carnitine into trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), an organic compound which may promote atherosclerosis. They also reported that the consumption of carnitine increased TMAO levels in red meat eaters, but not in vegans, due to a difference in gut microbes between omnivores and vegans or vegetarians. Supplementing with carnitine increases the amount of fat burned, particularly during exercise. So what's the problem?

Among the major flaws in this study, the researchers based many of their conclusions about TMAO on research done in mice.

So we don't truly know whether or not TMAO actually causes cardiovascular disease in humans. Another issue is the fact that the human component of their study consisted of only six people: one vegan and five meat-eaters. Six people is not even close to being enough subjects to draw conclusions. Additionally, after reading the study, I'm left wondering about the health of these meat-eating subjects. Did they exercise regularly? Did they eat a healthy diet? These factors can all dramatically impact a person's gut microbiota.

In short, this study is weak at best, so take it with a shaker cup-sized grain of salt. The Study You Didn't Hear About The Cleveland Clinic study isn't the only major carnitine study to come out recently. A brand new meta-analysis study published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings analyzed 13 different studies on the effects of carnitine and cardiovascular disease.

The researchers reported that carnitine is actually helpful for fighting against cardiovascular disease, not contributing to it. You read that right. More specifically, they found that supplementing with carnitine reduced all-cause mortality by almost 30 percent, reduced heart arrhythmias by 65 percent, and reduced symptoms of angina by 40 percent. Additionally, they noted research showing that carnitine helps to prevent atherosclerosis, not lead to it.

It's easy enough to explain how the Cleveland Clinic study got such big headlines. Once one prominent paper decided to run with the latest dose of doom and gloom, dozens of others seemingly had no choice. I'd be happy if the more positive study got the same level treatment, but I'm not holding my breath.

Moving Forward with Carnitine If you're taking carnitine now, feel safe to continue taking it for better endurance during workouts, greater muscle growth and strength gains, and improved fat loss.

Based on the study in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, it may also offer a host of other health benefits that include enhanced cardiovascular health. Because L-carnitine requires insulin to be taken up into the muscle, I suggest that you take about 2-3 grams of either L-carnitine or L-carnitine L-tartrate (Carnipure), either with high carb meals or a protein shake. Good times for this are in the morning with your first meal, and with your pre- and post-workout meals. JYM Pre JYMScientifically Advanced All-In-One Formula for Improved Workouts*Go Now!References Natali, A., et al.

Effects of acute hypercarnitinemia during increased fatty substrate oxidation in man. Metabolism 42 (5):594-600, 1993. Muller, D. M., et al. Effects of oral L-carnitine supplementation on in vivo long-chain fatty acid oxidation in healthy adults. Metabolism 51 (11):1389-91, 2002. Wutzke, K. D. and Lorenz, H. The effect of l-carnitine on fat oxidation, protein turnover, and body composition in slightly overweight subjects.

Metabolism 53 (8):1002-6, 2004. Bacurau, R. F., et al. Does exercise training interfere with the effects of L-carnitine supplementation? Nutrition 19 (4):337-41, 2003. Stephens, F. B., et al. New insights concerning the role of carnitine in the regulation of fuel metabolism in skeletal muscle.

J Physiol 581 (2): 431-444, 2007. Huang, A. and Owen, K. Role of supplementary L-carnitine in exercise and exercise recovery. Med Sport Sci 59:135-42, 2012. Koeth, R. A., et al. Intestinal microbiota metabolism of l-carnitine, a nutrient in red meat, promotes atherosclerosis. Nat Med. In press, 2013. Di Nicolantonio, J. J., et al. L-Carnitine in the Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Mayo Clinic Proceedings. In press, 2013. Sayed-Ahmed, M. M., et al. L-carnitine prevents the progression of atherosclerotic lesions in hypercholesterolaemic rabbits. Pharmacol Res 44 (3):235-42, 2001. Stephens, F. B., et al. Insulin stimulates L-carnitine accumulation in human skeletal muscle. FASEB J 20 (2):377-9, 2006. Stephens, F. B., et al. Carbohydrate ingestion augments L-carnitine retention in humans. J Appl Physiol 102: 1065-1070, 2007. * These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. About The Author Jim Stoppani, Ph. D. Jim Stoppani holds a doctorate in exercise physiology from the University of Connecticut and has been the personal nutrition and health consultant to numerous celebrity clients, including LL Cool J and Dr. Dre. View All Articles By This Author Rate This Article POOR EXCELLENT12345678910Out of 10Ratings "

Glutamic acid, lysine and methionine account for the majority, by weight, of amino acids sold. Glutamic acid and lysine are made by fermentation; methionine is made by chemical synthesis. The major producers of amino acids are based in Japan, the US, South Korea, China and Europe. Many microbe-based industries have their origins in traditions that go back hundreds or thousands of years. The amino acid industry has its roots in food preparation practices in Japan.

Amino Acid Production

Background The amino acid business is a multi-billion dollar enterprise. All twenty amino acids are sold, albeiteach in greatly different quantities (Table 1). Amino acids are used as animal feed additives (lysine,methionine, threonine), flavor enhancers (monosodium glutamic, serine, aspartic acid) and asspecialty nutrients in the medical field.

Seaweeds had been used for centuries there and in other Asian countries as a flavoring ingredient. In1908, Kikunae Ikeda of Tokyo Imperial University isolated the flavor enhancing principle from the seaweed konbu (also spelled kombu, Laminaria japonica; related to kelp) as crystals of monosodium glutamate (MSG). Adding MSG to meat, vegetables and just about any other type of prepared food makes it savory, a property referred to as umami.

Soon after Ikeda’s discovery, and recognizing the market potential of MSG, Ajinomoto Co. in Japan began extracting MSG from acid-hydrolyzed wheat gluten or defatted soybean and selling it as a flavor enhancer.

The production of MSG via “fermentation” grew out of the ashes of WWII in Japan. Around 1957, Japanese researchers led by S. Kinoshita at Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co. isolated soil bacteria that produced large amounts of glutamic acid. Producing strains were found by inoculating soil isolates in a grid pattern on duplicate Petri plates. The colonies were allowed to grow and one set of duplicates was killed with UV irradiation. The killed plate was overlaid with soft agar containing a Leuconostoc mesenteroides.

Since L. mesenteroides required glutamic acid for growth, it only grew in the vicinity of colonies that had excreted glutamate. Potential glutamate producers were then picked from the duplicate, unkilled, plate. Members of the Actinobacteria in the genus Corynebacterium (originally named Micrococcus glutamicus) were the most effective producers. Over the years, various glutamate-producing bacteria have been isolated and classified as Arthrobacter, Brevibacterium, or as members of other genera, but recent work has shown that almost all of these strains belong to the genus Corynebacterium.

Wild-type cultures produced up to 10 g/l glutamic acid. Yields were quickly improved by process engineering and by developing over-producing mutants. Yields are now in excess of 100 g per liter. The isolation of bacterial glutamate-producers led to the development of large-scale manufacture of MSG from cheap sugar and ammonia rather than from more expensive extracts of plants or animals.

In the early 1960s, workers at the same company found that C. glutamicum homoserine auxotrophs (see below) produced lysine thus providing the first viable fermentation process for lysine production. Today these bacteria produce well over 1,000,000 metric tons of MSG and 600,000 metric tons of lysine annually.

Three general approaches are used today for making amino acids: direct chemical synthesis, fermentation and bioconversion using enzymes. Choosing between processes depends on available technology, costs of raw material, market prices and sizes, cost of running fermentation versus synthesis reactions, and the environmental impact of the process itself. Table 1 illustrates the major processes as of 1996. The processes have not changed very much since then, but the amounts made have increased at a rate of about 2-5% per year.

Table 1. Estimated global production of amino acids (1996)*Amino acid Amount (ton/y) Process Uses L-glutamate 1,000,000 Ferm.

Flavor enhancer D, L. Methionine 350,000 Chemical Food , Feed Pharm. L-Lysine HCL 250,000 Ferm. Feed Supplement Glycine 22,000Chemical Pharm., soy sauce L-Phenylalanine 8,000 Ferm., Synthesis Aspartame L-Aspartic acid 7,000 Enzymatic Aspartame, Pharm. L-Threonine 4,000 Ferm. Feed supplement L-Cysteine 1,500 Extraction, Enzyma. Pharm. D, L –Alanine 1,500Chemical Flavor, sweetener L- Glutamine 1,300 Ferm. Pharmaceuticals L-Arginine1,200 Ferm. Flavor, pharm. L- Tryptophan 500 Ferm., Enzymatic Feed suppl., Pham. L – Valine 500 Ferm. Pharmaceuticals L –Leucine 500 Ferm., Extraction Pharmaceuticals L –Alanine 500 Enzymatic Pharm. L –Isoleucine 400 Ferm. Pharmaceuticals L – Histidine 400 Ferm. Pharmaceuticals L – Proline 350 Ferm.

Pharmaceuticals L – Serine 200 Ferm. Pharmaceuticals L - Tyrosine 120 Extraction Pharmaceuticals*From Ikeda, M. 2003. Adv. Biochem. Eng. Biotech. 79:1-35. Amino acids are consumed in a variety of markets. The largest by volume is the food flavoring industry.

MSG, alanine, aspartate, arginine are all used to improve the flavor of food. The basis of our ability to enjoy the taste of amino acids is rooted in evolution. Animals require certain amino acids for growth and nutrition. Specific taste receptors on the human tongue have been found that are G-protein coupled receptors responsive to many of the 20 L- but not D-amino acids.

For human receptors, the strongest response is for glutamate, thus providing a biochemical link to what cooks have known for centuries. Interestingly, inosine monophosphate (IMP), another well-known flavor enhancing nucleotide also sold commercially, greatly increases the response of the receptor to amino acids. The second largest consumer of amino acids is the animal feed industry. Lysine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan and others improve the nutritional quality of animal feeds by supplying essential amino acids that may be in low abundance in grain.

Using 0.5% lysine in animal feed improves the quality of the feed as much as adding 20% soy meal. In Amino acids in an IV stock– Travasol ®Essential Leucine 730 mg Isoleucine 600 mg Lysine (HCl) 580 mg Valine 580 mg Phenylalanine 560 mg Histidine 480 mg Threonine 420 mg Methionine 400 mg Tryptophan 180 mg Non-Essential Alanine 2.07 g Arginine 1.15 g Glycine 1.03 g Proline 680 mg Serine 500 mg Tyrosine 40 mg Acetate 88 m Eq Chloride 40 m Eqp H 6 (5-7); Total aa = 10 gaddition, by limiting the added amino acid supplements to those required by the animal, some of the excess ammonia made via deamination reactions that is normally excreted to the environment is eliminated.

The addition of microbially-produced amino acids has also increased with the onset of “Mad Cow” syndrome (BSE), a disease traced to feed supplements containing animal protein.

Finally, the pharmaceutical industry uses a variety of amino acids for making intravenous nutrient solutions for pre- and post-operative care (see Table 2). These mixtures account for a small percentage of the total volume of amino acids sold each year, but the requirement that they be highly purified provides a value-added component.

In addition to these uses, amino acids are used as specialty chemicals in laboratories, in the manufacture of artificial sweeteners (aspartame) and in many other situations. MSGGlutamate is the most abundant free amino acid in bacterial cytoplasm. Nevertheless, in order to be useful, glutamate producers must do two things well: they must overproduce glutamate in excess of their normal metabolic needs, and they must excrete it into culture broth.

The precise mechanism by which C. glutamicum does these things is still not completely understood despite over forty years of study. Some physiological traits, however, are clearly involved. These include biotin auxotrophy of producing strains, a marked decrease in α ketoglutarate dehydrogenase activity during production, and a predilection for exporting glutamate, perhaps via a specific transporter.

Many of the original glutamate-excreting strains were biotin auxotrophs, and growing in biotin deficient medium was found to “trigger” glutamate production. Biotin is a cofactor (a “vitamin”) used by enzymes that carboxylate substrates. One such enzyme is acetyl-Co A carboxylase that converts Acetyl-Co A + CO 2 to Malonyl-Co A in the first step of fatty acid biosynthesis.

Biotin auxotrophs growing in biotin deficient medium were proposed to have altered membranes due to suboptimal fatty acid biosynthesis. Supporting the notion of altered permeability is the observation that growth at higher temperatures, or including detergents or cell-wall biosynthesis inhibitors like penicillin in the growth medium can also trigger excretion. Reduced levels of α -ketoglurate dehydrogenase during production may also be linked to membrane integrity. In corynebacteria, the enzyme has three activities on two peptides: the α -kg dehydrogenase + dihydrolipoamide S-succinyltransferase peptide and the dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase peptide.

The latter is shared with pyruvate dehydrogenase and is likely to be membrane bound and thus prone to being affected by trigger factors that alter membrane composition. Since α -ketoglurate dehydrogenase catalyzes a step in the TCA cycle, the cycle is largely incomplete during glutamate production, a circumstance requiring that pools of oxaloacetate be filled, as carbon is lost through glutamate.

Anaplerotic enzymes replace OAA; these enzymes include pyruvate carboxylase (Rxn. 1), malic enzyme (Rxn. 2), PEP carboxylase (Rxn. 3) and glyoxylate pathway enzymes.pyruvate + CO 2 + ATP oxaloacetate + ADP + P ipyruvate + CO2 + NADPH •malate + NADP + + H +phosphoenol pyruvate + CO 2 oxaloacetate + P i The actual contribution of each anaplerotic enzyme or pathway depends on the growth conditions, production phase and a host of interacting metabolic signals.

However, mutants lacking pyruvate carboxylase produce as much glutamate as wild type suggesting that PEP carboxylase is the major anaplerotic enzyme whan growing on sugars.

When growing on acetate or fatty acids, the glyoxylate pathway assumes a major role in filling OAA pools, although acetate is not normally used in the industrial process. For many years, increased membrane permeability was thought to promote glutamate excretion. Recently, however, export via a specific efflux transporter has been proposed as a mechanism for avoiding exceptionally high levels of intracellular glutamate.

Such an exporter has been proposed by analogy with the Lys E transporter that is responsible for lysine and arginine export in C. glutamicum. Other factors contributing to glutamate overproduction include metabolic flux alterations based on cell growth limitations. The following chain of events seems likely: A triggering mechanism (biotin depletion, high temperature, cell membrane alterations by detergents, oleic acid or antibiotics) results in a decrease or repression of α -kg dehydrogenase. The result is a redistribution of metabolites at the branch point in the TCA cycle leading from α -kg to succinyl-Co A or glutamate.

The increase in glutamate levels, beyond that needed for cell growth, stimulates glutamate efflux as the cell attempts to maintain the proper level of intracellular glutamate.

The result is the excretion of glutamate from the cell. Industrial production of MSGAlthough the details of MSG production remain proprietary and differ in detail from company to company, a general outline of the industrial process is known. The process is most commonly run as a fed-batch type, where sugar is added during the fermentation process.

The reason for using fed-batch rather than batch, where all components are present at the beginning of the process, is that high sugar concentrations, more that 20% in total would otherwise need to be added to the medium. Such high levels can lead to incomplete oxidation of the sugar to lactic or acetic acids or to osmotic inhibition of growth with subsequent decrease in yields.

Small seed cultures are grown on glucose, potassium phosphate, magnesium sulfate, yeast extract and urea as a source of nitrogen. Larger cultures use cheaper sources of sugar including cane or beet molasses and starch hydrolyzates from corn or cassava. The sugar source roughly parallels the geographic location of the process. That is, corn syrup is used in the United States, tapioca (from cassava) in South Asia and cane and beet molasses in Europe and S. America.

Ammonia and ammonium sulfate are used as nitrogen sources. Ammonia can also be used to control p H during fermentation. Cheap sources of vitamins and other nutrients include corn steep liquor, a by-product of cornstarch manufacture that is replete with amino acids, nucleic acids, minerals and vitamins.

To begin the process, stocks of C. glutamicum are used to inoculate shake flask cultures. The resulting cells are transferred to a small seed culture tank that is grown and used to inoculate a larger tank, and so on.

The intermediate seed culture volumes are variable but generally in the range of 200-1000 liter, then 10,000-20,000 l and finally the production tank of about 50,000-500,000 l. The process is carefully controlled at each step such that cell density, nutrient composition, temperature, p H, aeration, agitation rates and sugar flow rates are as consistent as possible from batch to batch.

Oleic acid (0.65 ml/l) might be added at the beginning of the fermentation to encourage glutamate excretion; p H is set around 8.5 with ammonia, and maintained at 7.8 during the process. After 14 hours of growth, the temperature is increased from about 32-33°C to 38°. Sugar is fed in as the fermentation proceeds up to about 36 h. During the course of the fed-batch process about 160 g or more of glucose per liter, or its equivalent, is fed into the bioreactor.

Glutamate concentrations are monitored at intervals and, after the process is complete, the broth is pumped from the bioreactor to recovery tanks. Yields of glutamate from a large-scale fermentation are in excess of 100 g/l. That means that a 100,000 liter bioreactor yields about 10,000 kg of glutamate. At a market price of about $1.25 per kg, a single fermenter has a value of about $12,500. Considering the costs of energy, personnel, overhead and processing, that is not much money and is a consequence of fierce competition between companies.

L-LYSINESoon after C . glutamicum was commercialized for MSG production, auxotrophs were developed that excreted commercial quantities of lysine.

By 1958, Kinoshita and colleagues had shown that lysine was excreted by homoserine auxotrophs. For example, a homoserine auxotroph (strain ATCC13287) was patented in 1961 that yielded 44 g lysine per liter with a conversion efficiency of 26% from sugar (g lysine/g sugar).

Further increases in yield were made incrementally with the introduction of additional amino acid and vitamin auxotrophies plus development of strains resistant to antimetabolites. Typical strains today provide conversion efficiencies of over 50%. To understand why lysine is overproduced from a physiological standpoint, one must first understand the regulatory circuits that govern lysine biosynthesis. The approaches used for creating amino acid overproducers are paradigms of rational strain improvement as contrasted with approaches that rely on random mutagenesis and screening. The pathway leading to lysine (also threonine, isoleucine, methione) biosynthesis is initiatedwith the conversion of aspartate to aspartyl-P via the enzyme aspartokinase (AK).

The phosphorylated aspartate is then converted to aspartyl-semialdehyde (ASA) that can converted to homoserine by homoserine dehydrogenase (HSD) or to diaminopimelic acid (DAP) by a series of five enzymatic conversions, and thence to lysine. Homoserine is the starting point for making threonine and isoleucine as well as methionine. The major control points for the metabolic flux to individual amino acids occurs at the level of aspartokinase and homoserine dehydrogenase.

Fig. 1. Aspartate family of amino acids showing the branched pathways leading to lysine, methionine, threonine and isoleucine. Lysine plus threonine exert concerted feedback inhibition (dashed lines) on aspartyl kinase (AK) and threonine feedback inhibits homoserine dehydrogenase (HSD). Methionine represses the synthesis of HSD (dots & dashes). AK is feedback inhibited by the accumulation of threonine plus lysine.

Homoserine dehydrogenase is feedback inhibited by threonine and its synthesis is repressed by methionine. Mutations that lead to the overproduction of lysine include HSD, HSD leaky, and lysine analogue resistant mutants. HSD mutants are homoserine auxotrophs that effectively lack the ability to make threonine, methionine and isoleucine, thus eliminating the feedback inhibition of AK by threonine. HSD leaky mutants make an HSD that is less effective at making homoserine so that threonine does not accumulate to levels sufficient to shut down AK.

The benefit of the latter mutants is that additional amino acids do not need to be added to growth media to make up for their complete lack of synthesis in HSD null mutants. Analogue resistant mutants resist the feedback inhibition effects of allosteric effectors. In the case of AK, mutants were derived that resisted analogues of lysine and/or threonine. To derive such mutants, mutagenized cultures are incubated in the presence of the analogue; those that grow “resist” the analogue and are screened for their ability to make lysine. The rationale behind the approach is that wild-type AK recognizes the lysine analog 2-aminoethyl-L-cysteine (AEC) as lysine. The enzyme is inhibited as if lysine had accumulated in the cell and the cell fails to grow due to lysine starvation.

Analogue resistant mutants have AKs that do not recognize AEC as lysine; these enzymes remain uninhibited, continue to make aspartyl-P and then lysine and the cells continue to grow. Such mutants, since they no longer respond to intracellular lysine levels, continue to synthesize lysine at high levels.

Other types of auxotrophs, for example for leucine and alanine also overproduce lysine since their biosynthetic pathways compete for pyruvate. In 1996, the gene encoding a membrane protein involved in the active export of lysine– lys E – was cloned and sequenced. It is responsible for exporting lysine up a concentration gradient eventually leading to the accumulation of as much as 1 mole per liter of lysine.

Mutations in this gene cause lysine to accumulate in the cytoplasm but not in the extracellular medium. Introducing the gene into a multi-copy plasmid in C. glutamicum leads to increases in the rate of efflux of intracellular lysine. Lysine Fermentation The industrial production of L-lysine is carried out in a manner similar to that for L-glutamate production.

Sugar cane or beet molasses is used as the substrate for production. If the biotin level is low in the starting material it must be added to a level of about 30 ug/l. If an auxotroph for any amino acid is used, that amino acidmust be present so that the cells may grow but should not be present at high enough concentration to exert inhibitory physiological effects such as feedback inhibition of the pathways used for production.

L-THREONINEL-Threonine production has been accomplished by genetically manipulating strains of E. coli and stands as a good example of rational design of industrial organisms. The initial strains constructed for his purpose were derived 1969 as mutants resistant to the L-threonine analogue, α -amino- β -hydroxyvaleric acid (AHV) by Shiio & Nakamori in Japan.

Since that time several strains have emerged as production strains based on a combinations of auxotrophic and analogue resistant mutations that have the collective effect of funneling carbon to L-threonine production. Detailed understanding of threonine metabolism in E. coli was essential for rationally designing threonine overproducers.

The regulation of threonine biosynthesis in E. coli is more complex than that in C. glutamicum. Unlike Corynebacterium, E. coli has three aspartate kinases, AKI, AKII and AKIII. Two (AKI and AKII) are multidomain proteins that also have homoserine dehydrogenase activity responsible for the third step of the pathway.

AKI is feedback inhibited by threonine and its synthesis is repressed by a combination of threonine and isoleucine. The synthesis of AKII is repressed by methionine. AKIII is feedback inhibited and repressed by lysine. Fig. 1. Aspartate family of amino acids in E. coli. *HSD is part of the multidomain proteins AKI and AKII are is under the same regulatory controls as AKI and AKII.

The second step of the pathway is catalyzed by aspartate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (ASD). Its expression is repressed by an accumulation of high levels of lysine, threonine and methionine, with lysine being the most effective. The last two enzymes, homoserine kinase (HK; thr B) and threonine synthase (TS; thr C) are coexpressed along with AKI ( thr A) as part of the thr ABC operon.

This operon is controlled by transcriptional attenuation. A 21 amino acid long leader peptide between the promoter and first gene has seven theronines and four isoleucines. The rate of transcription dictates whether the genes are transcribed. If the rate of transcription is fast (lots of charged trp-t RNA and ile t RNA) then transcription is terminated; if it is slow, leading to pausing of the ribosome during translation, transcription continues and the enzymes are made.

Aside from these regulatory mechanisms, other systems also affect threonine production. These include the breakdown of threonine by threonine deaminase ( ilv A) or threonine dehydrogenase ( tdh ), and transport systems that control the uptake or efflux of threonine from the medium.

With such a complex regulatory scheme, several approaches have been taken to “open up” the pathway to threonine production.

These generally involve deriving auxotrophs for amino acids thatmight compete for carbon flow through the pathway, or analogue resistant mutants that have enzymes that have lost the ability to be feedback inhibited by the product of the pathway. Analogue resistant mutants of E coli were derived by 1969 using the threonine analogue α -amino- β hyroxyvaleric acid (AHV).

This compound has been used for virtually all subsequent work. In addition to analogue resistance that removed the feedback inhibition on AKI, auxotrophs were made that required isoleucine. By placing the threonine operon onto multicopy plasmids and introducing it into such a strain, strains were obtained that produced about 65 g/l of threonine with yields of 48% (g thr/g sugar).

A production strain that was made by a collaboration between Russian and Japanese workers with the following genotype: Genotype and phenotype of Strain B-3996rel A + Gene encododing stringent factor synthesis (pp Gpp) that enhances transciption of amino acid biosynthesisoperonsthr C Mutant inactivating threonine synthaseilv A* Mutant threonine deaminase reducing levels to ca.

1% WT; removes attenuation of thr operonsuc + Ability to use sucrose introducedrht23A Mutant enhancing rht expression involved in amino acid efluxtdh Mutant lacking threonine dehydrogenase; decreases breakdown of threonineppc* PEP carboxylase insensitive to aspartic acid; increases flow of carbon to OAA and aspp VC40 RSF1010 plasmid containing complete threonine operon with thr A* (ATI) mutation L-ASPARTATE & L-ALANINEL-Aspartate is used in foods and pharmaceuticals.

The production of aspartate from immobilized E. coli cells has been done since 1973. Cells immobilized in various gels including polyacrylamide or κ -carrageenan, polyurethane has been the method of choice. Aspartic acid is made by the enzyme aspartate ammonia lyase (aspartase) that carries out the following reaction in presence of ammonium fumarate:- OOCCH=CHCOO - + NH 4 + • - OOCCH 2 CH (NH 3 + )COO -Once immobilized, the cells are quite stable retaining aspartase activity for well over 600 days even at 37°C.

The process is carried out at p H 8.5 with ammonium fumarate as the substrate. Immobilized Pseudomonas dacunhae cells can convert aspartate to alanine using the pyridoxal-phosphate dependent aspartate β -carboxylase. The reaction proceeds as follows: OOCCH 2 CH (NH 3 + )COO •CH 3 CH (NH 3 + )COO + CO 2 This process was industrialized in Japan in 1982 and is used today for making L-alanine.

Aspartame Aspartame is the trade name applied to a dipeptide: L-aspartyl-L-phenylananine methyl ester. It was discovered apparently by accident in 1965 by James Schlatter, a chemist working at G. D. Searle & Co. looking for new treatments for gastric ulcers.

As thestory goes, he spilled some intermediate on his hand and later licked his finger to pick Aspartame up a piece of paper and noticed the intense sweet flavor.

Aspartame is about 180 times sweeter than sucrose and, gram for gram, has about as many calories. Thus, much less is needed to provide the equivalent sweetness of sucrose. Aspartame is sold under a variety of trade names including Nutrasweet ®, originally made by Searle & Co., Equal, Spoonful and Measure).

A process for making phenylalanine was developed and patented by Genex was based on older work that had demonstrated the production of phenylalanine from cinnamic acid plus ammonium ions by the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase.

Although known for many years, the process had not been used due to the instability of the enzyme and its inhibition of by the substrate t -cinnamic acid. Genex managed to improve the stability by carrying out the bioconversion under anaerobic, static conditions, and using strains of the yeast Rhodotorula rubra.

The process of phenylalanine production is described in U. S. Patent #4,584,269. An initial aerobic growth phase is used to grow the yeast cells on complex medium that includes yeast extract. After growth, cells are induced to produce the enzyme by adding a substrate such astrans -cinnamic acid L-phenylalanine L-, or D, L-phenylalanine or tyrosine, casein or blood hydrolyzates. Once the enzyme has been induced, whole suspended or immobilized cells are then incubated with slow agitation under anaerobic conditions and in the presence of t-cinnamic acid (25 g/l) plus ammonium ions.

Alternatively, cinnamic acid can be added as a fed batch to the stirring cells yielding about 42.7 g/l of phenylalanine.

Other amino acids All amino acids may be produced by fermentation. Whether they will or not depends on the costs of competing technologies such as chemical synthesis or extraction from protein sources. Bacterial strains that produce amino acid are, with some exceptions, mainly derived from Corynebacterium sp., Bacillus sp.

or E. coli. Strains used in production are wild-type natural overproducers, auxotrophic or regulatory mutants that have altered feedback inhibition pathways, or derepressed enzyme synthesis, and/or genetically engineered organisms that have multiple copies of genes encoding rate-limiting enzymes.

Table 3. Amino acid yields and producing strains*Amino acid Yields (% of sugar) Organism Genotype (Example)L-glutamate 45-55 C. glutamicum ( Brevibacterium lactofermentum) dts R, low α kg-dehydrogenase L-Lysine HCL 40-50 C. glutamicum AEC r, Rif r, Sm r, AU r, Glycine L-Phenylalanine 20-25 L-Aspartic acid L-Threonine 40-50 Escherichia coli KY10935 Thr-N, AHV r, AEC r, Asp r, Lys r, Hse r, Thr r, Met -, altered L-Thr transport systems L-Cysteine L –Alanine 45-55 L- Glutamine L-Arginine 30-40 C. glutamicum ( C. acetoacidophilum) Arg HX r, TA r, AU r, [MFA+CBZA] r, Cys r, AC r L- Tryptophan 20-25 L – Valine 30-40 L –Leucine L –Alanine L –Isoleucine 20-30 L – Histidine 15-20 L – Proline L – Serine 30-35 L - Tyrosine AC = ammonium chloride; AEC = S- (2-aminoethyl)-L-cysteine; AHV = α -amino- β -hydroxyvaleric acid; Arg HX r = L-arginine hydroxamate; Asp = L-aspartate; AU = 6-azauracil; Cys = L-cysteine; Hse = L-homoserine; Lys = L-Lysine; Met = L-Methionine; [MFA+CBZA] r = monofluoroacetic acid – N-CBZ-L-arginine; Rif = rifampicin; Sm = Streptomycin; TA = β - (2-thiazolyl)-D,L alanine; Thr = L-Threonine; Thr-N = Nonutilization of thr as N-source;*From Ikeda, M. 2003. Adv. Biochem. Eng. Biotech. 79:1-35.

Lysine is an essential amino acid, which means that it is needed by the body. However, this amino acid cannot be synthesized naturally. It needs to come from a source and that source is the food that we eat. Primarily lysine is needed to ensure that the bones grow properly. Aside from being one of the building blocks of protein, Lysine is also essential in the synthesis of Carnitine.

Lysine As a Natural Treatment for Menopause Symptoms Leave a Comment When we think of amino acids, we usually look into them collectively.

However, each amino acids plays a different role from the other. Lysine, specifically, can work independently from or with other types of amino acids. Let’s look into what lysine has to offer to our bodies, especially during the menopausal phase in women. What is Lysine?

It also helps in the protection of the skin, tendons, and cartilage as it helps in the production of collagen too. Lysine in Menopause Since lysine helps in the production of Carnitine, it somehow helps in the metabolism of fatty acids and control of cholesterol levels.

Through this, you can also manage your weight with the help of lysine. One of the essential roles of lysine is its assistance when it comes to optimal absorption of calcium in the body. As a result, it aids in the prevention of osteoporosis while maintaining the health of the bones in general.

Works together with Arginine in keeping the integrity of the blood vessels and further reduce hot flashes. Other Uses of Lysine Lysine may also prevent the occurrence of cold sores and genital herpes. This is especially true if lysine supplementation is done regularly. However, it was found that it was effective as a preventive measure and not totally effective as a treatment option for Herpes Simplex Virus Outbreak.

Here are other bodily functions that may need lysine during the process: Improvement of Immune system through production of antibodies Production of digestive enzymes for better digestion Helps in the transport of blood and the nutrients in the body Promotes optimal gallbladder function Aids the Endocrine system with hormone production But, how much Lysine does the body need for it to be an effective amino ac

id? Low and High Lysine Levels The dosage for lysine depends highly on the needs of every individual. However, as a universal recommendation, adults can take 12 mg of lysine per kilogram daily. Say if you weigh 60 kilograms, you can take 720 mg of lysine daily. Most experts suggests taking 1,000 mg every day.

? L-Carnitine is an amino acid composite – one of the building blocks of protein. It is known to increase the number of androgen receptors in muscles. These receptors allow muscle to utilize testosterone resulting in an enhanced ability to build muscle.

L-Carnitine Injections: Benefits, Side Effects, Usage Instructions & Buying Guide

Home » Lipotropic Injections » Amino Acids » L-Carnitine Injections: Benefits, Side Effects, Usage Instructions & Buying Guide Amino Acids L-Carnitine Injections: Benefits, Side Effects, Usage Instructions & Buying Guide Last Updated: Apr 8, 2018 @ 4:32 am There have been so many scandals related to the unscrupulous promotion of expensive and ineffective – even dangerous supplements and treatments for weight loss and muscle gain, that wise consumers are being extremely cautious.

Let’s take a closer look at L-Carnitine and discover what can be expected of it; does it work, is it safe and where can you safely source L-Carnitine Injections?

These are just a few of the questions we will answer in this article. What is L-Carnitine? Benefits of L-Carnitine L-Carnitine Shots for Weight Loss L-Carnitine Injections for Bodybuilding Additional Benefits of L-Carnitine Combining L-Carnitine and L-Arginine Types of L-Carnitine Supplements L-Carnitine Reviews Injectable Carnitine VS Oral Supplements Carnitine Injections for Humans VS Animals Guide to Using Injectable L-Carnitine Side Effects of L-Carnitine Where to Buy L-Carnitine Injections What is L-Carnitine

It also enhances the body’s ability to metabolize fat thereby enhancing energy levels. For body builders, this means faster muscle building and for dieters, the combination of L-Carnitine and exercise enhances fat burning. L-Carnitine has become a popular supplement in the fitness industry and is now available in both oral and injectable supplements.

Benefits of L-Carnitine Medically, this amino acid is used to treat heart and circulatory system disorders. It is also used to combat muscle disorders in AIDS patients as well as being used in the treatment of male infertility.

The range of conditions in which L-Carnitine is prescribed include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Lyme disease, an overactive thyroid and also as a means of boosting physical performance and endurance. L-Carnitine enhances energy production, improves heart and brain function and muscular co-ordination.

As a result, it enhances muscle building, increases HGH levels and improves strength and stamina thanks to extra energy and a better potential for building new muscle tissue.

L-Carnitine Shots for Weight Loss Using an L-carnitine injection for slimming might sound like a drastic step, but for those of us who are exercising well, eating sensibly and still not losing weight, it could be a godsend.

The science behind it makes sense. Since the body itself synthesizes L-Carnitine, a fairly simple amino acid, you can be sure that it’s safe. Using these shots for weight loss encourages the metabolism of fat by helping the transfer of fatty acids to the power houses of the cells, the mitochondria.

Everyone needs lysine, though some people benefit from it more than others. Lysine plays a role in growth, as well as the production of the nutrient carnitine. This nutrient converts fatty acids into energy and plays a role in lowering your cholesterol.

What Are the Benefits of Taking L-Lysine?

Written by Kelsey Casselbury; Updated March 15, 2018Related Articles The Best Source of Lysine What's the Difference Between Proteins & Amino Acids?

How to Get a Lysine-Rich Diet What Are the Health Benefits of Lysine and Echinacea? Your body needs all 20 amino acids — the building blocks of protein — but it can't make nine of those 20 on its own. One of those essential nine amino acids is lysine, which you must consume via food or supplements to stay healthy. Lysine's Roles in the Body

Lysine helps your body absorb the calcium you consume from milk or fish, and helps form collagen — vital to bones and connective tissues, such as skin, tendons and cartilage.

A lack of lysine, though not common, can affect how you feel. Symptoms of low lysine include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, slow growth, anemia and reproductive problems. If you're an athlete or an older woman, you might want to talk to your doctor about how lysine may help you specifically.

Athletic Performance Benefits for Older Women As women age, they naturally lose muscle mass and strength. Researchers looked at whether a mix of nutrients, including lysine, could help with that muscle loss and improve strength and functionality in older women.

The results, published in the journal Nutrition, determined that daily supplementation of lysine, along with arginine and beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (better known as HMB) positively increases muscle functionality, strength, mass and protein synthesis. Getting More Lysine If you're supplementing lysine in tablets or capsules, talk to your doctor first about the proper dosage or whether supplementing is safe for you.

There are certain other supplements and medications, such as calcium, arginine and some antibiotics, which may interact with lysine or adversely affect your health.

While lysine is available in supplement form, it's fairly easy to get enough in your diet, too. Common food sources of this amino acid include meat, including red meat, pork and poultry, cheese, certain fish like cod and sardines and soybeans, particularly tofu. Beans and other legumes are also a good source of lysine, particularly for those who don't eat animal products. References (2)University of Maryland Medical Center: Lysine Nutrition: Effect of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, arginine, and lysine supplementation on strength, functionality, body composition, and protein metabolism in elderly women About the Author Kelsey Casselbury has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Penn State-University Park and formal education in fitness and nutrition.

Collins is an experienced blogger, editor and designer, who specializes in nutrition, fitness, weddings, food and parenting topics. She has been published in association and consumer publications, along with daily newspapers such as The Daily Times (Salisbury, Md. )Photo Creditslips image by Alex Motrenko from Fotolia.com Cite this Article

As a building block for protein, amino acids like L-lysine are necessary for normal growth and development. In particular, L-lysine is needed by the body to manufacture carnitine, a substance that is used in the conversion of fatty acids into energy.

Benefits of L-lysine & Ways to Avoid Its Deficiency

Benefits of L-lysine & Ways to Avoid Its Deficiency L-lysine is an essential amino acid used by the body as a building block for many functions. Know more about its benefits and what to do in case of its deficiency. L-lysine is an amino acid (a building block of protein) that is essential for health.

However, it cannot be manufactured naturally in the human body like other types of amino acids. Therefore, L-lysine, also called lysine, is considered as one of the eight essential amino acids. In order to obtain lysine, one has to eat foods high in its content or take dietary supplements containing it.

It also helps in calcium absorption and collagen formation which are important for muscle and bone health. Foods that are high in L-lysine include high protein foods like nuts, red meat, eggs, milk, cheese, beans, and sardines.

However, some people may need more than just the usual dietary food to supply their needs for lysine, such as athletes, body builders, vegetarians, and vegans. These people can get additional sources of L-lysine from nutritional supplements in the form of liquids, tablets, or capsules which are available in health stores or pharmacies.

L-lysine Benefits L-lysine is an important and indispensable component of proteins. As previously mentioned, it plays a role in the production of carnitine and collagen.

Its benefits include the following: Promotes normal growth and development by increasing collagen formation Supports the production of other proteins like enzymes, antibodies and hormones Promotes bone health by increasing calcium absorption; prevents osteoporosis or weak bones by reducing bone loss Helps convert fatty acids to energy, aiding in weight reduction Helps lower bad cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk for heart disease Promotes skin health through increased collagen formation May be used to treat viral infections like herpes simplex, cold sores, shingles,human papilloma virus (HPV) infection such as genital warts, and genital herpes Can relieve migraines and other types of pain and inflammation When taken with other nutrients like vitamin C, it can reduce chest pains (angina) related to heart disease Helps in muscle building, when taken with other amino acids like arginine L-lysine Deficiency There're various l-lysine benefits but what happens when one's diet is deficient in l-lysine?

Some health problems have been found to be related to L-lysine deficiency such as kidney stone formation, low thyroid hormone production, asthma, chronic viral infections, and abnormal growth and development. Symptoms related to a deficiency in this amino acid include nausea, fatigue, dizziness, anemia, and loss of appetite.

Some disorders of the reproductive system have also been linked to a lack of l-lysine in the diet. To deal with L-lysine deficiency, you can take following steps. Avoid a high sugar diet - To prevent l-lysine deficiency, one must avoid a high sugar diet, since sugar has been known to bind lysine.

Arginine intake - Another cause of low lysine levels is taking large doses of arginine (another amino acid). Consume high protein foods - To get adequate amounts of L-lysine, one must consume high protein foods like red meat, legumes, eggs, and dairy products.

Certain fish like sardines and cod, nuts, soybeans products like tofu and soybean flour, spirulina, fenugreek seed, and Brewer's yeast are also good lysine sources. Supplements intake - For those who need additional sources of L-lysine, dietary supplements in the form of tablets, capsules, or liquids may be taken.

Precautions of L-lysine Intake Usually you can control your diet to get more l-lysine. But when you do need supplements know some precautions to better enjoy l-lysine benefits. Intake Conditions L-lysine supplements are often taken by vegans who do not eat food products containing animal protein, athletes who are highly active and bodybuilders who want more muscle mass.

Patients who have large wounds, burns, or other medical conditions involving protein loss also need supplemental lysine for repair. Some people take l-lysine supplements to treat or prevent viral infections like cold sores and shingles. Although lysine may be taken without prescription, it must be taken with caution to avoid side effects such as nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

Dosage It is always best to ask your healthcare provider for advice regarding L-lysine supplementation, especially with regards to dosage.

According to experts at the University of Maryland Medical Center, the usual recommended dose for people aged 13 years and above is 12 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day. For treating herpes infections, one may need a higher dosage, ranging from 3,000 - 9,000 mg, taken in divided doses, daily. To prevent recurrences, one may need to take 1,000 mg three times a day. Consult a physician for more information on proper dosage and duration of intake.

Cautions Experts recommend obtaining one's nutrients from a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods. One can obtain L-lysine supplements from online health stores or from health food stores without prescription, but one must be aware of the possible side effects of taking too much lysine. L-lysine can interact with other substances when taken in large amounts, and can cause a deficiency in L-arginine, another important amino acid.

Excessive doses can also lead to gallstone formation and increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Pregnant and lactating women, patients with heart, liver, or kidney disease and those taking certain antibiotics should consult a physician before taking these supplements.

ity a measure of the amount of amino acids absorbed from a given protein intake.limiting amino acid the essential amino acid found in the shortest supply relative to the amounts needed for protein synthesis in the body. four amino acids are most likely to be limiting: lysine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan

Chapter 6 Protein Amino Acids

46 terms gc961084Chapter 6 Protein Amino Acids Learn Flashcards Write Spell Test Match Gravity Advertisement Upgrade to remove ads Like this study set? Create a free account to save it. Create a free account Maybe later Sortproteins compounds composed of carbon hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen atoms arranged into amino acids linked in a chain.

Some amino acids contain sulfur atomsamino acids building block of proteins. each contains an amino group, an acid group, a hydrogen atom, and a distinctive side group, all attached to a central carbon atomnonessential amino acids amino acids that the body can synthesizeessential amino acids amino acids that the body cannot synthesize in amounts sufficient to me physiological needsconditionally essential amino acids an amino acid that is normally nonessential but must be supplied by the diet in special circumstances when the need for it exceeds the body's ability to produce itpeptide bond a bond that connects the acid end of one amino acid with the amino end of another, forming a link in a protein chaindipeptide two amino acids bonded togethertripeptide three amino acids bonded togetherpolypeptide many (ten or more) amino acids bonded togetherhemoglobin the globular protein of the red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the cell throughout the body.denaturation the change in a proteins shape and consequent loss of its function brought about by heat, agitation, acid, base, alcohol, heavy metals, or other agentspepsin a gastric enzyme that hydrolyzes protein.

blank is secreted in an inactive form, pepsinogen, which is activated by hydrochloric acid in the stomachproteases enzyme that hydrolyze proteinpeptidase a digestive enzyme that hydrolyzes peptide bonds. tripeptidases cleave tripeptides; dipeptase cleave dipeptides. Endopetidases cleave peptide bonds within chain to create smaller fragments, whereas exopeptidases cleave bonds at the ends to release free amino acids.sickle cell anemia a hereditary form of anemia characterized by abnormal sickle or crescent shaped red blood cells.

sickled cells interfere with oxygen transport and blood flow. Symptoms are precipitated by dehydration and insufficient oxygen (as many occur at high altitudes) and include hemolytic anemia (red blood cells burst), fever, and severe pain in the joints and abdomen.gene expression the process by which a cell converts the genetic code into RNA and proteinmatrix the basic substance that give form to a developing structure; in the body, the formative cells from which teeth and bones growcollagen the protein from which connective tissues such as scars, tendons, ligaments, and the foundations of bones and teeth are made.enzymes proteins that facilitate chemical reactions without being changed in the process; protein catalystsfluid balance maintenance of the proper types and amounts of fluid in each compartment of the body fluidsedema the swelling of body tissue caused by excessive amounts of fluid in the interstitial spaces, seen in protein deficiency (among other conditions)acids compounds that release hydrogen ions in a solutionbases compounds that accept hydrogen ions in a solutionacidosis above normal acidity in the blood and body fluidsalkalosis above normal alkalinity in the blood and body fluidsantigens substances that elicit the formation of antibodies or an inflammation reaction from the immune system.

a bacterium a virus, a toxin, and a protein in food that causes allergy are all examples of blanksantibodies large proteins of the blood and body fluids, produced by the immune system in response to the invasion of the body by foreign molecules (usually proteins called antigens)immunity the body's ability to defend itself against diseasesprotein turnover the degradation and synthesis of proteinamino acid pool the supply of amino acids derived from either food proteins or body proteins that collect in the cells and circulation blood and stand ready to be incorporated in proteins and other compounds or used for energynitrogen balance the amount of nitogen consumed (N in) as compared with the amount of nitrogen excreted (N out) in a given period of time.neurotransmitters chemicals that are released at the end of a nerve cell when a nerve impulse arrive there.

They diffuse across the gap to the next cell and alter the membrane of that second call to either inhibit or excite itdeamination removal of the amino (NH2) group from a compound such as an amino acid.high quality proteins dietary proteins containing all the essential amino acids in relatively the same amounts that human beings require. they may also contain nonessential amino acids.protein digestibil

reference protein a standard against which to measure the quality of other porteinscomplementary proteins two or more dietary proteins whose amino acid assortments complement each other in such a way that essential amino acids missing from one are supplied by the otherprotein-energy malnutrition a deficiency of protein, energy, or both, including kwashiorkor, marasmus, and instances in which they overlap.acute PEM protein energy malnutrion caused by recent severe food restriction; characterized in children by short height for age (stuntin)marasmus a form of PEM that results from a sever deprivation or impaired absorption of energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals`kwashiorkor a form of PEM that results either from inadequate protein intake or more commonly, form infectionschronic PEM protein-energy malnutrition caused by long term food deprivation; characterized in children by short height for agedysentery an infection of the digestive tract that causes diarrheawhey protein a by product of cheese production; falsely promoted as increasing muscle mass.

blank is the watery part of milk that separates from the curds.branched-chain amino acids the essential amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine, which are present in large amounts in skeletal muscle tissue; falsely promoted as fuel for exercising muscles.

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L-Carnitine (carnitine) is an essential, non-toxic, natural nutrient that helps burn fat for fuel. Because deficiencies have been linked to a profound impairment of muscle function, there has been great interest in studying carnitine supplementation.

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Over the past decade, my research, as well as countless others, has shed light on carnitine’s role in metabolism, performance and overall health. Carnitine burns body fat Carnitine has an essential role in transporting fat into mitochondria (the furnace of the cell). Therefore, carnitine has been marketed as a fat burning supplement. In two separate studies performed 10 years ago, supplementation of carnitine (3g per day) for 10 days resulted in significantly higher rates of fat oxidation.

This work was recently validated by researchers in the United Kingdom who studied two groups of healthy endurance-trained men.

The control group drank an 80g carbohydrate-only beverage two times per day for 24 weeks. The test group received 2g of L-Carnitine (in the form of L-Carnitine L-Tartrate) with their 80g carb beverage for the same dosage period. In the L-Carnitine group, resting muscle carnitine was unchanged after 12 weeks, but increased by 21% after 24 weeks. When the L-Carnitine group exercised at a low intensity after 24 weeks of supplementation, they showed that the higher muscle carnitine was linked to significant muscle glycogen sparing (55% better) compared to the control group.

Also, work output was 35% greater than the control group. Carnitine boosts recovery Although more than 95% of the body’s total carnitine pool resides in skeletal muscle, several lines of evidence support a role of carnitine in other processes beyond fat burning. Building on my laboratory’s prior work that showed carnitine had antioxidant and vasoactive (promotes dilation) effects, we focused our research on the role of carnitine in boosting recovery after exercise. Study 1In our first study, we reported that healthy men who supplemented with carnitine (2g per day for 3 weeks) showed significantly less accumulation of markers of post-exercise stress, including less formation of free radicals, and less tissue damage and muscle soreness after moderate intensity squat exercises.

Study 2We performed a follow-up study to validate those findings and determine if ingesting a smaller dose of carnitine could produce the same effects.

Healthy men performed a resistance exercise challenge that included five sets of squat exercise on three separate occasions. For three weeks prior to each test, subjects ingested either 1g of L-Carnitine per day, 2g per day or a placebo.

Similar to our previous work, we showed that carnitine supplementation was effective at reducing the acute response of several markers of biochemical stress after resistance exercise. In addition, perception of muscle soreness was lower after exercise with carnitine supplementation.

The surprising finding was that 1g of L-Carnitine per day was as effective as 2g per day. Study 3We conducted a third experiment to see if the beneficial effects of carnitine on recovery from exercise would be evident in a group of baby boomers, aged 40 to 65. We used a similar methodology and dosage of carnitine (2g per day). Similar to the previous two studies, we validated that carnitine supplementation beneficially affects post-exercise markers of metabolic stress, muscle disruption, and muscle soreness in middle-age men and women.

Carnitine may lower risk of heart disease by improving dilation Previous work in animals, and various clinical models of vascular disease in people, indicated that carnitine had vasoactive effects, improving the ability of blood vessels to dilate.

We therefore set out to examine the effects of carnitine supplementation on flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery as a measure of vascular health. Healthy subjects consumed a high fat meal, which has been shown to cause impairment of vascular health. We demonstrated that 2g of L-Carnitine taken with the meal enhanced vascular responses (increased dilation) to the high fat meal.

This was most apparent in those subjects who had the greatest decrease in vascular function. Because vascular dysfunction is an early event in heart disease, carnitine supplementation can be viewed as a preventative or therapeutic supplement to improve risk for heart disease. How much to take In addition to potentially enhancing fat burning at rest and during exercise, carnitine supplementation may offer additional benefits. The latest studies indicate better recovery from exercise, decreased exercise-induced muscle damage, decreased muscle soreness, increased antioxidant effects, and improved vascular function.

The most effective dose is 1-2g per day. Carnitine can be purchased in various forms including L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, L-Carnitine (free form), and Acetyl-L-Carnitine. All forms can deliver adequate amounts of carnitine to the blood. For cognition benefits, the Acetyl L-Carnitine form is typically used since it can be transported more easily to the brain.

The studies discussed here all focused on muscle and vascular tissue, and used the L-Carnitine L-Tartrate form. Reference: Wutzke KD, Lorenz H. The effect of l-carnitine on fat oxidation, protein turnover, and body composition in slightly overweight subjects. Metabolism. 2004 Aug;53 (8):1002-6. Müller DM, Seim H, Kiess W, Löster H, Richter T. Effects of oral L-carnitine supplementation on in vivo long-chain fatty acid oxidation in healthy adults.

Metabolism. 2002 Nov;51 (11):1389-91. Wall BT, Stephens FB, Constantin-Teodosiu D, Marimuthu K, Macdonald IA, Greenhaff PL. Chronic oral ingestion of L-carnitine and carbohydrate increases muscle carnitine content and alters muscle fuel metabolism during exercise in humans: the dual role of muscle carnitine in exercise metabolism. J Physiol. 2011 Jan 4. Volek, J. S., Kraemer, W. J., Rubin, M. R., Gomez, A. L., Ratamess, N. A.

& Gaynor, P. L-Carnitine L-tartrate supplementation favorably affects markers of recovery from exercise stress. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. (2002); 282: E474-482. Spiering, B. A., Kraemer, W. J., Vingren, J. L., Hatfield, D. L., Fragala, M. S., Ho, J. Y., Maresh, C. M., Anderson, J. M. & Volek, J. S. Responses of criterion variables to different supplemental doses of L-carnitine L-tartrate.

J Strength Cond Res. (2007); 21:259-264. Ho JY, Kraemer WJ, Volek JS, Fragala MS, Thomas GA, Dunn-Lewis C, Coday M, Häkkinen K, Maresh CM. l-Carnitine l-tartrate supplementation favorably affects biochemical markers of recovery from physical exertion in middle-aged men and women.

Metabolism. 2010 Aug;59 (8):1190-9. Volek JS, Judelson DA, Silvestre R, Yamamoto LM, Spiering BA, Hatfield DL, Vingren JL, Quann EE, Anderson JM, Maresh CM, Kraemer WJ. Effects of carnitine supplementation on flow-mediated dilation and vascular inflammatory responses to a high-fat meal in healthy young adults. Am J Cardiol. 2008 Nov 15;102 (10):1413-7.

Types of Amino Acids Amino acids are of two types – Essential Amino Acids and Non-Essential Amino acids. As humans we need a total of 20 amino acids. Essential Amino Acids: They are 9 in number namely Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine, Histidine.

Non-Essential Amino Acids | Why Should I Use Them?

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. There are around 100 available amino acids and humans needs only 20 of them.

Amino acids are not only required for protein synthesis but they have a major role to play in cell shape generation as well as transportation of minerals and storage of nutrients. Amino acids are required in the repair of damaged tissues as well and they do help to maintain metabolism of the human body. The article aims at covering some of the aspects of non-essential amino acids and their benefits to the human body in detail. There are numerous health benefits associated with each of the amino acid. The article lists the major ones.

The Essential Amino Acids are termed “essential” because the body cannot prepare them. We need to consume them through our food. They are 9 in number but usually humans require only 8 out of them. Histidine is usually required by the children. Non-essential Amino Acids: They are also 11 in number namely Arginine, Alanine, Asparagine, Aspartate, Cysteine, Glutamate, Glutamine, Glycine, Proline, Serine, Tyrosine. The non-essential amino acids are termed as such because the body has the ability to prepare them itself. Non-Essential Amino Acids There are 11 in number as previously stated. Out of these 11, 8 are “conditional”.

The term “conditional” refers to the state of human body in which it is unable to produce them due to reasons like illness, tension or stress. The list of conditional amino acids is arginine, glutamine, tyrosine, cysteine, glycine, proline, serine & ornithine. Non-Essential Amino Acids in Detail Arginine Arginine is also known as L-Arginine. Arginine can’t be synthesized from other amino acids.

Arginine changes to Nitric Oxide in the human body and serves as a powerful vasodilator. Health Benefits The health benefits of arginine include Healing of wounds Detoxification of the kidneys Immune and hormone maintenance Artery dilation There are rare cases of L-Arginine deficiency as the body is capable of producing it and it is found in red meat, wheat germs, grains, nuts and seeds.

Alanine Alanine is produced by other amino acids like pyruvate and leucine, valine and isoleucine. It is popularly known as L-Alanine. A more dense form exits by the name of Beta Alanine. Beta Alanine has applications in the sports industry as it is a performance improver.

Health Benefits The health benefits of alanine include Amino Acid Metabolism: Alanine along with Glutamine helps maintaining Amino Acid Metabolism in the body Glucose Production: It is absorbed by the liver and then it is converted into pyruvate which helps in maintaining glucose levels in the blood Hypoglycemia prevention: As Alanine helps in glucose production, it aids in prevention of insulin shocks and low sugar levels in the blood Asparagine Asparagine is known as the first amino acid to be isolated from its source.

It was synthesized from asparagus by Pierre Jean Robiquet and Louis-Nicolas Vauquelin. Asparagine is known for its major role in synthesis of glycoproteins.

In the human body, it is synthesized by the liver. Health Benefits The health benefits of asparagine include Transport Nitrogen: Asparagine is known for its efficiency of transporting nitrogen inside the body as well as its cell building capability Neuron Development: It is one of the most important amino acid required for neuron development Stamina Boost: Research has shown that asparagine when supplemented has shown improvement in stamina of athletes Deficiency of asparagine can lead to neural disorders, depression, irritation and the extreme case might lead to psychosis.

Aspartate Aspartate is commonly known as Aspartic Acid and it is a negatively charged polar amino acid.

It is synthesized by the liver in the human body. Aspartate exists in combination of chemical substances as well. Health Benefits The health benefits of Aspartate include As an agent in dietary s upplements: Aspartate is combined with iron, copper, magnesium, zinc to manufacture dietary supplements.

The combination of aspartate increases the solubility of the above mentioned minerals. Acts as a neurotransmitter: It might not be the strongest neurotransmitter present, but it is beneficial in stimulating NMDA receptors. Cysteine Cysteine is widely used by the human body for various important functions. In supplements, it is usually in the form of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). The body converts it into cysteine and then into glutathione which is a powerful antioxidant. Health Benefits The health benefits of Cysteine include Acetaminophen poisoning: N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) is usually given by doctors when there is an overdose of Chronic bronchitis & COPD: NAC is highly useful in treatment chronic bronchitis as it has reduced risks by 40%.

Angina pain treatment: NAC with nitroglycerin open ups the blood vessel for better blood inflow. This helps in lowering the chest pain felt by angina patients. Improvements in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): ARDS is a life threatening disease. It develops post injury to the lungs. Dosage of NAC has shown improvements in ARDS cases and may prevent the growth of the disease also.

Glutamate Glutamate is a very important amino acid and it is widely used as an ingredient commonly known as MSG (monosodium glutamate). It has to be noticed that food regulations don’t allow higher levels of MSG in food as it results in a sudden fall in blood pressure.

Glutamate is used as a very powerful neurotransmitter. The body produces it for the sole reason and it has to be present in the required quantity at the required place at the required time. Excess concentration of Glutamate is highly toxic as there are examples of it associated with MSG usage.

Health Benefits The health benefits of Glutamate include Acts as a transmitter inside the brain: Glutamate is the major mediator of signal transduction in humans as well as mammals in the CNS. Its other roles include memory vitalization, cognition and learning . Acts as a neurotransmitter: Glutamate is present in the brain at good concentrations.

Apart from protein synthesis, it plays a crucial role in brain metabolism. Schizophrenia treatment: Glutamic acid is widely used in the treatment of Schizophrenia patients.

It has a proven track record in reversing the deficiency of the syndrome. Glutamine Glutamine is widely used as recovery agent in sports. This is one of the widely amino acids known. Glutamine is commonly known as L-Glutamine. Its present in good quantities inside the body and the skeleton constitutes to 61 % of glutamine present in the human body.

Glutamine contains Nitrogen and that’s why it’s known to be a nitrogen carrier. Health Benefits The health benefits of Glutamine include Recovery agent: Glutamine is consumed after a workout by athletes as it aids in faster muscle recovery.

Being a Nitrogen carrier , it helps in synthesis of protein by the cells. Burns and wound healing: Glutamine is given to patients suffering from burns as it reduces the chances of infection. Helps in healing wounds quickly. Post-surgery: Administrating Glutamine intravenously helps in killing infection bacteria post a surgery and also helps restoring immune system.

Glycine Glycine is the smallest amino acid according to its structure. Glycine is manufactured by the body and a typical meal might contain around 2 grams of Glycine. Health Benefits The health benefits of Glycine include Schizophrenia treatment: Glycine might prove beneficial when combined with glutamate and other drugs in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Prevention of strokes: Glycine can be very helpful in the prevention of ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke is the most common type of brain stroke and it is caused by the blockage of a blood vessel in the brain.

Keeping Glycine under the tongue during the stroke , helps limit the damage. Cream for ulcers: Glycine is particularly used in creams that are applied on the leg ulcers. Proline Proline is known as L-proline. It is synthesized in the body by the breakdown of L-glutamate.

Consumption of foods reach in L-glutamate helps ensuring proper levels of Proline. Health Benefits The health benefits of Proline include Formation of collagen: Collagen acts as a shock absorber and reduces friction. Collagen is very smooth and flexible tissue that helps in holding the bones together. Collagen contains around 15% of proline.

Arteriosclerosis prevention: Arteriosclerosis is a stage in which the arteries become hard which leads to various heart diseases. Proline enables the walls of the arteries to release the fat buildup in the bloodstream thereby decreasing the chances of hear blockage.

As Proline increases collagen production, there are improvements in skin as well as there is a better repair of the tissues. Serine Serine is also known as L-serine. It is synthesized by the body from glycine and threonine, which themselves are amino acids.

Serine offers a number of physical and mental health benefits. Health Benefits The health benefits of Serine include Tryptophan production: Serine is used by the body to produce tryptophan. Tryptophan in turn is used to synthesize serotonin (the mood hormone). When the body doesn’t have enough levels of serotonin and tryptophan, there are symptoms like anxiety, confusion, insomnia and depression.

Overall body health: Serine is vital in fat metabolism, it is also involved in the proper functioning of RNA and DNA as well as muscle formation and immune maintenance. The other health benefits of Serine include treatment of CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and Fibromyalgia (FM).

Tyrosine Tyrosine is also known as L-Tyrosine. Tyrosine is no different from other amino acids if protein synthesis is kept in view but it is one of the most important amino acid for the process.

Tyrosine is involved in many bodily functions and that is what it makes it very important. Consumption of food rich in iron helps in production of tyrosine in the body. However, it has to be noted that excess levels of tyrosine might interfere with the production of thyroid hormone. The health benefits of Tyrosine include Prevention of brain damage: Phenylalanine is the precursor to tyrosine in the body. There is a condition called Phenylketonuria where the body is unable to produce Phenylalanine which, if in low quantities, can result in brain damage.

A common treatment is to supplement the patient with Tyrosine as it aids in Phenylalanine production. Stress Relief: Tyrosine supplementation replenishes neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and epinephrine (adrenaline). The body releases these hormones with the help of Tyrosine to handle the situation well. The other health benefits include the ability to reduce blood pressure and it does make the mood better. L-Tyrosine has also been used in pre workout supplements as it aids in proper focus and energy.

in. Just as with Co Q10, the more advanced the heart disease, the lower the L-carnitine concentration present and the greater the need for it. Similarly, the more advanced the heart disease, the more responsive the patient to supplementation. L-carnitine comes from two amino acids: lysine and methionine.

When to take L carnitine for weight loss

"When to take L carnitine for weight loss Weight Loss Watch Fit Team - Health and Lifestyle coaches2014 Dec. 29Request Personal Plan When should L-carnitine be used to enhance weight loss? Is taking L-carnitine supplementation an effective way to burn fat? Are there any issues when using L-carnitine for weight loss? This article will look at the pros and cons of using this supplement and most importantly illustrate if it is worth spending your hard earned money on!What is L-carnitine?

RELATED: RECOMMENDED PLANS FOR YOU L-carnitine is a non-essential (sometimes conditionally-essential) amino acid that is involved in the transfer of fatty acids into mitochondria, which are involved in producing energy essentially.

What is the dosage? To get the optimal benefits of L-carnitine it is recommended you take it daily for a number of weeks and then you may see some decent results. The recommended dosage for weight loss or performance enhancement would be 2-4g of L-carnitine per day, but does this supplement really have any noticeable effects in boosting exercise performance and increasing metabolism for weight loss? L-carnitine for weight loss. Some studies have shown taking L-carnitine supplementation daily can increase the concentration of this amino acid in the muscles and blood stream, which is said to possibly enhance fat metabolism.

In a study published in The Journal of Physiology, L-carnitine was said to spare glycogen (a readily available form of stored energy) by utilizing more fat. However it is thought that supplements and energy drinks containing L-carnitine, which claim to be metabolic enhancers helping you to lose weight and improve your athletic performance are not as effective as some may suggest, as no scientific data actually backs up these claims.

Incidentally, taking L-carnitine may result in you losing your good health rather than those extra pounds, which I will explain below.

The word carnitine is derived from the Latin word for flesh: carnis and this is also the root of the word carnivore. The liver and kidneys manufacture carnitine from two amino acids, lysine and methionine. Carnitine is then stored in your brain, heart and skeletal muscles. Carnitine plays a crucial role in your body, it aids in transporting long-chain fatty acids into the cells’ mitochondria, where they generate energy.

It also escorts toxic by-products of energy production out of the cells, so they do not accumulate as toxic levels in the body. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) advises healthy adults and children do not need to take L-carnitine supplementation, plus The Institute of Medicine does not recommend any dietary allowance of carnitine.

The body is quite capable of making enough of this actually, so where is the need for supplementation here?

In addition to this Carnitine is also found in a number of foods, mostly in red meat. The more red the meat, the more carnitine it contains in fact.

Smaller amounts of carnitine are also present in fish, poultry, and dairy products. The claims that L-carnitine supplementation can boost weight loss or athletic performance are fairly worrying when the contrary suggests L-carnitine supplementation has potential side effects such as diarrhoea, cramps nausea and vomiting. Extra caution must be demonstrated when it comes to taking L-carnitine supplementation in people with kidney disease or seizure disorders.

Supplements or energy drinks containing this, such as Monster Energy or any other energy drinks containing this may lead to muscle weakness in people with kidney disease and seizures in people who have a seizure disorder.

An even more serious complication associated with L-carnitine is its possible link to an elevated risk of developing heart disease. Some research points to a metabolite of carnitine increasing your chances of developing atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Carnitine is not directly responsible for this happening. It is when carnitine encounters the bacteria living in the intestines. Every time you eat a steak or take an L-carnitine supplement, these bacteria in the gut produce a product called trimethyl amine.

The liver then converts this trimethyl amine into trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). This by product is what is thought to be responsible for clogging up your arteries, so at the expense of losing a few pounds you could be at risk of a heart attack!b This could now make you think twice about tucking into that third steak and chips this week, or popping yet another one of those L-carnitine supplements.

These findings are based on taking quite a high dose of this supplement and limited studies on both sides of the L-carnitine fence, plus there are many health benefits believed to derived from taking L-carnitine such as prevention of mental health issues such as Alzheimer’s and management of Diabetes, neural problems and male fertility, so I will leave you to make up your own mind!Article written by Claire Ward.

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Which Lowers LDL Cholesterol? What Are Best and Worst Nuts For Health? How to Exercise at Work About the Expert Watch Fit Team Health and Lifestyle coaches Connect The Watch Fit team comprises experts and fanatics from the world of health and fitness.

For some of us health and fitness is our job; for some of us health and fitness is our hobby; for all of us health and fitness is our passion!Sorry, the browser you are using is not currently supported. Disqus actively supports the following browsers: Firefox Chrome Internet Explorer 11+Safari Paul • 2 years ago Author here clearly does not know what he is talking about.

Especially when it comes to the heart. The oxygen-starved hearts of patients with both coronary artery disease and heart failure struggle constantly to pump hard enough to keep the blood moving forward. They are the most compromised of all people with CVD. The more advanced the disease, the less oxygen available and the weaker the heart becomes. Increasingly we see blood congestion backing up into the lungs and tissues. We have had excellent results using Co Q10 for these patients.

About 85 percent respond, but 15 percent still remain severely limited despite good Co Q10 blood levels. We’ve been happy to discover that supplementation with the amino acid L-carnitine, along with Co Q10, has helped relieve the symptoms of many patients in this predicament. Research suggests that L-carnitine and Co Q10 work synergistically to raise ATP production. The addition of L-carnitine provides a big boost in energy.

When these refractory patients return for office follow-ups with better color, less labored breathing, and less difficulty with exertion, it’s a cardiologist’s dream come true.

Like Co Q10, L-carnitine belongs to a group of nutrients similar to many vitamins in that they are obtained from the diet through food sources and also made in the body. L-carnitine performs two major functions inside the mitochondria: 1. L-carnitine transports fatty acids to be oxidized to make ATP. It alone does this essential shuttling job, so the body needs a lot of it. The normal heart derives 60 to 70 percent of its fuel from fat, so for anyone with heart disease, efficient fat delivery to the mitochondria is a must.

Without L-carnitine, fatty acids cannot be transported to the inner mitochondrial membrane where ATP production occurs.

This core process that also involves Co Q10 depends on the quantity of available L-carnitine. An increased concentration accelerates energy metabolism. Low concentration impairs it. 2. L-carnitine also transports waste material out of the mitochondria, such as toxic metabolites that could otherwise disturb the burning of fats and cause disruption inside cells. L-carnitine is burned up in the heart under stra

in. Just as with Co Q10, the more advanced the heart disease, the lower the L-carnitine concentration present and the greater the need for it. Similarly, the more advanced the heart disease, the more responsive the patient to supplementation. L-carnitine comes from two amino acids: lysine and methionine.

Your body mixes these aminos with niacin, vitamin B-6, and vitamin C to form L-carnitine. Although deficiency is rare in healthy, well-nourished people consuming adequate protein, many individuals appear to have some deficiency. Pure vegetarians miss out on common dietary sources of L-carnitine, just as they do with Co Q10. We see many vegetarians with low blood levels of both.

The word carnitine comes from the Latin word carnis, meaning flesh or meat. The highest quantities of L-carnitine are found in mutton from older sheep, followed by lamb, beef, other red meat, and pork. The least amount is found in plant food. Many vegetarians fail to get enough L-carnitine in their diet and may also lack the methionine and lysine needed to synthesize it in their bodies.

Other reasons for L-carnitine deficiencies include genetic defects; aging; cofactor deficiencies of vitamin B-6, folic acid, iron, niacin, and especially vitamin C; liver or kidney disease; and the use of certain medications, particularly anticonvulsant drugs.

Many studies highlight the benefit of supplementation with L-carnitine and its affiliated compounds, such as propionyl-L-carnitine, for the treatment of angina and other cardiovascular disorders. Propionyl-L-carnitine is taken up into the heart muscle cells more readily than other forms of carnitine.

However, we will focus on L-carnitine, the most widely available and least expensive of this family of supplements. L-carnitine supplementation improves overall oxygen utilization by the heart cells. Having enough L-carnitine available to metabolize fatty acids efficiently lets the heart do more with less oxygen. Without enough, an accumulation of toxic free fatty acid metabolites inside the cells can develop even before symptoms of angina are felt.

The mitochondria become paralyzed. ATP levels crash. Energy reserves become depleted. Usually, an increase in physical output triggers angina symptoms. So a great way to gauge the impact of L-carnitine in angina patients is to use exercise studies. In one study, the therapeutic effect was evaluated on two hundred patients over a six-month period. The patients, ranging from forty to sixty-five, all had pronounced exercise-induced angina. In the experiment they all received their regular drug regimen, but some were given a daily dose of 2 grams of L-carnitine.

When the researchers compared the two groups at the end of the study, they found the supplemented patients had a significant reduction in EKG evidence of ischemia and ventricular ectopic contractions (skipped heartbeats) along with an increased tolerance to exercise.

The results confirmed improved cardiac performance. In addition, the supplemented patients reported improved quality of life. The potential of intravenous L-carnitine in emergency cardiology to protect heart attack survivors has emerged in recent years thanks to an ongoing Italian multicenter study.

The results released so far indicate that supplementation in the early stages of a heart attack limits the damage of the infarct, reduces arrhythmia, and protects against chamber enlargement that may lead to aneurysm formation. Perhaps the most promising potential of L-carnitine in cardiovascular conditions has been its ability, along with Co Q10 and D-ribose, to reduce the high death rate among end-stage heart failure patients.

These individuals often have had several heart attacks, resulting in so much scar tissue that little remains of healthy, functioning heart muscle tissue. Some patients may have cardiomyopathy as well—the heart is stretched out, dilated, and enlarged, often the result of longstanding high blood pressure. Other cases may result from valvular problems, viruses that have attacked the heart muscle, toxic metal overload, or generalized atherosclerosis. All too often, heart failure and cardiomyopathy are idiopathic, meaning we really don’t know the causes.

L-carnitine helps rescue such compromised hearts through its fatty acid transportation role. Three recent studies have shown that damaged heart tissue has trouble holding onto its L-carnitine, creating a deficiency that directly impacts heart function. The studies showed that supplementation compensates for this undesirable situation and improves blood pressure, cholesterol levels, rhythm disorders, and signs and symptoms of heart failure.

In one study among 160 patients, researchers found that the incidence of death was 1.2 percent for L-carnitine-supplemented patients compared to 12.5 percent for the nonsupplemented group! Get the fact right please. Geprge • 2 years ago The author should have to site sources for any claims she makes. It's irresponsible of her to make a claim ""recent studies"" without a citing something!Raves104 • 1 year agogoddamn not gonna lie hard as fuck to read what your wrote haha had to use a ruler but it was a good read and very informative.

The lady really was pulling shit outta no where. Thanks man Hannah Alexis • 3 years ago For any out there who are interested, I recently came across The Venus Factor product on www.healthmajestics.com and I ordered it.

It worked great for me, I lost quite a bit of weight (9 kgs in about a month and a half) using the suggestions provided which are easy and straightforward. It's one of the few things that's worked for me, actually. Just throwing it out there for anyone who's interested!

Even if it doesn't work for you theres a 60 day refund available, so you guys don't have anything to lose. Hannah Joe • 2 years ago Thanks for the advertisement for your product that you sell and from which you are making some bucks. "

es. The following is a partial listing of some of the weight loss supplements you may see: Carnitine Promoted as a fat burner, carnitine naturally occurs in the body, and people can obtain it through eating meat, fish, poultry, and some dairy foods. Carnitine helps transport fatty acids to the muscle.

"Do ""fat burners"" really work?"

"Dear Alice,Do ""fat burners"" really work? If so, why? If not, why not?— Burning to know Dear Burning to know,As you probably know, if you walk into any pharmacy or supplement shop, you will see dozens of products promising to make excess body fat melt away. Although manufacturers are not permitted to make these claims on the bottle, they run alluring ads in magazines and on TV.

So, how are you to know whether or not the ingredients are safe and effective? Weight loss supplements may work in three ways: one is by helping the body to break down body fat. The second action of weight loss supplements is to suppress appetite, which is a complex process. The human body's instinct is to survive, and once appetite suppressants are stopped, people become hungry.

The third way weight loss supplements may work is by inhibiting the body from absorbing fat during digestion. Fat blockers don't work if a person isn't eating fat in his or her diet. They also won't prevent weight gain if a person is overeating protein or carbohydrates.

Often, weight loss supplements contain more than one substance to generate weight loss from more than one angle. The ingredients are available alone, or with other substanc

In theory, it makes sense that more of it would help people get more fatty acids into the muscles, burning additional fat. Unfortunately, it doesn't live up to expectations, because taking its supplemental form doesn't result in increased fat burning. Chromium Picolinate Although this mineral helps metabolize carbohydrates and fats, it has not lived up to claims of increasing lean body mass and decreasing fat.

As a matter of fact, the majority of the research done on this supplement shows it is not effective as a weight loss supplement.

Some research showed damage to DNA with excess chromium picolinate that is exacerbated with vitamin C. Taking in more than the body requires can actually reduce the binding capacity of iron in the blood, potentially resulting in iron deficiency and decreased ability to carry oxygen in the blood. This could negatively impact one's ability to exercise and expend calories. Ephedrine This acts like a hormone the body makes — norepinephrine.

The action of this substance is associated with increased fat release from adipose (or fat) tissue, increasing free fatty acids in the bloodstream. Also increased are heart rate, heart contractility, body heat production, and metabolic rate. Ephedrine may also be able to suppress hunger.

It has been shown that ephedrine is even more effective when combined with caffeine — but so are the side effects, including tremors, dizziness, insomnia, heart arrhythmias, headaches, and increased blood pressure.

Due to these risks, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedra in 2004. When a supplement touts ""proven in clinical trials,"" it's time to dig deeper. That ""trial"" may have been performed on animals, or with amounts of the supplement not available for sale.

The FDA does not closely monitor supplements, so there's no guarantee you're getting the ingredients you're paying for, nor any guarantee you're not getting some additional ingredients not listed on the label. Once again, there is really no safe short cut or quick fix to losing weight, no matter how slick the ads!

To lose weight and burn fat, you need to burn more calories than you consume. And fat burners, despite the hype, do not work as advertised. Alice!Share this page on Facebook Share this page on Twitter Share this page on Google+ Printer-friendly version Send by email PDF version "

out What is Acetyl L Carnitine - ALCAR Introduction Acetyl-L-Carnitine is an amino acid the body uses to turn fat into energy. It is not normally considered an essential nutrient because the body can manufacture all it needs. However, supplemental Carnitine may improve the ability of certain tissues to produce energy.

Health Benefits of Acetyl-L-Carnitine - Facts, Side Effects and Studies

Health Benefits of Acetyl-L-Carnitine - Facts, Side Effects and Studies L-carnitine is a fat metabolizer that speeds up the metabolism. An amino acid made in the liver, l- carnitine helps to facilitate fat metabolism, increase energy production in muscles and cells, promotes fat loss, and increases circulation in the brain. Carnitine also helps reduce triglycerides and increase good cholesterol thereby protecting the heart.

Because it has shown to help fight fat oxidation in the brain, it may help prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Acetyl-L-Carnitine-ALCAR Brain Health Benefits Facts Side effects Acetyl-L-Carnitine also known as MRM,Methylationand ALCAR is a natural super antioxidant, occurring form of L-Carnitine that specificallybenefits the brain. ALCAR helps supply the brain with energy by improving energetics in the mitochondrion, the cell's energy generator. ALCAR promotes biosynthesis of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter for brain and nerve function.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine has been shown in clinical studies to benefit cognitive ability, memory and mood. L-Carnitine - ALCAR Overview• Introduction • Sources • Therapeutic Dosages • Therapeutic Uses • What Is the Scientific Evidence for L Carnitine? • Safety Issues • Interactions You Should Know Ab

This effect has led to the use of Carnitine in various muscle diseases as well as heart conditions. ALCAR Sources There is no dietary dosage requirement for L-Carnitine. However, a few individuals have a genetic defect that hinders the body's ability to make L-Carnitine.

In addition, diseases of the liver, kidneys, or brain may inhibit Carnitine production. Certain medications, especially the antiseizure drugs valproic acid (Depakene) and phenytoin (Dilantin), may reduce Carnitine levels; however, whether taking extra Carnitine would be helpful has not been determined. Heart muscle tissue, because of its high energy requirements, is particularly vulnerable to Carnitine deficiency.

The principal food dietary sources of Carnitine are meat and dairy products, but to obtain therapeutic dosages a supplement is necessary. L-Carnitine works best when combined with Co Q10. Supplement dosage directions for use: Take one or two Co Q10 + L-CARNITINE capsuledaily with a meal.

Best absorbed with meals which contain good fats. Well absorbed if taken with an oil such as cod liver oil or flaxseed oil. L-Carnitine - ALCAR Therapeutic Dosages Typical dosages for the diseases described here range from 200 or 250mg to 1000mg 2-3 times daily. Carnitine is taken in three forms: L-Carnitine (for heart and other conditions), Propionyl-L-Carnitine (for heart conditions), and Acetyl-L-Carnitine (for Alzheimer's disease). The dosage is the same for all three forms. ALCAR Therapeutic Uses Carnitine is primarily used for heart-related conditions.

Some evidence suggests that it can be used along with conventional treatment for angina, to improve symptoms and reduce medication needs.

When combined with conventional therapy, it may also reduce mortality rates after a heart attack. Lesser evidence suggests that it may be helpful for a condition called intermittent claudication (pain in the legs after walking due to narrowing of the arteries), as well as congestive heart failure.

In addition, a few studies suggest that Carnitine may be useful for cardiomyopathy. Carnitine may also be helpful for improving exercise tolerance in people with chronic pulmonary obstruction disease (COPD), more commonly known as emphysema. One study found evidence that Acetyl-L-Carnitine is helpful for Peyronie's disease, a condition affecting the penis. Some studies have found evidence that one particular form of Carnitine, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, might be helpful in Alzheimer's disease, but the two most recent and largest studies found no benefit.

This form of Carnitine has also been investigated for treatment of depression in the elderly. A genetic condition called fragile X syndrome can cause behavioral disturbances such as hyperactivity, along with mental retardation, autism, and alterations in appearance.

A preliminary study of 17 boys found that Acetyl-L-Carnitine might help to reduce hyperactive behavior associated with this condition. Additionally, a preliminary study suggests that Carnitine may be useful for improving blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes.

It also might help prevent diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy (injury to the nerves of the heart caused by diabetes). Weak evidence suggests that Carnitine may be able to improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and also help individuals with degeneration of the cerebellum (the structure of the brain responsible for voluntary muscular movement).

One very small study suggests Carnitine may be helpful for reducing symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. One study suggests that Carnitine may be of value for treating hyperthyroidism. Uncontrolled studies suggest that L-Carnitine or Acetyl-L-Carnitine may be helpful for improving sperm function.

Weak evidence also suggests that Carnitine may be helpful for decreasing the toxicity of AZT (a drug used to treat AIDS). Carnitine is widely touted as a physical performance enhancer, but there is no real evidence that it is effective and some research indicates that it does not work.

Little to no evidence supports other claimed benefits such as treating irregular heartbeat, Down's syndrome, muscular dystrophy, and alcoholic fatty liver disease. What are the Scientific Evidence and Facts for ALCAR? L-Carnitine - ALCAR Angina Carnitine might be a good addition to standard therapy for angina.

In one controlled study, 200 individuals with angina (the exercise-induced variety) took either 2 g daily of L-Carnitine or were left untreated.

All the study participants continued to take their usual medication for angina. Those taking Carnitine showed improvement in several measures of heart function, including a significantly greater ability to exercise without chest pain.70 They were also able to reduce the dosage of some of their heart medications (under medical supervision) as their symptoms decreased.

Another trial that did use a double-blind, placebo-controlled design tested L-Carnitine in 52 individuals with angina, and found evidence of benefit. In addition, several small studies (some of them double-blind) tested Propionyl-L-Carnitine for the treatment of angina, and also found evidence of benefit. ALCAR and Hardening of The Arteries People with advanced hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, often have difficulty walking due to lack of blood flow to the legs.

Pain may develop after walking less than half a block. Although Carnitine does not increase blood flow, it appears to improve the muscle's ability to function under difficult circumstances. A 12-month double-blind placebo-controlled trial of 485 patients with intermittent claudication evaluated the potential benefits of Propionyl-L-Carnitine.

Participants with relatively severe disease showed a 44% improvement in walking distance as compared to placebo. However, no improvement was seen in those with mild disease. Another double-blind study followed 245 people and also found benefit. Similar results have been seen in most but not all other studies of L-Carnitine or Propionyl-L-Carnitine.

Propionyl-L-Carnitine may be more effective for intermittent claudication than plain Carnitine. L-Carnitine - ALCAR Congestive Heart Failure Several small studies have found that Carnitine, often in the form of propionyl-L-carnitine, can improve symptoms of congestive heart failure. In one trial, benefits were maintained for 60 days after treatment with Carnitine was stopped. ALCAR After a Heart Attack Carnitine may help reduce death rate after a heart attack.

In a 12-month placebo-controlled study, 160 individuals who had experienced a heart attack received 4 g of L-Carnitine daily or placebo, in addition to other conventional medication. The mortality rate in the treated group was significantly lower than in the placebo group, 1.2% versus 12.5%, respectively. There were also improvements in heart rate, blood pressure, angina (chest pain), and blood lipids. A larger double-blind study of 472 people found that Carnitine may improve the chances of survival if given within 24 hours after a heart attack.

Note: Carnitine is used along with conventional treatment, not as a substitute for it. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)Evidence from three double-blind placebo-controlled studies enrolling a total of 49 individuals suggests that L-Carnitine can improve exercise tolerance in COPD, presumably by improving muscular efficiency in the lungs and other muscles.

L-Carnitine - ALCAR and Alzheimer's Disease Numerous double- or single-blind studies involving a total of more than 1,400 people have evaluated the potential benefits of Acetyl-L-Carnitine in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Early studies found some evidence of benefit, although it was generally quite modest. However, the two most recent and best-designed studies found no benefit.

A double-blind placebo-controlled trial that enrolled 431 participants for 1 year found no significant improvement at all in the group treated with Acetyl-L-Carnitine. A close look at the results appeared to suggest some benefit in individuals who developed Alzheimer's disease at a particularly young age. However, when this possibility was tested in a 1-year double-blind placebo-controlled trial of 229 patients with early-onset Alzheimer's, no benefits were seen.

L-Carnitine - ALCAR and Mild Depression A double-blind study of 60 seniors with mild depression found that treatment with 3 g of Carnitine daily over a 2-month period significantly improved symptoms as compared to placebo. Positive results were seen in another study as well. L-Carnitine - ALCAR and Hyperthyroidism Enlargement of the thyroid (goiter) can be due to many causes, including cancer and iodine deficiency.

In some cases, thyroid enlargement occurs without any known cause, so-called benign goiter. Treatment of benign goiter generally consists of taking thyroid hormone pills. This causes the thyroid gland to become less active, and the goiter shrinks. However, there may be undesirable effects as well.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) can develop, including heart palpitations, nervousness, weight loss, and bone breakdown. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found evidence that use of L-Carnitine could alleviate many of these symptoms. This 6-month study evaluated the effects of L-Carnitine in 50 women who were taking thyroid hormone for benign goiter.

The results showed that a dose of 2 or 4 g of Carnitine daily protected participants' bones and reduced other symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Carnitine is thought to affect thyroid hormone by blocking its action in cells. This suggests a potential concern: Carnitine might be harmful for people who have low or borderline thyroid levels to begin with.

This possibility has not been well explored as yet. ALCAR and Peyronie's Peyronie's disease is an inflammatory condition of the penis that develops in stages. In the first stage, penile pain occurs with erection; next, the penis becomes curved; finally, erectile dysfunction may occur.

Many medications have been tried for Peyronie's disease, with some success. One such drug is tamoxifen (better known as a treatment to prevent breast cancer recurrence.) A 3 month, double-blind study compared the effectiveness of Acetyl-L-Carnitine (1 gram twice daily) against tamoxifen; the study enrolled 15 men in the first stage of Peyronie's disease and 33 men in the second stage.

The result indicated that Acetyl-L-Carnitine reduced penile curvature while tamoxifen did not; the supplement also reduced pain and slowed disease progression to a greater extent than the drug.

Furthermore, while the drug caused various side effects, the supplement caused none. ALCAR and Athletic Performance Enhancement A 1996 review of clinical studies concluded that no scientific basis exists for the belief that Carnitine supplements enhance athletic performance.

A few studies have found some benefit, but most have not. ALCAR Safety Issues L-Carnitine in its three forms appears to be quite safe. However, individuals with low or borderline-low thyroid levels should avoid Carnitine because it might impair the action of thyroid hormone. Individuals on dialysis should not receive this (or any other supplement) without a physician's supervision.

The maximum safe dosages for young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease have not been established. L-Carnitine - Interaction Drug Side Effects You Should Know About If you are taking; • Antiseizure medications, particularly valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene) but also phenytoin (Dilantin): You may need extra Carnitine.

• Thyroid medication: Do not take Carnitine except under a physician's supervision DISCLAIMERThese statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The Alzheimers information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional.

Nor is any of the information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.

You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. You should not stop taking any medication without first consulting your physician.

Acetyl L Carnitine is one of the more common formulations of L-Carnitine, which is itself an amino acid that is produced from two other amino acids ( Lysine and Methionine). This version, or form, of L-Carnitine is significantly more active than its parent compound due to a higher degree of bioavailability.

Acetyl L Carnitine Side Effects â Is ALCAR Safe?

Advertising Disclosure Acetyl L Carnitine Side Effects — Is ALCAR Safe? Posted By: Nootriment | 0 3.75 0Intro Positive Effects Energy Side Effects Take ALCAR Safely Usage Many people may wonder what the most common Acetyl L Carnitine side effects are before they begin taking this nootropic supplement.

ALCAR is an acetylated version of Carnitine, that can cross over the Blood-Brain Barrier and cause meaningful positive changes in cognitive function and brain health. But is ALCAR safe? What are the Acetyl L Carnitine side effects that you need to keep in mind when using this supplement?

Acetyl L-Carnitine Natural Nootropic Mental Energy Brain Function Memory How It Works: Increases mental energy & focus Promotes neuron health & anti-aging Improves memory, alertness & signalling Dosage: Between 500 - 2,500 per day Safety: Rated Likely Safe Top ALCAR Products ❯ View User Ratings ❯What are ALCAR’s Positive Effects? Related Topics What is ALCAR? Acetyl L-Carnitine Effects Health Benefits Reviews & Experiences ALCAR vs. L-Carnitine Effects on Brain Use in Bodybuilding For Weight Loss Dosage Suggestions Side Effects Bulk Powder How to Use Capsules Buy ALCAR Tablets Stack with Alpha Lipoic Acid Proprionyl L-Carnitine Acetyl L Carnitine side effects are few and far between when taken at the proper dosage levels.

Any negative effects that you may experience should be weighed against the potential for numerous positive effects that comes with the use of this supplement.

One of these key benefit is that Acetyl L-Carnitine acts as an antioxidant. It is thought to lead to the production of a substance called Glutathione in your cells, which acts as a very effective free radical scavenger.

This means that it helps to fight and remove harmful particles and toxins from the body. Free radicals can damage cells and even tamper with DNA, leading to serious health problems such as cancer. ALCAR is capable of neutralizing these free radicals and reducing or preventing some of the damage they may otherwise cause.

As an antioxidant, it is thought that ALCAR may also be able to help with the treatment of numerous other conditions. This includes heart conditions like angina. There is also evidence supporting the use of ALCAR after a heart attack or during heart failure to improve and strengthen cardiovascular function.

Numerous studies have also linked ALCAR supplementation to improved blood flow. These effects may lead to improvements in peripheral vascular disease and also diabetic neuropathy, which can both cause aches and pains in the legs, arms, feet, and hands along with other side effects.

Acetyl L Carnitine for Energy and Focus Another important bodily process this supplement is responsible for is the transportation of fats and fatty acids into the mitochondria within cells. This is where the majority of the body’s energy production occurs and this activity also helps the body to burn stored fat for energy rather than just glucose. Dieters may be familiar with the Acetyl L Carnitine as an important ingredient in a number of weight loss supplements these days. As stated above, this supplement is very effective at influencing the transportation and burning of fats and lipids within the mitochondria.

Not only that, but the activity of ALCAR actually forces the cells to take up and burn this stored fat. It also works in synergy with a number of other metabolism boosting and weight loss ingredients. ALCAR has a number of Nootropic effects as well, producing positive changes in mental abilities with little to no adverse side effects.

This is most likely due to the fact that the supplement acts as a precursor for Acetylcholine, which is an important brain chemical or neurotransmitter that influences multiple cognitive processes. You will most likely see an increase in memory and learning capacity, an expanded or lengthened attention span, improved ability to concentrate and focus, and even the potential for increased sensory perception.

Many users report that they feel less susceptible to brain fog with this nootropic and experience more mental clarity and cognitive energy. The Natural Medicines database has rated Acetyl L Carnitine as Possibly Effective for improving Alzheimer’s disease, age-related and general cognitive impairments, chronic cerebral ischemia, and diabetic neuropathy.

Despite promising research on the effects of ALCAR, more research is still need to understand its full effects. At this time the FDA has not approved Acetyl L Carnitine as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

Acetyl L Carnitine Side Effects It is recommended to always speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplements, as your doctor can help determine the best dosage for your needs, as well as determine if there may be any negative interactions with any existing supplements or medications you are currently taking. Research shows that using an appropriate dosage of ALCAR is likely safe – even for long-term daily use.

No doubt, this is partially due to the fact that this nutrient is naturally produced in the body already by the liver and kidneys. After this, the supplement is generally transported to other tissues throughout the body and stored in places as varied as the skeletal muscles, brain, and heart.

Our bodies always have a small amount of ALCAR working in them, but we can boost the effects by supplementing our diet with additional sources of this natural chemical. When used properly, according to the recommended daily dosage guide, ALCAR is certainly one of the safest supplements around.

As a natural compound it is very well-tolerated and generally considered to be free of serious safety concerns. There really are no side effects to speak of when used according to the recommendations and dosage guidelines.

In high doses, of more than 5 grams per day, you might see diarrhea, increased appetite, body odor, and rash, along with possible headaches. None of these side effects are believed to be long-term and most symptoms subside within a few hours.

Speak with your doctor if you are concerned about any side effects that do not improve with a reduced dosage, as some people are sensitive to this compound. How to Take ALCAR Safely Experts recommend that you take ALCAR up to three times a day, generally either with meals of before/after a workout. When used with food, it helps the supplement to be absorbed more readily by the body as well as maintaining a consistent supply within your system.

This may eliminate any side effects such as stomach discomfort or diarrhea that could otherwise occur. As far as dosing, most users suggest somewhere between 500 and 1,500 mg per day, although doses of up to 4 grams have been shown to be safe.

The best advice, of course, is to always consult a medical professional before considering adding a new supplement to your routine.

Start with the lowest effective dose and work your way up from there in a very careful and controlled manner only after knowing all of the effects and possible side effects. For improved effects, it is common to stack ALCAR with Alpha Lipoic Acid and/or a high quality choline supplement. Who Should Use ALCAR? Many different types of people can benefit from this supplement. This includes those who are simply looking to lose weight, athletes including body builders, weight lifters, runners, and even those who like playing sports on a recreational basis.

Elderly individuals find that ALCAR gives them greater mental energy and concentration while eradicating any confusion or mild memory loss.

Nootropic users will often take ALCAR with choline to ensure optimal Acetylcholine levels in the brain for enhanced intelligence and memory. Ultimately, this is a supplement with widespread benefits that can help almost anyone. While there may be some mild Acetyl L-Carnitine side effects, these can be lessened by using a safe dose, and should not keep you from trying out this nootropic supplement.

Top Rated Supplements References Van Hove JL, Kahler SG, Millington DS, Roe DS, Chace DH, Heales SJ, Roe CR. Intravenous L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine in medium-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency and isovaleric acidemia.

Pediatr Res. 1994Ponte F, Carvalho F, Porto B. Protective effect of acetyl-l-carnitine and ?-lipoic acid against the acute toxicity of diepoxybutane to human lymphocytes. Toxicology. 2011Malaguarnera M, Bella R, Vacante M, Giordano M, Malaguarnera G, Gargante MP, Motta M, Mistretta A, Rampello L, Pennisi G. Acetyl-L-carnitine reduces depression and improves quality of life in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy.

Scand J Gastroenterol. 2011Gasparetto A, Corbucci GG, De Blasi RA, Antonelli M, Bagiella E, D'Iddio S, Trevisani C. Influence of acetyl-L-carnitine infusion on haemodynamic parameters and survival of circulatory-shock patients. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1991Nasca C, Xenos D, Barone Y, Caruso A, Scaccianoce S, Matrisciano F, Battaglia G, Mathé AA, Pittaluga A, Lionetto L, Simmaco M, Nicoletti F. L-acetylcarnitine causes rapid antidepressant effects through the epigenetic induction of m Glu2 receptors.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013Tempesta E, Casella L, Pirrongelli C, Janiri L, Calvani M, Ancona L. L-acetylcarnitine in depressed elderly subjects.

A cross-over study vs placebo. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1987 [No authors listed] Acetyl-L-carnitine. Monograph. Altern Med Rev. 2010Calabrese V, Cornelius C, Dinkova-Kostova AT, Calabrese EJ. Vitagenes, cellular stress response, and acetylcarnitine: relevance to hormesis. Biofactors. 2009Share Tweet Pin +1 Stumble0Rate This Article ( 8 votes, average: 3.75 out of 5, rated)Article last updated on: March 31st, 2018 by Nootriment

Carnitine is a substance that helps the body turn fat into energy. Your body makes it in the liver and kidneys and stores it in the skeletal muscles, heart, brain, and sperm. Usually, your body can make all the carnitine it needs. Some people, however, may not have enough carnitine because their bodies cannot make enough or cannot transport it into tissues so it can be used.

Carnitine (L-carnitine)

Carnitine (L-carnitine)Overview

Other conditions, such as angina or intermittent claudication, can also cause low levels of carnitine in the body, as can some medications. Carnitine has been proposed as a treatment for many conditions because it acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants fight harmful particles in the body known as free radicals, which damage cells and tamper with DNA.

Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or help prevent some of the damage they cause. Carnitine may help treat are certain conditions. Serious diseases require conventional medical treatment, and you should talk to your health care provider before taking carnitine.

For other conditions, such as fatigue or improving athletic performance, carnitine seems safe but may not help much. Heart Conditions Angina. Research suggests that carnitine can be used along with conventional treatment for stable angina. Several clinical trials show that L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine can help reduce symptoms of angina and improve the ability of people with angina to exercise without chest pain.

DO NOT self treat chest pain with carnitine, however. See your health care provider for diagnosis and conventional treatment, and take carnitine only under your provider's supervision. Heart attack. A few studies suggest that carnitine may help when used with conventional medicines after a heart attack, but not all studies agree.

Some small studies suggest that people who take L-carnitine supplements soon after a heart attack may be less likely to have another heart attack, die of heart disease, have chest pain and abnormal heart rhythms, or develop heart failure.

However, other studies show no benefit. Treatment with oral carnitine may also improve muscle weakness. Carnitine should be used along with conventional medication under your provider's supervision. Heart failure. A few small studies have suggested that carnitine (usually propionyl-L-carnitine) can help reduce symptoms of heart failure and improve exercise capacity in people with heart failure.

However, more research is needed. Peripheral Vascular Disease Reduced blood flow to the legs from atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, where plaque builds up in the arteries, often causes an aching or cramping pain in the legs while walking or exercising.

This pain is called intermittent claudication, and the reduced blood flow to the legs is called peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Several studies show that carnitine can help reduce symptoms and improve mobility among people with intermittent claudication. Most studies have used propionyl-L-carnitine. Scientists do not know whether L-carnitine would work the same. Diabetic Neuropathy Diabetic neuropathy happens when high blood sugar levels damage nerves in the body, especially the arms, legs, and feet, causing pain and numbness.

Preliminary studies suggest acetyl-L-carnitine may help reduce pain and increase feeling in affected nerves. It is also possible that carnitine can help nerves regenerate. More research is needed. Exercise Performance Although carnitine is often taken to boost exercise performance, more research is needed. Weight Loss Although L-carnitine has been marketed as a weight loss supplement, scientific evidence is lacking.

Some studies show that oral carnitine may help reduce fat mass, increase muscle mass, and reduce fatigue, which may contribute to weight loss in some people. Alzheimer Disease and Memory Impairment Evidence is mixed as to whether carnitine is useful in treating Alzheimer disease.

Several early studies showed that acetyl-L-carnitine, might help slow down the progression of Alzheimer disease, relieve depression related to senility and other forms of dementia, and improve memory in the elderly.

But larger and better-designed studies found it did not help at all. People should take carnitine for Alzheimer disease and other forms of dementia only under the supervision of their provider. Kidney Disease and Dialysis Because the kidneys make carnitine, kidney disease could lead to low levels of carnitine in the body. If you have kidney disease, your provider may prescribe carnitine. DO NOT take carnitine without medical supervision.

Male Infertility Low sperm counts have been linked to low carnitine levels in men. Several studies suggest that L-carnitine supplements may increase sperm count and motility. Erectile Dysfunction Preliminary studies suggest propionyl-L-carnitine may help improve male sexual function. One study found that carnitine improved the effectiveness of sidenafil (Viagra) in men with diabetes who had not previously responded to Viagra.

In another study, a combination of propionyl-L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine improved the effectiveness of Viagra in men who had erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery. More studies are needed. Peyronie Disease Peyronie disease is characterized by a curvature of the penis that leads to pain during an erection. One promising study compared acetyl-L-carnitine to the medication tamoxifen in 48 men with this condition.

Acetyl-L-carnitine worked better than tamoxifen at reducing pain during sex and reducing the curve of the penis. Acetyl-L-carnitine also had fewer side effects than tamoxifen. More research is needed. Hyperthyroidism Some research suggests that L-carnitine may help prevent or reduce symptoms of an overactive thyroid, such as insomnia, nervousness, heart palpitations, and tremors.

In fact, in one study, a small group of people with hyperthyroidism saw these symptoms improve, and their body temperature become normal, when taking carnitine.

But a larger, better-designed clinical trial is needed to see if carnitine really works. In addition, researchers think carnitine may work by blocking the action of thyroid hormone, which could be dangerous for people with low thyroid levels. DO NOT take carnitine for hyperthyroidism without your doctor's supervision. Dietary Sources Red meat (particularly lamb) and dairy products are the main food sources of carnitine.

It can also be found in fish, poultry, tempeh, wheat, asparagus, avocados, and peanut butter. Available Forms Carnitine is available as a supplement in a variety of forms, such as: L-carnitine: the most widely available and least expensive Acetyl-L-carnitine: Often used in studies for Alzheimer disease and other brain disorders Propionyl-L-carnitine: Often used in studies for heart disease and peripheral vascular disease Avoid D-carnitine supplements. They interfere with the natural form of L-carnitine and may produce unwanted side effects. In some cases, L-carnitine may be taken by prescription or given intravenously by a health care provider. How to Take It Pediatric DO NOT give carnitine supplements to a child without your child's health care provider's supervision.

Your child's provider should first make sure that the child has a carnitine deficiency. Adult Recommended doses of L-carnitine vary depending on the health condition being treated. The usual dose is between 1 to 3 g per day. Precautions Because supplements may have side effects or interact with medications, you should take them only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.

Side effects are generally mild. High doses (5 or more grams per day) may cause diarrhea. Other rare side effects include increased appetite, body odor, and rash. People with the following conditions should talk to their provider before taking carnitine: Peripheral vascular disease High blood pressure Liver disease from alcoholism (cirrhosis)Diabetes Kidney disease History of seizures Possible Interactions If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use carnitine without first talking to your health care provider.

AZT: In a laboratory study, L-carnitine supplements protected muscle tissue against toxic side effects from AZT, a medication used to treat HIV and AIDS.

More studies are needed to know whether L-carnitine would have the same effect in people. Doxorubicin: Treatment with L-carnitine may protect heart cells against the toxic side effects of doxorubicin, a chemotherapy medication used to treat cancer, without making the medication any less effective. Always talk to your oncologist before using complementary or alternative (CAM) therapies with chemotherapy.

Isotretinoin (Accutane): Accutane, a strong medication used for severe acne, can cause liver problems, as measured by a blood test, as well as high cholesterol, and muscle pain and weakness. These symptoms are like those seen with carnitine deficiency. Researchers in Greece showed that a large group of people who had side effects from Accutane got better when taking L-carnitine compared to those who took a placebo.

Thyroid hormone: Carnitine may stop thyroid hormone from getting into cells, and theoretically may make thyroid hormone replacement less effective. If you take thyroid replacement hormone, talk to your provider before taking carnitine. Valproic acid (Depakote): The antiseizure medication valproic acid may lower blood levels of carnitine. Taking L-carnitine supplements may prevent any deficiency and may also reduce the side effects of valproic acid.

However, taking carnitine may increase the risk of seizures in people with a history of seizures. Blood Thinning Medications: Carnitine may increase the risk of bleeding in people taking blood thinning medicaitons. Supporting Research Benvenga S, Ruggieri RM, Russo A, Lapa D, Campenni A, Trimarchi F. Usefulness of L-carnitine, a naturally occurring peripheral antagonist of thyroid hormone action, in iatrogenic hyperthyroidism: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001;86 (8):3579-3594. Berni A, Meschini R, Filippi S, Palitti F, De Amicis A, Chessa L. L-carnitine enhances resistance to oxidative stress by reducing DNA damage in Ataxia telangiectasia cells.

Mutat Res. 2008;650 (2):165-74. Biagiotti G, Cavallini G. Acetyl-L-carnitine vs tamoxifen in the oral therapy of Peyronie's disease: a preliminary report. BJU Int. 2001;88 (1):63-67. Carrero JJ, Grimble RF. Does nutrition have a role in peripheral vascular disease? Br J Nutr. 2006 Feb;95 (2):217-29. Review. Cavallini G, Modenini F, Vitali G, et al. Acetyl-L-carnitine plus propionyl-L-carnitine improve efficacy of sildenafil in treatment of erectile dysfunction after bilateral nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy.

Urology. 2005;66:1080-1085. Cruciani RA, Dvorkin E, Homel P, Malamud S, Culliney B, Lapin J, Portenoy RK, Esteban-Cruciani N. Safety, tolerability and symptom outcomes associated with L-carnitine supplementation in patients with cancer, fatigue, and carnitine deficiency: a phase I/II study.

J Pain Symptom Manage. 2006 Dec;32 (6):551-9. Custer J, Rau R. Johns Hopkins: The Harriet Lane Handbook. 18th ed. Philadelphia, PA; Elsevier Mosby; 2008. Dyck DJ. Dietary fat intake, supplements, and weight loss. Can J Appl Physiol. 2000;25 (6):495-523. Fugh-Berman A. Herbs and dietary supplements in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Prev Cardiology. 2000;3:24-32. Head KA. Peripheral neuropathy: pathogenic mechanisms and alternative therapies. Altern Med Rev. 2006 Dec;11 (4):294-329. Review. Hiatt WR, Regensteiner JG, Creager MA, Hirsch AT, Cooke JP, Olin JW, et al. Propionyl-L-carnitine improves exercise performance and functional status in patients with claudication.

Am J Med. 2001;110 (8):616-622. Lynch KE, Feldman HI, Berlin JA, Flory J, Rowan CG, Brunelli SM. Effects of L-carnitine on dialysis-related hypotension and muscle cramps: a meta-analysis. Am J Kidney Dis. 2008;52 (5):962-71. Malaguarnera M, Cammalleri L, Gargante MP, Vacante M, Colonna V, Motta M. L-carnitine treatment reduces severity of physical and mental fatigue and increases cognitive functions in centurians: a randomized and controlled clinical trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;86 (6):1738-44. Miyagawa T, Kawamura H, Obuchi M, et al. Effects of oral L-carnitine administration in narcolepsy patients: a randomized, double-blind, cross-over and placebo-controlled trial.

PLo S One. 2013;8 (1):e53707. Park M. Pediatric Cardiology for Practitioners. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2008. Pettegrew JW, Levine J, Mc Clure RJ. Acetyl-L-carnitine physical-chemical, metabolic, and therapeutic properties: relevance for its mode of action in Alzheimer's disease and geriatric depression. Mol Psychiatry. 2000;5:616-632. Rathod R, Baig MS, Khandelwal PN, Kulkarni SG, Gade PR, Siddiqui S. Results of a single blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial to study the effect of intravenous L-carnitine supplementation on health-related quality of life in Indian patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

Indian J Med Sci. Apr 2006;60 (4):143-53. Sinclair S. Male infertility: nutritional and environmental considerations.

Alt Med Rev. 2000;5 (1):28-38. Villani RG, Gannon J, Self M, Rich PA. L-carnitine supplementation combined with aerobic training does not promote weight loss in moderately obese women. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2000;10:199-207. Volek J, et al. Effects of carnitine supplementation on flow-mediated dilation and vascular inflammatory responses to a high-fat meal in healthy young adults.

Am J Cardiol. 2008;102 (10). Werbach MR. Nutritional strategies for treating chronic fatigue syndrome. Altern Med Rev. 2000;5 (2):93-108. Witte KK, Clark AL. Micronutrients and their supplementation in chronic cardiac failure. An update beyond theoretical perspectives. Heart Fail Rev. Mar 2006;11 (1):65-74. Review. Witte KK, Clark AL, Cleland JG.

Chronic heart failure and micronutrients. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2001;37 (7):1765-1774. Xue YZ, Wang LX, Liu HZ, Qi XW, Wang XH, Ren HZ. L-carnitine as an adjunct therapy to percutaneous coronary intervention for non-ST elevation myocardial infarction.

Cardiovasc Drugs Ther. 2007;21 (6):445-8. Alternative Names Acetyl-l-carnitine; L-carnitine Version Info Last reviewed on 12/28/2014Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by Veri Med Healthcare Network. A. D. A. M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation Health Care Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A. D. A. M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability.

A. D. A. M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services.

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. Supplementing your diet with 7 Keto will help increase energy levels and decrease stored fat, a combination everyone can be happy with. L-Carnitine. Although naturally produced by your body, L-Carnitine is still one of the best supplements to take when it comes to burning fat and boosting energy. L-Carnitine is an amino acid that’s main priority is to transport fatty acids to your mitochondria, the furnace that uses them as fuel to create energy.

Fat Burning Supplements â Best Diet Products To Burn Belly Fat

Fat Burning Supplements – Best Diet Products To Burn Belly Fat0By Dustin Bogle Diet and Nutrition We’ve all had experience trying to burn off that pesky belly fat in order to attain a lean sexy stomach. Although a healthy diet and a great workout routine are the backbone of burning belly fat, sometimes it may not be enough.

That is when supplements help make the transformation from an ugly fat belly to a sexy lean stomach. Raspberry Keytone. One supplement that has been growing rapidly since it’s been mentioned on the Dr. Oz show is Raspberry Keytone.

The way it works is by shrinking the size of the fat cells in your body, which makes it easier for your metabolism to burn them off. The recommended daily amount is 100mg to 200mg. Typically, it’s better to obtain your nutrients from whole foods, but in this case you would have to eat 90 pounds of raspberries to get the equivalent of 100mg so supplementation is definitely recommended to get your daily dose.

Tonalin CLA. Another popular supplement that aides in burning belly fat is Tonalin CLA. CLA stands for Conjugated Linoleic Acid, which is found in flaxseed, hempseed, grapeseed, sunflower, safflower and olive oil.

It can also be found in dairy, beef and chicken. The way CLA works is by inhibiting an enzyme called LPL (Lipoprotein Lipase). LPL is an enzyme that breaks down fat and stores it in the body, but by supplementing your diet with Tonalin CLA it will cancel out the LPL and your body will store less fat and use it as energy instead.7 Keto. This supplement has found its way into more and more fat burning formulas because of the boost it gives to the metabolism.

Commonly found in DHEA supplements, 7 Keto is known to increase T3, a hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. The thyroid itself is the control center that regulates how slow or fast your body burns calories. 7 Keto is also known to increase the rate at which your metabolism burns calories. As we age, the thyroid slows, which in turn causes our metabolism to slow, making it easier to store fat

With the higher levels of L-Carnitine in your system, your body will produce energy faster which will create less of a chance of fatty acids being stored in the fat cells. Green Tea. Green tea works through various mechanisms that include increasing thermogenesis (heat production, which in turn burns calories) inhibiting fat digestion and absorption, promoting fat burning, and also boosting endurance during exercise.

Research has suggested that perhaps green tea polyphenols know as catechins, and green teas principal catechin, EGCG, may work together to promote weight loss, fat loss and weight management. This happens by lowering blood levels of triglycerides, glucose, insulin, and cholesterol. It also inhibits fat absorption by reducing the fat cells ability to rapidly produce.

A naturally occurring side effect of green tea consumption is that of appetite suppression. Herbal green teas are not synthetic, hence are completely absorbed by a person, unlike many vitamins and other supplements. Green tea was said to have shown some weight loss benefits by virtue of the fact that it can prevent fat from being stored, increase protein levels, and promote thermogenesis by triggering beta-adrenoceptor into action.

Some scientific studies have shown that we need about 300-700 milligrams per day of EGCG to get the weight loss benefits of green tea. So how much does each cup contains? Well again, it depends on the quality. If you get a high quality loose leaf tea, then it’s about 3 grams of tea leaves per cup, so that’s about 300 milligrams, so about 3-6 cups (8 ounce cups) a day would be ideal.

But, also know that getting high quality green tea is tough as well since the EGCG is very sensitive to being packed, which is why loose leaf tea is the way to go. So what else can you do to get your EGCG’s from green tea? There are also supplements out there that have extracts of EGCG’s. If you do your research on websites where there are reviews, you will be able to find a good supplement.

Resveratrol. This antioxidant component found in grape skin (red wine), peanuts and dark chocolate has been shown to provide many positive health effects including mimicking the effects of calorie restriction, especially when it comes to losing excess body fat.

Reducing calories has been shown in studies to slow down the aging process. Along with fat loss, Resveratrol has been shown to improve brain health and improve symptoms associated with diabetes.

One of the largest concentrations of resveratrol can be found in red wine but you will have to drink a massive amount of it (5 liters of wine provides 25mg of resveratrol) in order to get the dosage required which is anywhere from 100mg to 500mg per day. For this reason, Resveratrol supplements are definitely the way to go in order to get the optimal dosage. Although Dr. OZ recommends 500mg of Resveratrol a day, you probably want to start off at a much lower dosage (around 50mg to 100mg) per day to see how you feel and then you can gradually increase the dosage each week.

Make sure to choose a quality Resveratrol supplement from a reputable nutritional supplement company.

Coenzyme Q10. This is a substance present in the mitochondria of every cell in the body and is involved in a number of key energy production pathways. Our bodies naturally produce it and it is also found in many foods we eat including organ meats, egg, lamb and fish. However, people will be unable to eat the amount of food required to absorb enough Coenzyme Q10 that is required each day, so supplementation is needed.

Coenzyme Q10 is very popular for weight loss and losing body fat since it provides the main energy source for the heart which improves heart health and helps the heart’s ability to pump blood while working out.

Coenzyme Q10 is also shown to increase the body’s metabolism which helps in burning body fat. A recommended dose of Coenzyme Q10 is 30mg to 60mg per day. JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER Join over 175,000 Shape Fit subscribers who are receiving our free weekly fitness newsletter and learn how you can build more muscle, burn off body fat and get into the best shape of your life!We hate spam! Your email address will never be sold or shared with anyone. You can unsubscribe at anytime.

. Together with all of the other essential and nonessential amino acids, lysine plays a critical role in your body’s synthesis of protein. In addition to this team effort, lysine has some unique health benefits of its own.

What Is L-Lysine Good For?

Egg whites and many other high-protein foods are rich in lysine. L-lysine is one of the essential amino acids, so-called because your body must have it to function properly but cannot produce it on its own. For this reason, you must replenish your supply of lysine from food sources or a supplement on a daily basis

A Building Block of Protein To produce the protein necessary to build and repair cells, your body must have a full complement of essential and nonessential amino acids, which collectively make up the building blocks of protein. If you’re not eating enough lysine-rich foods to supply your daily lysine needs, your body will actually cannibalize existing protein structures such as muscle to come up with the missing ingredient. The same scenario applies whenever your body lacks adequate levels of any essential amino acid. Since your body can produce its own nonessential amino acids, there are always plenty of those available for the task of protein-building.

Facilitates Calcium Absorption Lysine helps your body to absorb the calcium from dietary sources and also appears to help the body conserve its calcium supply, according to naturopathic doctor Keri Marshall, author of “User’s Guide to Protein and Amino Acids.” For this reason, eating a diet rich in lysine or taking a lysine supplement may be helpful for those at risk of osteoporosis, most notably postmenopausal women.

The University of Maryland Medical Center points out that no study has yet confirmed that lysine supplementation can prevent osteoporosis in humans.

However, the center notes that there is some evidence that lysine in combination with arginine, another amino acid, increases the activity of bone-building cells known as osteoblasts.

Lysine and arginine also appear to promote the synthesis of collagen. Eases Herpes Symptoms Herpes simplex is a chronic viral infection that causes recurrent outbreaks of painful lesions on skin and mucous membranes. There is no cure, although the prescription medication acyclovir can reduce the number and severity of such outbreaks.

However the medication also may cause some side effects. In a review of data from previous studies of natural therapies for herpes simplex, Alan R. Gaby, M. D., found strong evidence that lysine in daily doses from 500 to 3,000 milligrams significantly reduced the severity of herpes simplex attacks. Gaby published his findings in a 2006 issue of “Alternative Medicine Review.”Possible Alzheimer's Application In the face of mounting evidence that the herpes simplex type 1 virus, or HSV-1, may play a role in development of Alzheimer’s dementia, Robert N. Rubey, a retired geriatric psychiatrist, suggests that lysine supplementation might help to prevent the disease.

Writing in a 2010 issue of “Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment,” Rubey notes that replication of HSV-1 is suppressed in environments that are rich in lysine and low in arginine. While acknowledging that his lysine-Alzheimer’s theory is speculative, Rubey says it potentially offers a safe and inexpensive approach to the prevention of the disease and deserves to be more fully explored.

References University of Maryland Medical Center: Lysine The Biology Project: The Chemistry of Amino Acids User's Guide to Protein and Amino Acids; Keri Marshall Alternative Medicine Review: Natural Remedies for Herpes Simplex Neuropsychiatric Dementia and Treatment: Could Lysine Supplementation Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease: A Novel Hypothesis About the Author Don Amerman has spent his entire professional career in the editorial field.

For many years he was an editor and writer for The Journal of Commerce. Since 1996 he has been freelancing full-time, writing for a large number of print and online publishers including Gale Group, Charles Scribner’s Sons, Greenwood Publishing, Rock Hill Works and others.

Photo Credits Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images MORE MUST-CLICKS: Is Casein a Complete Protein? Nutrition Risk Factors of a Adult Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian Diet Is Casein Protein Safe? What Are the Benefits of Vitamin C & Zinc? Quinoa & B12What Does Selenium Do in the Body? Foods Containing the Amino Acid Lysine What Does Zinc Do for People?

Carnitine deficiency is a metabolic state in which carnitine concentrations in plasma and tissues are less than the levels required for normal function of the organism. Biologic effects of low carnitine levels may not be clinically significant until they reach less than 10-20% of normal.

Carnitine Deficiency

Drugs & Diseases > Pediatrics: Genetics and Metabolic Disease Carnitine Deficiency Updated: Mar 20, 2017Author: Fernando Scaglia, MD, FACMG; Chief Editor: Maria Descartes, MD more... Share Email Feedback Sections Overview Presentation DDx Workup Treatment Medication Follow-up References Background Carnitine is a naturally occurring hydrophilic amino acid derivative, produced endogenously in the kidneys and liver and derived from meat and dairy products in the diet.

It plays an essential role in the transfer of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for beta-oxidation. Carnitine binds acyl residues and helps in their elimination, decreasing the number of acyl residues conjugated with coenzyme A (Co A) and increasing the ratio between free and acylated Co A.

Carnitine deficiency may be primary or secondary. Pathophysiology Primary carnitine deficiency is caused by a deficiency in the plasma membrane carnitine transporter, with urinary carnitine wasting causing systemic carnitine depletion. [ 1] Intracellular carnitine deficiency impairs the entry of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix.

Consequently, long-chain fatty acids are not available for beta-oxidation and energy production, and the production of ketone bodies (which are used by the brain) is also impaired. Regulation of the intramitochondrial free Co A also is affected, with accumulation of acyl-Co A esters in the mitochondria. This, in turn, affects the pathways of intermediary metabolism that require Co A (eg, Krebs cycle, pyruvate oxidation, amino acid metabolism, mitochondrial and peroxisomal beta oxidation).

SLC22A5 mutations can affect carnitine transport by impairing maturation of transporters to the plasma membrane. [ 2]The 3 areas of involvement include (1) the cardiac muscle, which is affected by progressive cardiomyopathy (by far, the most common form of presentation), (2) the CNS, which is affected by encephalopathy caused by hypoketotic hypoglycemia, and (3) the skeletal muscle, which is affected by myopathy.

Muscle carnitine deficiency (restricted to muscle) is characterized by depletion of carnitine levels in muscle with normal serum concentrations.

Evidence indicates that the causal factor is a defect in the muscle carnitine transporter. In secondary carnitine deficiency, which is caused by other metabolic disorders (eg, fatty acid oxidation disorders, organic acidemias), carnitine depletion may be secondary to the formation of acylcarnitine adducts and the inhibition of carnitine transport in renal cells by acylcarnitines.

In disorders of fatty acid oxidation, excessive lipid accumulation occurs in muscle, heart, and liver, with cardiac and skeletal myopathy and hepatomegaly. Long-chain acylcarnitines are also toxic and may have an arrhythmogenic effect, causing sudden cardiac death. Encephalopathy may be caused by the decreased availability of ketone bodies associated with hypoglycemia.

Preterm newborns also may be at risk for developing carnitine deficiency because immature renal tubular function combined with impaired carnitine biosynthesis renders them strictly dependent on exogenous supplies to maintain normal plasma carnitine levels. Valproic acid may cause an acquired type of secondary carnitine deficiency by directly impairing renal tubular reabsorption of carnitine.

The effect on carnitine uptake and the existence of an underlying inborn error involving energy metabolism may be fatal; in other cases, it may primarily affect the muscle, causing weakness. Epidemiology Frequency United States No studies have estimated the incidence of primary carnitine deficiency in the United States, however; it may be similar to the incidence in Japan from the cases already reported.

International In a Japanese study, primary systemic carnitine deficiency was estimated to occur in 1 per 40,000 births. [ 3] In Australia, the incidence has been estimated to be between 1:37,000-1:100,000 newborns. The frequency of this condition in adults is not known.

However, in the United Kingdom, a previous report identified 4 affected mothers in 62,004 infants screened, with a frequency of 1:15,500. Mortality/Morbidity In order to abate the mortality and morbidity of undiagnosed primary carnitine deficiency, this condition has been included in the expanded newborn screening program in several states within the United States.

[ 4] Primary carnitine deficiency can be identified in infants by expanded newborn screening using tandem mass spectrometry. [ 5] Low levels of free carnitine (C0) are detected. However, low carnitine levels in newborns may also reflect maternal primary carnitine deficiency. Sudden death: Unfortunately, the first clinical manifestation in asymptomatic individuals with primary carnitine deficiency may be sudden death. This also may occur in patients with secondary carnitine deficiency as a consequence of ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation.

Heart failure: Patients with primary carnitine deficiency develop a progressive cardiomyopathy that usually presents at a later age. The cardiac function does not respond to inotropes or diuretics. If the condition is not correctly diagnosed and no carnitine is supplemented, progressive heart failure eventually leads to death.

Heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy may be the presenting syndrome in patients with secondary carnitine deficiency caused by defects in beta-oxidation, such as long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-Co A dehydrogenase (LCHAD) and very long-chain acyl-Co A dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency. Hypoglycemic hypoketotic encephalopathy: Acute encephalopathy accompanied by hypoketotic hypoglycemic episodes usually presents in younger infants with primary carnitine deficiency. Periods of fasting in association with viral illness trigger these acute episodes. Some patients have developmental delay and CNS dysfunction associated with these episodes.

If no carnitine replacement is given, recurrent episodes of encephalopathy may ensue. A significant cohort of patients with primary carnitine deficiency do not present in infancy or early childhood as previously thought but remain asymptomatic into adulthood. These observations are derived from the experience of expanded newborn screening programs that identified maternal primary carnitine deficiency in mothers who were for the most part minimally symptomatic or asymptomatic.

One mother with primary carnitine deficiency was reported to have a history of syncope that worsened during pregnancy, when plasma carnitine levels are physiologically lower. [ 6]Race Overall, this disorder is panethnic, and, in some families, consanguinity is present in cases of primary carnitine deficiency. Sex No sex predilection is observed in primary carnitine deficiency. Age The mean age at onset for primary carnitine deficiency not detected or ascertained by a newborn screening program is 2 years, with onset ranging from 1 month to 7 years.

Infants typically present with hypoketotic hypoglycemia, whereas older children present with skeletal or heart myopathy. Symptoms of muscle carnitine deficiency may appear early yet generally occur later (ie, second or third decade of life).

In secondary carnitine deficiency caused by fatty acid oxidation disorders, the age of onset varies. Metabolic decompensation triggered by viral illness, associated with encephalopathy, and accompanied by liver involvement, hypotonia, or cardiomyopathy tends to occur in infancy. Cardiomyopathy or skeletal myopathy tends to present later. Carnitine deficiency also may occur in preterm newborns receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) with no carnitine supplementation. Clinical Presentation Sections Carnitine Deficiency Overview Presentation DDx Workup Treatment Medication Follow-up References

The body can convert L-carnitine to other amino acids called acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine. But, no one knows whether the benefits of carnitines are interchangeable. Until more is known, don't substitute one form of carnitine for another.

L-Carnitine

"Heart Disease Slideshow Pictures Medical Illustrations of the Heart Image Collection Take the Heart Disease Quiz!What other names is L-carnitine known by? What is L-carnitine? How does L-carnitine work? Are there safety concerns? Are there any interactions with medications?

Dosing considerations for L-carnitine. What other names is L-carnitine known by?3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-1-propanaminium inner salt, (3-carboxy2-hydroxypropyl) trimethylammonium hydroxide inner salt, 3-hydroxy-4-N-trimethylaminobutyrate, B-hydroxy-N-trimethyl aminobutyric acid, Beta-hydroxy-gamma-trimethylammonium butyrate, B (t) Factor, Carnitine, Carnitor, D-Carnitine, DL-Carnitine, Facteur B (t), L-3-hydroxy-4- (trimethylammonium)-butyrate, Levocarnitine, Lévocarnitine, Levocarnitine Fumurate, L-Carnitina, L-Carnitine Fumarate, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, L-Carnitine Tartrate, (R)- (3-carboxy-2-hydroxypropyl) trimethylammonium hydroxide, (R)-3-hydroxy-4-trimethylammonio-butyrate, Vitacarn, Vitamin B (t), Vitamine B (t). What is L-carnitine? L-carnitine is an amino acid that is naturally produced in the body. L-carnitine helps the body turn fat into energy.

L-carnitine supplements are taken by mouth to increase L-carnitine levels in people whose natural level of L-carnitine is too low because they have a genetic disorder, are taking certain drugs (such as valproic acid for seizures or certain antibiotics for tuberculosis), or because they are undergoing a medical procedure (hemodialysis for kidney disease) that uses up the body's L-carnitine.

It is also used as a replacement supplement in strict vegetarians, dieters, and low-weight or premature infants. L-carnitine is taken by mouth for conditions of the heart and blood vessels including heart-related chest pain, congestive heart failure (CHF), heart complications of a disease called diphtheria, heart attack, heart disease, leg pain caused by circulation problems (intermittent claudication), reduced circulation in the arms and legs due to narrowed blood vessels (peripheral vascular disease), irregular heartbeat, and high cholesterol.

Some people use L-carnitine by mouth for muscle disorders associated with certain AIDS medications, difficulty fathering a child (male infertility), a brain development disorder called Rett syndrome, anorexia, body weakness and wasting due to an illness, weight loss, chronic fatigue syndrome and fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis, celiac disease, cancer, aging, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, overactive thyroid, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, leg ulcers, Lyme disease, a blood disorder called beta-thalassemia, loss of brain function due to liver damage, hepatitis C, non-alcoholic liver disease, memory, migraine headache, to improve athletic performance and endurance in healthy people and people with a lung condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

It is also taken by mouth for narcolepsy and for spinal muscle weakness in children. L-carnitine us given intravenously (by IV) to increase L-carnitine levels in people whose natural level of L-carnitine is too low because they have a genetic disorder, are taking certain drugs (valproic acid for seizures), or because they are undergoing a medical procedure (hemodialysis for kidney disease) that uses up the body's L-carnitine.

It is also given by IV to improve immune function in people with HIV/AIDS, and to people who have had a heart attack. It is also used as a supplement for people on a feeding tube, and in low-weight or premature infants with breathing problems.

L-carnitine is applied to the skin for acne and hair loss. L-carnitine is also used in eye drops for dry eyes. Effective for... L-carnitine deficiency. The FDA has approved the use of L-carnitine, either taken by mouth or given intravenously (by IV), for treating L-carnitine deficiency caused by certain genetic diseases or other disorders.

Possibly Effective for... Chest pain (angina). Taking L-carnitine by mouth or intravenously (by IV) seems to improve exercise tolerance in people with chest pain. Taking L-carnitine along with standard treatment also seems to reduce chest pain and improve exercise ability in people with cardiac syndrome X. People with this condition have chest pain but not blocked arteries. Heart failure. Taking L-carnitine by mouth or intravenously (by IV) seems to improve symptoms and increase exercise ability in people with heart failure.

Taking a specific product containing L-carnitine and coenzyme Q10 (Carni Q-Gel, Tishcon Corporation, Westbury, NY) also appears to improve symptoms of heart failure. Serious kidney disease. People in the last stage of long-term, serious kidney disease need to undergo hemodialysis, which can lower L-carnitine levels.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved giving L-carnitine intravenously (by IV) but not by mouth to treat and prevent L-carnitine deficiency in these patients. There is mixed evidence about the effects of L-carnitine in treating disorders caused by low carnitine levels in people with serious kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis.

Taking L-carnitine by mouth or giving L-carnitine intravenously might improve markers of anemia and inflammation in people with this condition. But L-carnitine does not seem to improve quality of life, muscle cramping, low blood pressure, breathing function, or exercise performance. High thyroid hormone levels (hyperthyroidism). Taking L-carnitine seems to improve symptoms such as rapid or pounding heartbeat, nervousness, and weakness in people with high thyroid hormone levels.

Male infertility. Most research shows that taking L-carnitine, alone or in combination with acetyl-L-carnitine, increases sperm count and sperm movement in men with fertility problems. Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis). Taking D,L-carnitine by mouth seems to reduce the risk of death from myocarditis.

Preventing side effects caused by valproic acid ( Depacon, Depakene, Depakote, VPA), a seizure medication. Toxicity caused by valproic acid seems to be linked with L-carnitine deficiency. Giving L-carnitine intravenously (by IV) can prevent severe liver toxicity in people who accidentally ingested or took too much valproic acid.

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for... Acne. Early research suggests that applying a product containing L-carnitine to the face twice daily for 8 weeks reduces acne and improves quality of life in people with acne.

Age-related fatigue. Early research shows that taking L-carnitine daily for 30 days improves physical and mental fatigue, increase muscle mass, and decrease fat mass in elderly people. Hair loss (androgenic alopecia). Early research suggests that applying an L-carnitine solution twice daily for 6 months increases hair on the scalp in people with male or female pattern hair loss.

Toxicity from tuberculosis drugs. Some drugs used to treat tuberculosis have been linked to liver damage. Early research suggests that taking L-carnitine by mouth along with these drugs for 4 weeks reduces the risk for liver damage.

Athletic performance. Intense exercise has been linked to a decrease in L-carnitine blood levels. However, research on the use of L-carnitine for improving athletic performance is inconsistent. Some studies suggest that L-carnitine improves athletic performance and endurance. However, other research suggests L-carnitine provides no benefits. Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Research suggests that taking L-carnitine does not appear to reduce ADHD symptoms in most children.

Autism. Early research suggests that taking L-carnitine by mouth daily for 3 months reduces the severity of autism in children according to some but not all scales. Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). Early research suggests that L-carnitine might reduce irregular heartbeat. Blood disorder called beta-thalassemia. Early research suggests that L-carnitine might reduce symptoms of a blood disorder called beta-thalassemia.

Wasting syndrome (cachexia). Early research suggests that taking L-carnitine can increase body mass index (BMI) and improve lean body mass in people with cancer and wasting syndrome. Also, taking L-carnitine in combination with antioxidants and certain prescription drugs used to increase appetite seems to improve lean body mass better than taking the prescription drugs alone.

Weakening heart muscle (cardiomyopathy). Early research suggests that L-carnitine improves heart function in adults or children with a weak heart muscle. Cancer-related fatigue. Some cancer patients have low blood levels of L-carnitine, which might reduce energy and lead to fatigue.

Some early research suggests that taking L-carnitine might improve fatigue in advanced cancer patients. However, other research suggests that it has no benefit. Celiac disease-related fatigue. Some celiac disease patients have low blood levels of carnitine, which might reduce energy and lead to fatigue. Some research shows that taking L-carnitine reduces fatigue associated with celiac disease. However, L-carnitine does not seem to improve depression or quality of life.

Chronic fatigue syndrome. Early research suggests that taking L-carnitine for 2 months can improve symptoms of fatigue. Lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Early research suggests that L-carnitine can improve exercise performance in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Clogged arteries (coronary artery disease). Early research suggests that taking L-carnitine before exercise does not improve endurance in people with clogged arteries. Diabetes. Although some research suggests that L-carnitine might improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes, most research shows that L-carnitine does not have this effect. However, L-carnitine might improve blood sugar control and decrease body weight in people with diabetes when taken along with certain weight loss medications.

There is mixed evidence regarding the effects of L-carnitine on cholesterol levels in people with diabetes. Some research shows that L-carnitine can decrease cholesterol levels, but other research shows no benefit. Fatigue. Early research shows that taking L-carnitine daily for 8 days does not reduce fatigue in healthy people.

Declining brain function related to liver disease. Early research shows that taking L-carnitine daily for 60-90 days reduces ammonia levels and improves brain function in people with declining brain function related to severe liver disease. Fatigue due to hepatitis. Early research shows that taking L-carnitine daily reduces fatigue in people with hepatitis C who are also being treated with medication. Hepatitis B. Research suggests that taking a specific vitamin complex containing L-carnitine (Godex, Celltrion Pharm, Seoul) together with the drug entecavir daily for 12 months improve liver function in people with hepatitis B.

But it does not seem to affect the amount of hepatitis B virus in the blood. Hepatitis C. Taking L-carnitine with the medications interferon-alpha and ribavirin seems to improve the response to treatment in people with hepatitis C. High blood fats.

Early research shows that taking L-carnitine daily can reduce total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or ""bad"") cholesterol, and triglycerides in children with high blood fat levels. Also, taking L-carnitine can reduce levels of lipoprotein (a), a possible risk factor for cardiovascular disease, in people with high levels of lipoprotein (a). High triglycerides. Early research suggests that L-carnitine does not reduce triglyceride levels in people with high triglyceride levels.

Low birth weight. Some research suggests that giving premature infants L-carnitine by mouth or intravenously (by IV) can increase weight. However, other research suggests that it does not increase body weight in premature infants. Memory.

Early research shows that taking L-carnitine daily for 3 days does not improve memory in young adult females. Metabolic syndrome. Early research suggests that L-carnitine given intravenously (by IV) daily for 7 days increases weight loss and reduces waist circumference in people with metabolic syndrome. But it does not seem to affect blood pressure in people with this condition. Migraine headache. Early research suggests that taking L-carnitine daily, with or without magnesium oxide for 12 weeks, does not reduce migraines.

Multiple sclerosis-related fatigue. Some people with multiple sclerosis have low blood levels of L-carnitine, which might cause low energy and fatigue. Early research shows that taking L-carnitine daily decreases some aspects of fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis who also have low L-carnitine levels.

Heart attack. There is inconsistent evidence about the effects of using of L-carnitine after a heart attack. Some research suggests that taking L-carnitine by mouth after a heart attack improves heart function and reduces the risk of death. However, other studies suggest that it provides no benefit. Excessive daytime sleepiness (narcolepsy). Early research suggests that taking L-carnitine in the morning and evening for 8 weeks reduces dozing off during the day in people with narcolepsy.

But it does not seem to affect the number of naps needed, quality of life, or sleepiness. Breathing problems while sleeping in infants. Early research suggests that adding L-carnitine to intravenous (IV) nutrition does not reduce breathing problems while sleeping in infants.

Nonalcoholic liver disease (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH). Early research suggests that L-carnitine improves some aspects of liver function in people with liver disease not related to drinking alcohol.

Blocked blood vessels not in the heart or brain. Some early research suggests that L-carnitine might improve walking in people with blocked blood vessels not in the heart or brain. However, other research suggests that it does not provide any benefits. A rare inherited disorder that affects the nervous system (Rett syndrome). Taking L-carnitine might improve well-being and movement in girls with Rett syndrome. Weight loss.

Taking L-carnitine by itself does not appear to reduce body weight in overweight or obese people. However, taking L-carnitine with certain weight loss medications or supplements appears to reduce body weight and body mass index better than taking the weight loss medications or supplements alone.

Eating disorders. Leg ulcers. Lyme disease. Spinal muscle loss. Other conditions. More evidence is needed to rate L-carnitine for these uses. "

L-lysine is an essential amino acid used by the body as a building block for many functions. Know more about its benefits and what to do in case of its deficiency. L-lysine is an amino acid (a building block of protein) that is essential for health. However, it cannot be manufactured naturally in the human body like other types of amino acids. Therefore, L-lysine, also called lysine, is considered as one of the eight essential amino acids. In order to obtain lysine, one has to eat foods high in its content or take dietary supplements containing it. As a building block for protein, amino acids like L-lysine are necessary for normal growth and development. In particular, L-lysine is needed by the body to manufacture carnitine, a substance that is used in the conversion of fatty acids into energy.

Benefits of L-lysine & Ways to Avoid Its Deficiency

It also helps in calcium absorption and collagen formation which are important for muscle and bone health. Foods that are high in L-lysine include high protein foods like nuts, red meat, eggs, milk, cheese, beans, and sardines.

However, some people may need more than just the usual dietary food to supply their needs for lysine, such as athletes, body builders, vegetarians, and vegans. These people can get additional sources of L-lysine from nutritional supplements in the form of liquids, tablets, or capsules which are available in health stores or pharmacies.

L-lysine Benefits L-lysine is an important and indispensable component of proteins. As previously mentioned, it plays a role in the production of carnitine and collagen.

Some health problems have been found to be related to L-lysine deficiency such as kidney stone formation, low thyroid hormone production, asthma, chronic viral infections, and abnormal growth and development. Symptoms related to a deficiency in this amino acid include nausea, fatigue, dizziness, anemia, and loss of appetite.

Some disorders of the reproductive system have also been linked to a lack of l-lysine in the diet. To deal with L-lysine deficiency, you can take following steps. Avoid a high sugar diet - To prevent l-lysine deficiency, one must avoid a high sugar diet, since sugar has been known to bind lysine.

Arginine intake - Another cause of low lysine levels is taking large doses of arginine (another amino acid). Consume high protein foods - To get adequate amounts of L-lysine, one must consume high protein foods like red meat, legumes, eggs, and dairy products.

Certain fish like sardines and cod, nuts, soybeans products like tofu and soybean flour, spirulina, fenugreek seed, and Brewer's yeast are also good lysine sources. Supplements intake - For those who need additional sources of L-lysine, dietary supplements in the form of tablets, capsules, or liquids may be taken.

Precautions of L-lysine Intake Usually you can control your diet to get more l-lysine. But when you do need supplements know some precautions to better enjoy l-lysine benefits. Intake Conditions L-lysine supplements are often taken by vegans who do not eat food products containing animal protein, athletes who are highly active and bodybuilders who want more muscle mass.

Patients who have large wounds, burns, or other medical conditions involving protein loss also need supplemental lysine for repair. Some people take l-lysine supplements to treat or prevent viral infections like cold sores and shingles. Although lysine may be taken without prescription, it must be taken with caution to avoid side effects such as nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

Dosage It is always best to ask your healthcare provider for advice regarding L-lysine supplementation, especially with regards to dosage.

According to experts at the University of Maryland Medical Center, the usual recommended dose for people aged 13 years and above is 12 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day. For treating herpes infections, one may need a higher dosage, ranging from 3,000 - 9,000 mg, taken in divided doses, daily. To prevent recurrences, one may need to take 1,000 mg three times a day. Consult a physician for more information on proper dosage and duration of intake.

Cautions Experts recommend obtaining one's nutrients from a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods. One can obtain L-lysine supplements from online health stores or from health food stores without prescription, but one must be aware of the possible side effects of taking too much lysine. L-lysine can interact with other substances when taken in large amounts, and can cause a deficiency in L-arginine, another important amino acid.

Excessive doses can also lead to gallstone formation and increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Pregnant and lactating women, patients with heart, liver, or kidney disease and those taking certain antibiotics should consult a physician before taking these supplements.

? In certain situations, when the body produces its own creatine from amino acids like arginine, glycine, and methionine, particularly in times when creatine’s usual dietary intake is not sufficient to satisfy daily energy needs.

Foods High in Creatine

What is Creatine? Creatine, also referred to as methylguanidino acetic acid, is a kind of natural crystalline molecule, formed from several atoms such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen.

Creatine is naturally synthesized from several amino acids, which is then stored in muscles. Read more about what creatine. Do I Produce my Own Creatine

Creatine’s manufacturing process begins in the kidneys via the blending of glycine and arginine to create GAA (Guanidinoacetic Acid), which in turn is carried by blood streams to liver in order to convert it into creatine. This creatine is then transported by blood streams to the body tissues, especially skeletal muscle. Hence, about 95% of the body’s creatine is seen in skeletal muscle and rest in brain, heart, and hair cells.

Discovery Discovered by Chevreul, a French Scientist, in 1835 - creatine plays a prominent role in promoting the energy system of the body by transporting the required quantity of phosphate in order to aid for the conversion of ADP to ATP for its usage by muscle. Different Forms of Creatine It mainly appears in three major forms such as: Creatine Monohydrate which is regarded as the most natural form of creatine Micronized Creatine containing in it smaller particulars of creatine with high absorption rate Creatine Ethyl Ester a kind of creatine monohydrate inclusive of ester with high absorption rates.

Printable Food Logs Charts are a great way to help yourself become accountable. Get yours to print now. Natural VS Synthetic Creatine Sources As the name suggests, natural creatine is the one deriving from natural sources. Creatine is formed in the liver, pancreas, and kidneys. One of the prime natural sources of natural creatine is red meat, especially lean meat.

It is estimated that every one pound of raw meat contains two grams of creatine. Another great source of natural creatine is fish like tuna, salmon, sashimi, and sushi, which has in it properties such as methionine and Omega 3 fatty acids that aid for creatine synthesis.

Likewise, a minimal amount of creatine can be found in milk and cranberries. As mentioned earlier, when dietary ingestion is not sufficient, the body may synthesize its own creatine from amino acids. On the other hand, synthetic creatine usually appears in the form of supplements, and is available in a variety of forms such as pills, health drink, and nutritious bars. One of the most popular synthetically-produced supplements is Creatine Monohydrate. Benefits Intake of creatine is considered highly beneficial for nerve cells as well as to aid several other bodily functions such as to build tissues, regulate metabolism, and increase endurance levels. Creatine supplements have also now become much sought after in the sports world, as they are said to be highly effective for athletes, wrestlers, and weightlifters to improve their performance and to enhance lean body mass.

Further, some studies reveal that creatine contains in it some therapeutic features that are advantageous to prevent such ailments as: Parkinson's disease ( improving mood)Huntington's disease ( source)Neurodegenerative diseases ( source ).

Possible Side Effects No matter the source of creatine, its intake renders a host of benefits such as promotion of lean muscle mass, enhancement of muscle cell volume, improved work capacity of muscle, better protein synthesis, and improved re-synthesis of glycogen.

In spite of any benefit, consuming synthetic creatine supplements may produce some kind of side effects. In contrast to natural creatine, synthetic creatine may be a cause for weight gain, sometimes almost one kilogram a week.

Even though they are considered advantageous for vegetarians, synthetic creatine supplements’ excess consumption may lead to some kind of short term and long term disadvantages. Dehydration, nausea, and diarrhea are among the short term disadvantages, and some of the prime long term disadvantages as per the studies are kidney problems, hypertension, stomach cramps, and muscle cramps.

In short, as there are mixed reviews with regard to the usage of creatine, for safe and best results, it is recommended to use Creatine supplements from a licensed nutritionist or a registered dietician. Foods High in Creatine Creatine monohydrate is a crystalline, colorless stuff found in muscle tissue.

This is highly useful for the production of phosphocreatine, an element highly vital to produce (ATP) adenosine triphosphate. Al though, a range of supplements containing creatine monohydrates are now available, perhaps the best is naturally occurring creatine monohydrate.

Some of the foods that are rich in creatine monohydrate are: Animal proteins Especially those contained in beef, salmon, and tuna. It is accounted that about one pound of beef consists of 5 grams of creatine monohydrate, and one pound of red meat contains 2 grams of creatine monohydrate.

Fish There is about 4.5 grams in one pound of salmon. In addition, sea foods such as tuna, sushi, and sashimi are highly rich in creatine monohydrate. How do I get 5 grams of natural creatine? One pound of beef contains 5 grams of creatine, so it is possible to receive it from your diet but most athletes can't and should not have that much red meat or salmon every day and need to find other sources of creatine (supplements) to make sure there is enough ATP available. Other Creatine Links Review Does it Work? Side Effects Overview Other Uses Forums and Questions

The acetyl form [ 7] of this amino acid possesses many of the same abilities as the regular l-carnitine variety but in a less significant way. While the acetyl form is known for its impact on cognitive abilities, the regular l-carnitine is primarily praised for its effects on metabolism and energy production.

Benefits of Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Supplementing your diet with acetyl-l-choline is a great way to boost cognitive health, as well as effortlessly protect various other organ systems. What is Acetyl-L-Carnitine? Acetyl-l-carnitine (often shortened to ALCAR) is a form of l-carnitine that can be produced naturally within the body, primarily derived from l-carnitine.

It is also known as the most bioavailable form of carnitine in the body. Whereas l-carnitine is famed for its ability to improve energy metabolism and aid in weight loss efforts, acetyl-l-carnitine has the capacity to pass through the blood-brain barrier, making it extremely important for cognitive health and the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

Given that the body can freely transform l-carnitine into the acetyl version, and vice versa, most people are able to maintain acetyl-l-carnitine levels based on their diet, but certain health conditions and health goals may require supplementation. If you want to boost your levels of this amino acid, you should consume more red meat, pork, chicken, and seafood, along with raw dairy products, like milk, yogurt, and cheese.

From there, the body can convert the l-carnitine into the acetyl variety, allowing you to benefit from its many effects. Acetyl-L-Carnitine Benefits The primary benefits of this amino acid include the following: Preventing memory problems Weight loss Protecting against diabetes Preventing Alzheimer’s disease [ 1]Reducing fatigue Preventing mental disorders Memory Problems Being able to cross the blood-brain barrier means that this amino acid can help to break down fatty deposits in the brain, some of which can prevent age-related memory loss, including the prevention of Alzheimer’s, and improve cognitive performance [ 2].

Mental Disorders Acetyl-L-Carnitine can also prevent mental disorders including depression, thinking problems pertaining to alcoholism and Lyme disease.

Type 2 Diabetes It is believed that supplementation with this [ 3] amino acid can help to improve insulin sensitivity in the pancreas, thus helping those who are suffering from diabetes. Fatigue The increased energy production [ 4] derived from acetyl-l-carnitine can help to overcome fatigue and general exhaustion. Peyronie’s Disease Using this supplement can counter the negative effects of Peyronie’s disease [ 5], which is an inflammatory condition that affects the penis.

Weight Loss As mentioned, the acetyl variety of carnitine can do many of the same things as L-carnitine, including boosting [ 6] energy metabolism and fat-burning, thus aiding in weight loss efforts. Acetyl-L-Carnitine vs L-Carnitine These two substances are two different forms of the same amino acid, but they have varied functions within the body.

The acetyl group on the former enables it to move more freely within the body, thus having a larger impact on other bodily functions, more so than the basic l-carnitine variety.

Also see6 Surprising Benefits of L-Carnitine 9 Amazing Benefits of Tyrosine Acetyl-L-Carnitine Side Effects Although this amino acid can have many impressive benefits, there are some potential side effects associated with supplementation, such as complications with pregnancy, higher risk of seizures and complications with the thyroid gland. Experts typically recommend between 500 and 2,000 mg per day, depending on your level of physical exertion or other pre-existing health conditions.

Pregnancy: The safety of taking this supplement as a child or a pregnant/ breastfeeding woman is unknown, and should, therefore, be avoided.

Seizures: In some cases, supplementation with this amino acid can worsen seizure disorders, so speak with your doctor if you suffer from one of these conditions. Thyroid: The effect of this compound on the hormones, as well as blood pressure, is well documented, so avoid using this supplement if you are already taking medication for any of these issues.

Carnitine actually comes in four forms: D-carnitine, DL-carnitine, L-carnitine and Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC). Only the last two could be of actual use to bodybuilders. When there is enough Thiamin (Vitamin B1) and pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) in circulation, it can trigger methionine and lysine to manufacture carnitine.

Amino Acids Guide!

"Nutrition Supplementation Amino Acids Guide!Big Cat October 26, 2017 • 20 min read Learn the FACTS about Glutamine, BCAA's, Arginine, Lysine, Methionine, Carnitine, Cysteine, and HMB. Amino Acids are wondrous things. Once you learn what they do in the body, you're almost struck with amazement. They fulfill the basic foundations of well-being like vitamins and minerals whilst also optimizing those micronutrients and providing the fuel for growth, health, good functioning of the body and genetic transcription.

If I were to go into a rant about amino acids and their many functions I could easily fill a book. As a matter of fact, if I went into describing the uses of every amino acid separately I'd already have a nice novella.

That's why I'm only going to discuss the ones that could be of potent benefit to the athlete. That's probably still going to justify several pages. What Are Amino Acids? Well, amino acids in food make up protein. When protein is digested it is once again broken down into specific amino acids, that are then selectively put together for different uses.

These new proteins formed in the body are what make up most solid matter in the body: skin, eyes, heart, intestines, bones and, of course, muscle. That's why understanding what each of these aminos can do and getting more of them in your diet can be very beneficial to reaching specific goals, such as muscle building.

Of course, one mustn't exaggerate, because a good protein balance is what provides health and stability, without it any of the amino acids can become toxic. An issue that has been brought up in the case of phenylalanine, but holds true for all amino acids.

To counter potential harmful effects, getting enough vitamins and minerals is important because they insure proper conversion of protein to amino and vice versa. Depending on who you talk to, there are around 20 to 22 standard amino acids. Of those 20-22, 8 to 10 of them are considered essential, which means that you need to get a certain amount of them in your diet to function properly - our bodies cannot synthesize them from other materials, so we only get them from food.

Since aminos are the building blocks of protein, I'm sure you get plenty of all of them, but this article will show you the benefits of supplementing with extra free form amino acids, going in to deep detail of what too much or too little of several of them can do, what they do in the body and how much and when you should use them.

Next to the 8 essential amino acids, there are around 14 non-essential amino acids and a whole host of other metabolites classed as amino acids which are derived from the 8 essential ones.

Next to the 8 essential aminos, I will try to discuss a number of them that have made the headlines recently: L-Glutamine, L-Arginine, L-Carnitine, L-Cysteine, and HMB. The 8 Essential Amino Acids Understanding the essentials and trying to optimize them in your diet should be basic knowledge for any bodybuilder. A complete spectrum of amino acids and optimum health can only be brought forth by gearing your protein intake to these 8 aminos.

So even if you aren't even considering supplementing with free forms, at least peruse these next 8 paragraphs and learn.

Histidine In the human body, histidine is needed for the growth and repair of tissue of all kind. It plays a key role in the maintenance and manufacture of glial nerve cells called oligo-dendrocytes which wrap themselves around your nerves to form a protective sheath called myelin.

This prevents unintended impulses that can obviously lead to serious defects in the brain and spinal cord. As if it didn't have enough work, histidine is also a manufacturer of both red and white blood cells. It also helps in radiation protection and removing excess heavy metals (such as iron) from the body.

In the stomach, it produces gastric juices that may speed up and improve digestion, so it's a helpful tool in fighting indigestion and gastro-intestinal disorders.

It is a precursor to the non-essential amino acid histamine, which is released by the immune system as a response to allergic reactions.

It has also been linked in recent studies to longer orgasms and better sexual enjoyment for those of you who are having a little trouble in that area... Bodybuilder Summary Use To Bodybuilders: Minimal, only in improving digestion Dosage: Minimum of 1000 mg daily, but the recommendation is 8-10 mg a day per kilogram of bodyweight.

Chances are you get at least two or three times that in your diet. Overdosing: Too much histidine may lead to stress and the aggravation of mental disorders such as anxiety and schizophrenia. Medical Uses: Used in the treating of arthritis and nerve deafness. Sources: Found in dairy, meat, poultry, fish as well as rice, wheat and rye. Deficiency: Unknown. Uses: Improved digestion — Sources: Dairy, meat, fish, rice, wheat, and rye Lysine

L-Lysine is one of the aminos that is of utmost importance to growth and development. It is used in the body for calcium absorption, which results in bone and muscle growth as well as fat mobilization for energy uses.

It maintains the nitrogen balance and helps to maintain lean body mass in periods of extreme stress and fatigue. It is also needed to produce antibodies, hormones (GH, testosterone, insulin, you name it), enzymes, collagen and to repair damaged tissue, much like histidine and most of the essential amino acids.

Next to maintaining it, it also helps to build new muscle protein. And the cardiovascular benefits include the maintenance of healthy blood vessels.

Bodybuilder Summary Use To Bodybuilders: Next to the maintenance and manufacture of muscle protein, Lysine plays a role in revitalizing the body to combat fatigue and overtraining and it maintains a positive nitrogen balance, creating an anabolic environment within the body. Dosage: Normal recommendation is 12 mg per kilo of bodyweight, but daily intake exceeds that, and even when taking in 1.5 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight, a couple of extra mg won't hurt.

It's a priority amino acid to the athlete. but beware of overdosing. Overdosing: Could result in higher LDL cholesterol, diarrhea and gallstones. Medical Uses: Treating of cold sores and lack of energy. Sources: Cheese, eggs, milk, meat, yeast, potatoes and lima beans. Deficiency: May lead to enzyme disorders, lack of energy, hair loss (common for protein shortage), weight loss, no appetite and loss of concentration. Uses: Combats fatigue and overtraining — Sources: Cheese, eggs, milk, meat, yeast, potatoes, and lima beans Phenylalanine Phenylalanine is, or rather was, a hot topic. Some people seem to react rather badly to it, and a lot of heck was raised about it being used in products.

Things have calmed down and studies have shown that there is no harm in it for healthy people. It elevates the mood by stimulating the nerve system, and may be important to staying motivated for whatever reason.

It aids memory and together with its derivative, glutamine, is considered a smart-vitamin (though they aren't vitamins). It increases levels of epinephrine, nor-epinephrine, and dopamine in the anterior pituitary. All three are important neurotransmitters needed for optimum operation of the nerve system.

It also helps the absorption of UV rays in sunlight, which in turn gives a higher rate of Vitamin D, a strong body hormone.

Its main metabolite is tyrosine which increases levels of dopamine and nor-epinephrine, as stated above. It's also one of the manufacturers of glutamine, the amino acid that makes up the largest part of the amino acid pool.

Phenylalanine often gets a bad wrap in the press. It is used as a non-carbohydrate sweetener in many soft drinks (combined with aspartic acid, as aspartame) and made headlines recently when some claimed it was hazardous to the brain, and then later it was linked to carcinogenic risk.

Toxic levels of phenylalanine can indeed be lethal, but trust me, so can anything else. If I put a gun to your head and made you drink twenty gallons of purified water, you'd be dead too. And that's water. Imagine what vitamins or minerals could do? Yet somehow I doubt anyone feels vitamins are an evil poison, put on earth to kill you. Well, neither is phenylalanine. It's an essential amino acid, and most nutritionists will tell you that you are more likely to be deficient than run the risk of overdosing.

Toxic doses exceed 3 to 4 times the amount you would get on average from a diet containing 250-300 grams of protein daily. So that extra diet Coke won't kill you. Bodybuilder Summary Use To Bodybuilders: Apart from motivation and extra Vitamin D, Phenylalanine is of the use because of the nerve upgrading which will allow for maximal contraction and relaxation of the muscles.

The DL-form is often supplemented as an endurance enhancer. Because of the toxicity level, this is never done long-term. Dosage: Recommendation is 14 mg per kilo of bodyweight. You'll be getting more than that no doubt, and I see no need to increase that.

Especially with the potential side-effects. Overdosing: This is not a wise supplement to be taking by pregnant women and diabetics. It results in higher blood pressure, headaches, nausea, heart trouble and nerve damage. Medical Uses: For treatment of arthritis and depression.

Sources: All dairy products, almonds, avocados, nuts, and seeds. Deficiency: Its rare, but if it occurs it leads to weakness, lethargy, liver damage and stunted growth. Uses: Allows maximal muscle contraction and relaxation — Sources: Dairy, almonds, avocados, nuts, and seeds Methionine I'll no doubt refer to the subject again when we discuss ZMA in a future article, but methionine assists in the breakdown and use of fats, which in turn yields a higher testosterone rate.

Together with zinc, that's how ZMA does its thing. It also eliminates excess fat from the bloodstream, resulting in less potential adipose (fat) tissue. It is key in digestion and the removal of heavy metals from the stomach and liver. It is a good anti-oxidant because it readily supplies sulfur, inactivates free radicals and helps with memory recall.

It is a precursor to cysteine, which is the amino that produces glutathione to detoxify the liver.

It's also one of the three aminos that are needed to manufacture creatine monohydrate within the body, an essential compound for energy production and muscle growth. Bodybuilder Summary Use To Bodybuilders: Fat metabolization, better digestion and anti-oxidizing properties make this a valuable compound. Dosage: 12 mg per kilo of bodyweight. If you think it may be a good idea to supplement this, you may as well invest in some ZMA. The supplement is cost-effective and yields higher results than just Methionine. Overdosing: None, except in case of a shortage of B-Vitamins, in which case you are an easy target for arteriosclerosis.

Medical Uses: Used to treat depression, arthritis and liver disease. Sources: Meat, fish, beans, eggs, garlic, lentils, onions, yogurt and seeds. Deficiency: Causes dementia, fatty liver, slow growth, weakness, skin lesions and edema. Uses: Fat metabolization — Sources: Meat, fish, beans, eggs, garlic, lentils, onions, yogurt , and seeds BCAAs Branched Chain Amino Acids are held in high regard in bodybuilding circles and justly so.

They are the three most important amino acids in the manufacture, maintenance and repair of muscle-tissue. All three exert a strong synergistic effect. Using just Valine or Iso-leucine does little as far as anabolics is concerned but both, when dosed in the right amounts, enhance the effect of the all-important Leucine. As with certain other supplements, the relative dose is more important than the overall dose. It is believed that a 2-1-2 equilibrium in Leucine/Iso-leucine/Valine dosing yields the best results.

The dosages listed are the FDA recommendations for taking the individual BCAA's. BCAAs are used medically to treat headaches, dizziness, fatigue, depression and irritability as a result of protein deficiency. BCAAs are always best used together. A little useful stack advice: BCAAs stack well with B-complex vitamins. Leucine Leucine, the strongest of the BCAAs, is responsible for the regulation of blood-sugar levels, the growth and repair of tissues in skin, bones and of course skeletal muscle.

It's a strong potentiator to Human Growth Hormone (HGH). It helps in healing wounds, regulating energy, and assists in the preventing the breakdown of muscle tissue. Bodybuilder Summary Use To Bodybuilders: Leucine may be one of the strongest natural anabolic agents in the world. It will not give you amazing results, however, simply because you are already taking in quite large amounts of it. Dosage: 16 mg per kilo of bodyweight. Overdosing: Unknown, may increase ammonia. Medical Uses: Prevention of muscle-wasting in states of deprivation.

Sources: Found in nearly all protein sources, including brown rice, beans, nuts, and whole wheat. Deficiency: Unknown. Uses: Natural anabolic agent — Sources: All protein sources including brown rice, beans, nuts, and whole wheat Isoleucine Very similar to leucine in most every way. Isoleucine promotes muscle recovery, regulates the blood-sugar levels and stimulates HGH release. But isoleucine holds its own in terms of wound healing.

It helps in the formation of hemoglobin and is strongly involved in the formation of blood-clots, the body's primary defense against infection through open wounds. Bodybuilder Summary Use To Bodybuilders: Of similar importance as leucine, Very important as part of the BCAA stack.

Dosage: 10-12 mg per kilo of bodyweight. Overdosing: Causes elevated urination. No serious problems. May become serious if you have kidney or liver disease. Medical Uses: Wound healing. Sources: Chicken, cashews, fish, almonds, eggs, lentils, liver, meat. Deficiency: Unknown. Promotes muscle recovery — Sources: Chicken, cashews, fish, almonds, eggs, lentils, liver, and meat Valine Valine helps the repair and growth of muscle tissue, as commonly attributed to BCAAs.

It maintains the nitrogen balance and preserves the use of glucose. Bodybuilder Summary Use To Bodybuilders: In combination with Isoleucine and Leucine. Dosage: 16 mg per kilo of bodyweight. Overdosing: Crawling sensation in the skin is common, hallucination, may be hazardous to people with kidney and liver disease.

Medical Uses: None, not separately. Sources: Dairy, meat, grain, mushrooms, soy, peanuts. Deficiency: Leads to MSUD. Uses: Promotes repair and growth of muscle tissue — Sources: Dairy, meat, mushrooms, soy, and peanuts Threonine An essential amino acid that is not manufactured within the body, ever. Since its main sources are animal (dairy and meat) this doesn't bode well to vegans. It's found in heart, skeletal muscle and nerve tissue in the central nervous system.

Threonine (reminds me of that chick on ""Star Trek: Voyager"") is used to form the body's two most important binding substances, collagen and elastin.

It is also essential to maintain proper protein balance. Threonine is involved in liver functioning, lipotropic functions (when combined with aspartic acid and methionine) and in the maintenance of the immune system by helping in the production of antibodies and promoting growth and activity of the thymus.

But perhaps its most useful property of all is that it allows better absorption of other nutrients, so protein sources containing threonine are more bio-available than others. Bodybuilder Summary Use To Bodybuilders: Absorption of protein, maintenance of muscle and important to good health. Dosage: 8 mg per kilo of bodyweight, generally advised in amounts of 100-500 mg when supplemented.

Overdosing: Not known. Medical Uses: Treatment for mental health. Sources: Meat, dairy, and eggs.

Deficiency: Irritability and being difficult, nothing severe. Less immunity against disease. Uses: Absorption of protein — Sources: Meat, dairy, and eggs The Most Important Non-Essential Amino Acids The above information is knowledge that will empower you to understand why you need protein, but apart from BCAAs I know few people that take extra essential amino acids, simply because every bodybuilder with half a brain is already taking in at least ten to twenty times the recommended FDA doses, in some cases as much as 40 times.

But non-essential amino acids are produced only as the body needs them, and are not as omni-present in food as the essential ones are. So while we have more than enough non-essential amino acids, in some circumstances taking in extra free form versions may be beneficial. Especially in circumstances where for one reason or another the body's reserve is in danger of being absorbed for less useful purposes.

They are temporary solutions to temporary problems. But some would have you believe, vested interests can pay off big-time, that you should be taking them all the time. Glutamine being case in point. Weider is the biggest distributor of free form L-Glutamine and FLEX magazine recommends you take in massive amounts of the stuff even when you don't need it.

That Weider owns FLEX hasn't dawned on anyone yet apparently. But this goes for all non-essential amino acids.

Here are the most popular ones. Glutamine L-Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid that is present in the body in large amounts. At some times it forms 60 percent of your total amino acid pool. Because it passes through the blood-brain barrier rather easily it's often called brain-food.

It may aid memory recall and concentration. In the brain it converts to glutamic acid, which is essential for brain functioning and increase GABA (gamma-amino-butyric-acid, another popular supplemented amino) needed or mental activities. It is used in synthesis of muscle-tissue. We all know we need nitrogen to get big, but too much nitrogen in the body could cause ammonia in the brain.

Glutamine helps to get rid of it by attaching itself to the nitrogen and forming glutamic acid, then escorts it out of the body. Glutamine is also one of the main building blocks in the genetic coding. It is found in several strands of DNA and RNA, more than other amino's. And most important perhaps is that it balances the acid/alkaline level, so it reduces lactic acid.

It decreases the cravings for sweets which can be of use on a diet, and a metabolite of glutamine called Monosodium Glutamine (MSG), a salt, is used as a flavor enhancer.

It has no real flavor of its own, but it can enhance the flavor of other products such as meat, fish and vegetables. Glutamine has the downside of being more readily used as fuel for energy than some simple carbs. It is one of the preferred fuels of the intestines for example and a good source of energy throughout the body.

So chances are more glutamine will not even be used for what you supplement it for. The body just doesn't use what it already has. So, is glutamine a bad supplement? No. It's one of the best supplements currently on the market, but there is no way in hell you need to supplement with L-glutamine in a bulking phase. You should have plenty. I asked some sources who could know (and don't have a vested interest in the stuff) and they said, and I quote: ""In the presence of good health, supplementation is not necessary.""

That, my friends, is fact. No company, other than commercial supplement companies, carry a glutamine product. But we all know they'll produce anything if they smell money, just look at vanadyl. So, why bother?

Well, In a dieting phase you will be lowering your carbs, and if you are cutting up for competition your carb intake will be so low you are in danger of using hard earned muscle-protein as fuel for your body.

And what did I say is the preferred fuel of most tissues: glutamine. So supplementing with extra Glutamine makes sense if you want to spare that hard-earned muscle. In fact in this instance it becomes necessary. I use the stuff myself. 15-25 grams can be supplemented and burned without touching the rest of the body's amino acid supply. Some people suggest using 2 doses, but I can tell you as a competitor that you will get more benefit by using more.

I prefer 5 doses of 5-7 grams, but that is a personal opinion, not a guideline. Keep in mind that it is expensive. This is a supplement paradox: it is absolutely useless and a waste of money one moment, but a critical tool in success the next.

Never dismiss the power of glutamine, despite the bad wrap I gave it. It can be worth your buck. I just think it's more important to convince you of its overuse than of its merits, there are enough companies that will sell you on that.

Bodybuilder Summary Use To Bodybuilders: The preservation of muscle mass and the supplying of an alternate energy source in glucose deprivated conditions (diets and such). Dosage: Don't go overboard. 5-10 grams can illicit an effect, but bodybuilders on low-carb diets for shows could go as high as 30-35.

Overdosing: Only dangerous in people with liver or kidney trouble. Medical Uses: Sources: Large amounts in all high-protein foods. Deficiency : Unknown, glutamine is the most manufactured protein in the body. Uses: Alternate energy source during dieting phase — Sources: Large amounts in all high-protein foods Arginine Lately, L-Arginine is the hottest amino topic around, for the moment.

Arginine is added to many supplements for its amazing nitrogen retention ability. Nitrogen as you are all aware is one of the key elements in muscle protein synthesis.

Some plants can absorb nitrogen, but we mammals have to make do with the stuff we make ourselves. Arginine is mostly present in protanines and histones, two proteins commonly associated with nucleic acids (like DNA and RNA). So far, its main use was for newborns to excite new growth, because at a young age its difficult to manufacture enough.

It enhances the immune system, and stimulates the size and activity of the thymus gland (responsible for the famous ""T-cells""), which makes it a prime choice for anyone in a condition that is less than optimal for health, such as people recovering from injury and HIV patients.

The hormonal release properties include releasing insulin from the pancreas and a massive stimulator in the manufacture of GH from the anterior pituitary. But for GH, the metabolite arginine pyroglutamate because it passes the brain-blood barrier more easily.

It is often linked to sexual stimulus, with the notion that it may lengthen and improve orgasms. It is found in seminal fluid and was often used in studies to enhance the male sexual health and put forward as a cure for sterility. So very useful in this day and age of environmental estrogens and not to be overlooked by steroid-users looking for a post-cycle boost. It also improves the health of the liver, skin and connective tissues and may lower cholesterol. But mostly it facilitates muscle mass gain while limiting fat storage, because it keeps fat alive in the system and uses it.

It's key in weight control. Bodybuilder Summary Use To Bodybuilders: Too many to name. If you read the above, I'm sure you'll realize that. Dosage: No recommended dosage. I'm not even sure if anyone produces free-form arginine, but if you have two equal products and one contains more arginine, the choice should be simple.

To supplement in large doses may lead to side effects, but getting protein powders and weight-gainers enriched with extra arginine makes sense. Overdosing: Skin thickening and coarsening, weakness, diarrhea, nausea and loss of immunity to viruses.

So it is not a smart idea for people with viral diseases. Medical Uses: Treatment of sexual impairment, and often prescribed against high levels of cholesterol. Sources: Whole-wheat, nuts and seeds, rice, chocolate, raisins, soy. Deficiency: Impaired insulin production, hair loss. But hardly ever occurs in healthy people. Precaution: Do not stack arginine with lysine because they compete for absorption.

Uses: Facilitates muscle mass gain and limits fat storage — Sources: Whole wheat, nuts, seeds, rice, chocolate, raisins, and soy Carnitine As amino acids go, carnitine is quite the popular fellow. But the truth is, it's not really an amino acid at all! It's only classed as such because of a structural likeness.

It's more commonly known as ""Vitamin BT"".

Carnitine actually comes in four forms: D-carnitine, DL-carnitine, L-carnitine and Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC). Only the last two could be of actual use to bodybuilders. When there is enough Thiamin (Vitamin B1) and pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) in circulation, it can trigger methionine and lysine to manufacture carnitine.

e. Myopathic carnitine deficiency is less severe form in which the main symptoms are muscle pain and weakness beginning in childhood or adolescence. Blood L-carnitine levels are normal. L-carnitine deficiency due to a low dietary carnitine intake in healthy people is not known, not even in strict vegetarians or preterm newborns [2]. L-Carnitine Supplements Nonprescription (over-the-counter) oral carnitine supplements: L-carnitine and N-acetyl-L-carnitine (the only forms available in the U. S.)

Carnitine

Home / Derivatives / Carnitine Carnitine What is carnitine? L-carnitine is an amino acid derivative, a conditionally essential nutrient produced in your body from the amino acids lysine and methionine, but in certain conditions you may need to get additional amounts from foods in order to be healthy [2] . Healthy people, including strict vegetarians (vegans) do not need carnitine from foods or supplements [1,2].

Name origin: from the Latin carnus = flesh, since carnitine was first isolated from meat [1]. Two structural forms (L- and D-) exist, but only L-carnitine is biologically active.

Carnitine Functions in the Human Body L-carnitine helps the heart and skeletal muscles to efficiently use fats (especially long-chain fatty acids) and glucose as a fuel [2]. Foods Rich in Carnitine ANIMAL FOODS: meat, fish and dairy products [2]PLANT FOODS: avocado, asparagus Human breast milk also contains carnitine.

Non-milk baby formulas are fortified with carnitine. Carnitine Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms Causes [2]: Chronic kidney failure Vitamin C deficiency Medications: anticonvulsants (valproic acid), drugs used in AIDS (zidovudine [AZT)] didanosine [dd I], zalcitabine [dd C] and stavudine [d4T]), antibiotics (pivampicillin, pivmecillinam, pivcephalexin,) chemotherapeutics (ifosfamide, cisplatin)Rare, genetic forms of L-carnitine deficiency: In primary systemic L-carnitine deficiency there is decreased absorption and increased excretion of L-carnitine. Disease presents in early childhood with a progressive heart disorder (cardiomyopathy) and skeletal muscles weakness and pain (myopathy), low blood levels of L-carnitine, glucose (hypoglycemia) and ammonia (hypoammonemia). Treatment is by L-carnitin

Andpropyonil-L-carnitine (available in Europe)L-carnitine tartrate L-carnitine fumarate By prescription Oral L-carnitine L-carnitine as an intravenous injection Carnitine Health Benefits Carnitine supplements are EFFECTIVE in the Treatment of carnitine deficiency [2]. Carnitine supplements are POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE in [1,2]: Improving symptoms of a kidney failure requiring hemodialysis (by using intravenous L-carnitine) [8]Increasing walking distance in patients with severe atherosclerosis of leg arteries with leg pain during walking (intermittent claudication) [6,10]Reducing nerve pain (by using oral acetyl-L-carnitine ) [7]L-carnitine is LIKELY INEFFECTIVE in increasing exercise performance [4].

There is INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE [2,4] about the effectiveness of carnitine supplements in the prevention or treatment of Alzheimer disease, anorexia, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, beta-thalassemia, cachexia (weigh loss in cancer), chest pain in a heart disease (angina pectoris), chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), clogged arteries, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type 2 [5], eating disorders, glutaric aciduria type 1 [11], hair loss, heart attack [9], heart failure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, hyperthyroidism, HIV/AIDS, infertility in males, irregular heart beat (arrhythmia), leg ulcers, Lyme disease, migraine, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or nonalcoholic liver disease, or in improving memory, promoting weight loss, slowing down aging or as an antidote in valproic acid overdose.

NOTE: Healthy people, including strict vegetarians (vegans), have no firmly confirmed benefits from taking L-carnitine supplements. L-Carnitine Safety: Side Effects, Toxicity L-carnitine supplements taken by mouth or as injections in recommended doses are LIKELY SAFE for most people. Toxicity from L-carnitine overdose has not been reported, so far. Side effects of L-carnitine in doses 3 g/day or more may include nausea, stomach upset, heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness (in hemodialysis patients) and increased frequency of seizures (in patients with epilepsy) and fishy odor of the breath, sweat and urine [2,4].

Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Not enough studies about the safety of L-carnitine supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding have been done so far, so women in these periods should avoid them.

L-Carnitine-Drug Interactions L-carnitine might increase the effectiveness of acenocoumarol and warrfarin (drugs to prevent blood clotting) and might thus increase the risk of bleeding [4]L-carnitine may decrease the effectiveness of thyroid hormones [4]References Carnitine: the science behind a conditionally essential nutrient National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements L-carnitine Linus Pauling Institute L-carnitine Pub Chem L-carnitine Web MDVidal Casariego A et al, 2013, Metabolic effects of L-carnitine on type 2 diabetes mellitus: systematic review and meta-analysis Pub Med Delaney CL et al, 2013, A systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of carnitine supplementation in improving walking performance among individuals with intermittent claudication Pub Med Li S et al, 2015, Acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Pub Med Hurot JM et al, 2002, Effects of L-carnitine supplementation in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a systematic review Pub Med Di Nicolantonio JJ et al, 2013, L-carnitine in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: systematic review and meta-analysis Pub Med Brass EP et al, 2013, A systematic review and meta-analysis of propionyl-L-carnitine effects on exercise performance in patients with claudication Pub Med Healthvan Vliet D et al, 2014, Single amino acid supplementation in aminoacidopathies: a systematic review Pub Med Central Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published.

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Where it comes from: Carnitine (and L-carnitine) is a nutrient that helps the body break down fat and turn it into energy. It also increases the activity of certain nerve cells in the central nervous system. Carnitine is an amino acid naturally produced by the body in the liver and kidneys and stored in the skeletal muscles, heart, brain and sperm. The nutrient also occurs in fish, poultry, red meat and some types of dairy.

Carnitine

"Carnitine We take a closer look at this amino acidby Lisa Freedman W

What it'll do for you: ""Marketers will tell you it's a miracle pill that will speed up the way your body burns fats but there have been no credible studies that give weight to that claim,"" says Lisa R. Young, Ph. D., R. D., author of The Portion Teller and adjunct professor of nutrition at New York University.

Here, a closer look at that claim and other ones that may be relevant to you: Helps with weight loss L-carnitine is often sold as a weight loss tool, and some studies show that oral carnitine can reduce fat mass, increase muscle mass and reduce fatigue—three things that may contribute to weight loss.

However, the University of Maryland Medical Center and the Linus Pauling Institute say there is no proof that supplementing L-carnitine in healthy individuals will improve fitness. Protects against heart disease Much of the body's carnitine is stored in the heart, which makes sense since the heart relies on fatty acids as fuel to pump blood.

With that in mind, many studies have found that L-carnitine supplements can improve muscle weakness and help the heart function more efficiently—particularly for those who have been diagnosed with heart disease. The most promising research supports L-carnitine supplements for patients with angina, as the nutrient has proven to help some suffers exercise without chest pain.

Small studies suggest that those who take L-carnitine supplements soon after a heart attack may be less likely to suffer another heart attack, die of heart disease, experience chest pains or develop heart failure. Another study at Minneapolis VA Medical Center found that carnitine can improve exercise capacity in people with heart failure. In each case, however, other studies have found no positive effects and further research is needed.

Note that these studies all prove effectiveness in patients who already have a record of heart conditions. ""If you have a failing heart muscle, adding levels of carnitine may be beneficial to the organs,"" begins Young.

""But if you're healthy, there's no heart benefit to come of taking these supplements. ""Can improve sperm count and sexual health While low sperm counts have been linked to low carnitine levels in men, several studies suggest that L-carnitine supplementation may help increase count and mobility. A double-blind study of 86 infertile men found that two grams of L-carnitine supplements per day for two months led to significant improvements in sperm quality. On a semi-related note, an Italian study suggests carnitine can also help improve the effectiveness of sidenafil (Viagra) in men with diabetes who had not previously responded to the drug.

Helps ease the aging process Various studies have found that low levels of carnitine contribute to aging and may be reversed or slowed by acetyl-L-carnitine. A few small clinical trials suggest that carnitine supplements (two to three grams per day for six to twelve months) might slow the cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.

However an additional study of 167 early-onset patients found that the supplements had no significant effect on cognitive decline and more research is needed. Suggested intake: ""Our bodies make carnitine so healthy men don't need the supplement,"" says Young.

""Even men with poor diets, who tend to only eat, say, burgers get enough carnitine—it's the one good thing about beef."" Meaty diets have been found to provide 20 to 200 milligrams per day of L-carnitine for a 154-pound male, while veggie diets provide as little as one milligram per day. Fruits, vegetables and grains obviously contain very little L-carnitine, and in addition to meat, other big sources are poultry, fish and dairy products.

A healthy individual will normally produce enough L-carnitine to provide the body with all it needs to convert fat to energy. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, L-carnitine supplements are safe at levels between 500 and 1,000 mg a day.

The Mayo Clinic reports little reason for concern regarding the safety of the supplement. Between 63 percent and 75 percent of L-carnitine from food is absorbed. However, only 14 percent to 20 percent is absorbed from oral supplements. There are two types of carnitine supplements worth noting: oral L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine. The latter provides L-carnitine and acetyl (shocking, we know! ), which is used in the formation of neurotransmitters. Associated risks/scrutiny: L-carnitine appears to be well tolerated, but as always, doctors should be consulted before you begin any supplement routine.

""Especially because carnitine may interfere with certain medications,"" points out Young. L-carnitine supplementation may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Supplements providing more than 3,000 mg per day may cause a gross, ""fishy"" body odor. Back to The Men's Fitness Supplement Guide "

y Most forms of age-related memory and cognitive decline are closely related to mitochondrial dysfunction in brain tissue. That provides an obvious opportunity for intervention with a mitochondrial enhancer such as carnitine. Most studies of neurodegeneration used the acetyl-L-carnitine form of carnitine. The impact of acetyl-L-carnitine is especially important in Alzheimer’s disease, the leading cause of dementia and mild cognitive impairment in the United States.

Carnitine Restores Cellular Function

<< Back to March 2013Carnitine Restores Cellular Function March 2013By Logan Bronwell A wealth of emerging technology demonstrates that as we gain control over individual mechanisms involved in cellular aging, systemic symptoms of degeneration can be slowed or even reversed. 1One of the most promising mechanisms addresses our mitochondria, 2,3 the powerhouses found in all human cells that control the energy we need to stay alive.

4Over time, our mitochondria decrease in both number and function. The result is essentially a short-circuiting of power to every area of your body. Keeping these cellular powerhouses functioning properly can postpone many of the so-called “inevitable” signs of aging. Research now shows that the amino acid carnitine can forestall and even reverse many well-known factors of aging.

With advancing age, carnitine levels decline in all of our tissues. 2,3 That spells trouble for mitochondria, which become starved of energy and filled with cellular waste. 3,4Simply put, a carnitine deficiency leads to the wholesale destruction of our mitochondria. And, ultimately, this loss of mitochondrial function is likely to hasten death. Fortunately, carnitine is sold as a dietary supplement in the United States, available without the need of a doctor’s prescription as it is in some other countries.

Why Mitochondria Decline with Aging Mitochondria reside in every cell in our bodies; they power cells by converting food into the energy our body needs to operate. 4 Think of the mitochondria like the power company that supplies energy to your home. If the power goes out, your food spoils, your heating and air condition won’t work, you have no light.

The same effect occurs within your body. If the mitochondria—your power supply—isn’t functioning properly, or if they decrease in numbers, then your cells won’t have the energy they need to power your body’s many functions. As the amount of functioning mitochondria decreases, many of the “symptoms” of aging manifests. In part, this occurs because of the mitochondria’s continual burning of fatty acids to produce energy.

In the process of releasing energy, huge bursts of oxidant compounds damage mitochondria and the cells that contain them. 4 This steady assault leads to the gradual loss of mitochondrial function in all of our tissues. 5The age-related decline in mitochondrial activity is largely responsible for cardiovascular and neurological disorders as well as obesity and type II diabetes. 6-9 Loss of mitochondrial function in muscle tissue also leads to the familiar “flabby” body composition we associate with older people because it causes muscle atrophy and increased body fat mass.

10 From this list, you can see how essential carnitine is to your daily health. Total carnitine levels in aging individuals are roughly 20% lower than in youth, 11 which leaves mitochondria increasingly vulnerable to damage.

Fortunately, studies have proven that supplementing with carnitine can restore mitochondrial function to near-youthful levels. 12Carnitine Reduces Death Rates The heart muscle uses fat as its primary energy source. Carnitine is a fat-transporting compound that is absolutely essential for normal heart function.

13 Over time, the decline of carnitine plays a role in the weakening of the heart’s muscles. 14People with heart muscle damage from heart attacks or heart failure have especially low carnitine levels. 15-17 Fortunately, carnitine supplementation has proven to be remarkably effective in fighting and even reversing the heart-weakening effects from that drop in carnitine levels.

14In one study, 160 male and female heart attack survivors between 39 and 86 years old received either 4 grams/day of L-carnitine or a placebo for 12 months.

18 The patients taking L-carnitine experienced significantly favorable decreases in heart rate and blood pressure; they also had improved blood lipid profiles. Most importantly, those supplementing with carnitine had a dramatically reduced death rate compared to those not taking carnitine. Patients taking carnitine had a death rate of just 1.2% in the entire year, while 12.5% of control patients died, with the majority of deaths attributed to repeat heart attacks.

18L-carnitine supplementation also prevents the progression of heart muscle damage in people with congestive heart failure and improves exercise tolerance in people who develop chest pain (angina) with exertion.

15 In one study, 55% of patients experienced improvement in their standard heart failure classification. 15People with angina, an early sign of heart muscle threatened by ischemia (low blood flow), benefited from carnitine supplements.

A natural derivative of L-carnitine, propionyl-L-carnitine, at a dose of 500 mg 3 times daily, increased the mean time that patients could exercise without EKG signs of ischemia by an impressive 450%. 16 That result indicated improved blood flow to heart muscle cells following ischemia, an effect amply demonstrated in animal studies.

19,20Carnitine also increases concentrations of nitric oxide that help endothelial cells relax and increase blood flow, which can help lower blood pressure. 21-23 Three weeks of supplementation with 2 grams of L-carnitine improved blood flow by 17% during the critical after-meal period in a group of people fed a high-fat meal; placebo patients had a 12% decrease in blood flow.

24 And a daily 6-gram intravenous dose of propionyl-L-carnitine for one week improved walking distance in people with peripheral arterial disease by 28%.

25Two Groups Gain Exceptional Benefits Two groups stand to gain exceptional benefits from carnitine supplementation: diabetics and those on dialysis. Both groups are at especially high risk for cardiovascular complications and early death, and both groups have an even greater depletion of carnitine than others of the same age.

17,26Dialysis exerts huge stresses on the human body, all of which accelerate atherosclerosis and heart disease. The addition of a 1-gram, IV dose of L-carnitine at the end of each dialysis session markedly reduced chemical markers of stress and increased levels of the protective cytokine adiponectin. 26The same 1-gram dose, given orally, produced a marked reduction in serum inflammatory markers and factors that promote excessive blood clots.

27 Finally, a dose of 10 mg/kg of carnitine (about 750 mg/day in an average-sized person) produced a significant 12% decrease in the size of the heart’s left ventricle in dialysis patients. 28 That “left ventricular hypertrophy” is a known complication of hemodialysis and contributes to early heart failure. Diabetics suffer from both ischemic (low blood flow) and non-ischemic heart muscle dysfunction, much of which can be reduced by long-term oral L-carnitine supplements. 29 Animal studies show that whether you’re a diabetic or not, oral supplementation with L-carnitine helps your heart muscle pump harder and more efficiently.

29 Even more impressive, carnitine’s mitochondria-friendly actions help reduce body fat mass, which in turn improves insulin sensitivity and may help control blood sugar levels. 30,31WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWAnti-Aging Benefits of Carnitine A major cause of aging is the decline in function of mitochondria, the tiny powerhouses that energize our cells. Most chronic diseases of aging reflect loss of mitochondrial function and numbers, limiting the energy available to cells as we age.

Poorly-functioning mitochondria also impose huge oxidant stress on their parent cells, further accelerating aging and shortening life. L-carnitine, a natural molecule with several related forms, provides mitochondria with both the energy they need and the antioxidant protection that they must have to retain their youthful function.

Carnitine supplements extend life by increasing energy to tissues throughout the body. Carnitine supplementation has proven effective in reducing fatigue, enhancing cardiovascular function, improving body composition and promoting weight loss, lowering blood sugar levels, and delaying or reversing brain degeneration. Its energy-releasing properties make carnitine a useful supplement for reducing the deadly cachexia experienced by many cancer patients.

Carnitine Fights Diabesity As obesity rates skyrocket, more and more Americans are developing type II diabetes as a result, producing a syndrome called “diabesity.” 32,33Since carnitine helps the mitochondria utilize energy, it plays a critical role in reducing the occurrence and impact of diabesity. 34 Recent studies show that in addition to helping the mitochondria burn fat as energy, carnitine is also vital for removing waste products from mitochondria.

2,35 This is important, because we now recognize that the buildup of mitochondrial waste products is one of the most important contributors to insulin resistance, which further promotes high blood sugar and obesity. 4Obesity and aging contribute to low carnitine levels, which compromises mitochondrial performance and increases insulin resistance, promoting further obesity and carnitine reduction.

2 Restoring carnitine levels to their youthful values is an effective way to break this deadly cycle. 2Human volunteers who took L-carnitine 3 grams/day for 10 days had favorable changes in body composition. 36 Supplemented patients used their fat for energy, burning it 22% faster than control patients, without any increase in muscle protein breakdown. Another study, using 2 grams/day for 6 months, demonstrated a loss of total fat mass of 4 pounds, with a gain in lean muscle mass of 8.4 pounds.

37Animal studies confirm and extend these findings, showing that propionyl-L-carnitine decreases body weight gain, food intake, and fat composition, while improving insulin resistance. 34Carnitine also has multiple favorable effects on blood sugar and insulin resistance, the hallmarks of type II diabetes.

35 Animals fed a high fat diet develop the same symptoms and signs that humans do: obesity, insulin resistance, abnormal lipid profiles, and liver damage which are known as metabolic syndrome. Just 4 weeks of treatment with L-carnitine reversed all of those abnormal parameters. 30,32,38,39Similar effects have been found in diabetic humans. Two grams of L-carnitine twice daily for 10 days improved insulin sensitivity and reduced insulin levels.

40 L-carnitine supplementation of 2 grams/day caused a significant reduction in plasma free fatty acids, which contribute to insulin resistance. 41 Three grams/day were shown to reduce simulated after-meal blood sugar spikes from 157 mg/d L to 132 mg/d L (oral glucose tolerance test).

42 A significant number of studies document the deadly impact of elevated after-meal glucose levels. Important Forms of Carnitine The basic L-carnitine molecule that supports mitochondrial function is available in several forms, each of which offers specific functions: L-carnitine tartrate is a stable salt form of L-carnitine and has been shown to be absorbed faster than other L-carnitine compounds.

81 It favorably affects biochemical markers of recovery from physical exertion, optimizing the processes of muscle tissue repair and remodeling. 82Acetyl-L-carnitine is a molecule chiefly active in moving fat molecules across the mitochondrial membrane.

69 It readily crosses into the brain from the bloodstream, and its extra acetyl molecule provides additional energy directly to brain cells. Argino Carn®* is a patented form of acetyl-Lcarnitine arginate dihydrochloride that is molecularly bonded to the amino acid arginine and known as the Amino Carnitine® generation.

In a way that closely resembles natural nerve growth factor, this compound induces outgrowth of the tiny but essential nerve cell protrusions called neurites that underpin memory formation and learning. 70Glycine propionyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride (Glyco Carn®)* is a patented form of Amino Carnitine® that is molecularly bonded to the amino acid glycine and known as the Amino Carnitine® generation.

Propionyl-L-carnitine is essential in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and is a potent antioxidant. 31 It is especially useful in cardiovascular diseases. 31 The related glycine form has also been shown to extend those benefits to skeletal muscle, enhancing exercise performance. 71* Argino Carn® and Glyco Carn® are registered trademarks of Sigma-tau Health Sciences, Inc. and are protected by US patent US 6703042 and worldwide production patent EP1202956Carnitine Defends Memor

y Most forms of age-related memory and cognitive decline are closely related to mitochondrial dysfunction in brain tissue. That provides an obvious opportunity for intervention with a mitochondrial enhancer such as carnitine. Most studies of neurodegeneration used the acetyl-L-carnitine form of carnitine. The impact of acetyl-L-carnitine is especially important in Alzheimer’s disease, the leading cause of dementia and mild cognitive impairment in the United States.

One early study showed that supplementing with acetyl-L-carnitine every day for a year led to improvements on the cognitive portion of a standard Alzheimer’s disease rating scale in patients younger than 61. 43More recent studies have shown good effects even in older patients, but, as with all forms of prevention, the earlier you start taking carnitine, the more powerful the effects on memory. Doses ranging from 1.5 to 3 grams/day of acetyl-L-carnitine have consistently been shown to produce treatment effects several-fold greater than placebo alone, with the greatest impact in patients in the earlier stages of the disease.

44-46 Improvements from acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation can be seen as early as 3 months, and continue to increase over time. 45 (Carnitine has not been found effective in patients with advanced Alzheimer’s. )Laboratory studies explain some of the reasons for acetyl-L-carnitine’s impact on Alzheimer’s disease, and most of them focus on carnitine’s mitochondrial protective properties.

Scientists can induce Alzheimer’s-like changes in brain cells using a variety of chemical techniques, and they consistently find that treatment with acetyl-l-carnitine enhances mitochondrial function and slows development of those changes, which include accumulation of the “Alzheimer’s protein” amyloid beta ( Abeta ).

47 Even after dangerous quantities of amyloid beta form in brain tissue, acetyl-L-carnitine treatment reduces its impact. 3Lab animals with conditions similar to Alzheimer’s disease demonstrate improved memory and learning when treated with acetyl-L-carnitine. 47,48 In fact, treated animals show increased expression of important memory-associated proteins that had become impaired by Alzheimer’s disease. 49Acetyl-L-carnitine is useful in other forms of cognitive decline as well, even in poorly-defined conditions such as mild cognitive (or mental) impairment.

People supplemented with 1.5 to 2 grams of acetyl-L-carnitine daily show marked improvement on standard mental status and memory scores. 50,51 These effects are especially impressive among the very old, including at least one study of people over 100 years old.

37Carnitine Benefits Body Composition Carnitine’s influence on mitochondrial function can improve age-induced changes in body composition.

When lab animals were given carnitine, they experienced reductions in their abdominal fat mass, increases in their muscle strength, and lower concentrations of leptin, a cytokine that triggers fat-induced inflammation. 10,52Human volunteers who took 3 grams/day of L-carnitine for 10 days had favorable changes in body composition. 36 Patients taking L-carnitine used their fat for energy, burning it 22% faster than control patients, and without any increase in muscle protein breakdown.

Another study using 2 grams/day demonstrated a loss of total fat mass of 4 pounds, with a gain in lean muscle mass of 8.4 pounds. 37Additional studies on animals confirm and extend these findings, showing that propionyl-L-carnitine decreases body weight gain, food intake, and fat composition, while improving insulin resistance.

34Benefits of supplementation go well beyond memory, however. Not surprisingly for a mitochondrial function-boosting compound, improvements in energy level, and reduction in physical and mental fatigue are commonly reported in studies of carnitine supplementation (both with L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine). 37,53 And a few studies have found improvements in depression while patients supplement with L-carnitine.

54,55Finally, as a result of the obesity epidemic (and with liver disease and cirrhosis on the rise), 56 researchers are showing a growing interest in using carnitine to optimize liver mitochondrial function and prevent or mitigate the effects of liver failure. Several studies have demonstrated clinical and biochemical improvements in patients with hepatic encephalopathy, a condition in which rising blood ammonia levels impair cognitive and motor function. 57-59

While bioavailability of L -carnitine from the diet is quite high (see Dietary L -carnitine ), absorption from oral L -carnitine supplements is considerably lower. According to one study, bioavailability of L -carnitine from oral supplements (0.5-6 gram dosage) ranges from 14%-18% of the total dose (5).

L-Carnitine

"Visit our new Health & Disease pages, Bone Health In Brief and Osteoporosis, and read our recently updated articles: Niacin, Fruit and Vegetables, and Bone Health In Depth. If you value this website, please consider donating to its maintenance. L-Carnitine Contents Summary Introduction Metabolism and Bioavailability Endogenous biosynthesis Absorption of exogenous L -carnitine Elimination and reabsorption Biological Activities Mitochondrial oxidation of long-chain fatty acids Regulation of energy metabolism Deficiency Primary systemic carnitine deficiency Secondary carnitine deficiency or depletion Nutrient interactions Disease Prevention Aging Disease Treatment Cardiovascular disease End-stage renal disease/hemodialysis Alzheimer's disease (dementia)HIV/AIDSDecreased sperm motility Physical performance Sources Biosynthesis Food Supplements Safety Adverse effects Drug interactions Authors and Reviewers References Summary L -carnitine supplementation is indicated for the treatment of primary and secondary carnitine deficiencies.

(More information)Healthy individuals, including strict vegetarians, generally synthesize enough L -carnitine to prevent deficiency.

(More information)Hemodialysis patients with selected symptoms that do not respond to standard therapy may benefit from a trial of L -carnitine supplementation. (More information)Propionyl- L -carnitine supplementation appears promising as a treatment for intermittent claudication in peripheral arterial disease. (More information)The roles of L -carnitine supplementation as an adjunct to standard medical therapy in myocardial infarction, heart failure, angina pectoris, Alzheimer's disease, and HIV infection require further research.

(More information)Although studies in rats suggest acetyl- L -carnitine supplementation may be beneficial in preventing age-related declines in energy metabolism and memory, it is not known whether acetyl- L -carnitine supplementation will help prevent such age-related declines in humans. (More information)There is little evidence that L -carnitine supplementation improves athletic performance in healthy people.

(More information)If you choose to take carnitine supplements, the Linus Pauling Institute recommends acetyl-L-carnitine at a daily dose of 500 to 1,000 mg. Introduction L -carnitine is a derivative of the amino acid, lysine.

Its name is derived from the fact that it was first isolated from meat ( carnis) in 1905. Only the L - isomer of carnitine ( Figure 1 ) is biologically active (1). L -carnitine appeared to act as a vitamin in the mealworm ( Tenebrio molitor) and was therefore termed vitamin B T (2).

Vitamin B T, however, is actually a misnomer because humans and other higher organisms can synthesize L -carnitine (see Metabolism and Bioavailability ).

Under certain conditions, the demand for L -carnitine may exceed an individual's capacity to synthesize it, making it a conditionally essential micronutrient (3, 4). Metabolism and Bioavailability In healthy people, carnitine homeostasis (balance) is maintained through endogenous biosynthesis of L -carnitine, absorption of carnitine from dietary sources, and elimination and reabsorption of carnitine by the kidneys (5).

Endogenous biosynthesis Humans can synthesize L -carnitine from the amino acids lysine and methionine in a multi-step process. Specifically, protein -bound lysine is enzymatically methylated to form episilon-N-trimethyllysine; three molecules of methionine provide the methyl groups for the reaction.

Epsilon-N-trimethyllysine is released for carnitine synthesis by protein hydrolysis (5, 6). Several enzymes are involved in endogenous L -carnitine biosynthesis. The enzyme γ-butyrobetaine hydroxylase, however, is absent from cardiac and skeletal muscle but highly expressed in human liver, testes, and kidney (7).

The rate of L -carnitine biosynthesis in humans was studied in vegetarians and is estimated to be 1.2 μmol/kg of body weight/day (8). Changes in dietary carnitine intake or renal reabsorption do not appear to affect the rate of endogenous carnitine synthesis (1). Absorption of exogenous L -carnitine Dietary L -carnitine The bioavailability of L -carnitine from food can vary depending on dietary composition. For instance, one study reported that bioavailability of L -carnitine in individuals adapted to low-carnitine diets (i.e., vegetarians; 66%-86%) is higher than those adapted to high-carnitine diets (i.e., regular red meat eaters; 54%-72%) (9). L -carnitine supplements

Less is known regarding the metabolism of the acetylated form of L -carnitine, acetyl- L -carnitine (ALCAR); however, bioavailability of ALCAR is thought to be higher than L -carnitine. The results of in vitro experiments suggest that ALCAR is partially hydrolyzed upon intestinal absorption (10).

In humans, administration of 2 grams of ALCAR per day for 50 days increased plasma ALCAR levels by 43%, suggesting that some acetyl- L -carnitine is absorbed without hydrolysis or that L -carnitine is reacetylated in the enterocyte (5). Elimination and reabsorption L -carnitine and short-chain acylcarnitines (esters of L -carnitine), such as acetyl- L -carnitine, are excreted by the kidneys.

Renal reabsorption of L -carnitine is normally very efficient; in fact, an estimated 95% is thought to be reabsorbed by the kidneys (1). Therefore, carnitine excretion by the kidney is normally very low. However, several conditions can decrease carnitine reabsorption efficiency and, correspondingly, increase carnitine excretion.

Such conditions include high-fat (low-carbohydrate) diets, high-protein diets, pregnancy, and certain disease states (see Primary systemic carnitine deficiency) (11). In addition, when circulating L -carnitine levels increase, as in the case of oral supplementation, renal reabsorption of L -carnitine becomes saturated, resulting in increased urinary excretion of L -carnitine (5).

Dietary or supplemental L -carnitine that is not absorbed by enterocytes is degraded by colonic bacteria to form two principal products, trimethylamine and γ-butyrobetaine. γ-butyrobetaine is eliminated in the feces; trimethylamine is efficiently absorbed and metabolized to trimethylamine-N-oxide, which is excreted in the urine (9).

Biological Activities Mitochondrial oxidation of long-chain fatty acids L -carnitine is synthesized primarily in the liver but also in the kidneys and then transported to other tissues.

It is most concentrated in tissues that use fatty acids as their primary fuel, such as skeletal and cardiac (heart) muscle. In this regard, L -carnitine plays an important role in energy production by conjugating fatty acids for transport into the mitochondria (1). L-carnitine is required for mitochondrial β-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids for energy production (1).

Long-chain fatty acids must be in the form of esters of L -carnitine (acylcarnitines) in order to enter the mitochondrial matrix where β-oxidation occurs ( Figure 2 ). Proteins of the carnitine-acyl transferase family transport acylcarnitines into the mitochondrial matrix.

On the outer mitochondrial membrane, carnitine-palmitoyl transferase I (CPTI) catalyzes the transfer of long-chain fatty acids into the cytosol from coenzyme A (Co A) to L -carnitine, the rate-limiting step in fatty acid oxidation (12). A transport protein called carnitine:acylcarnitine translocase (CACT) facilitates the transport of acylcarnitine esters across the inner mitochondrial membrane.

On the inner mitochondrial membrane, carnitine-palmitoyl transferase II (CPTII) catalyzes the transfer of fatty acids from L -carnitine to free Co A in the mitochondrial matrix, where they are metabolized through β-oxidation, ultimately yielding propionyl-Co A and acetyl-Co A (1).

Regulation of energy metabolism through modulation of acyl Co A: Co A ratio Co A is required as a cofactor for numerous cellular reactions (1). Within the mitochondrial matrix, carnitine acetyl transferase (CAT) catalyzes the trans-esterification (transfer) of short- and medium-chain fatty acids from Co A to carnitine (see Figure 2 above).

The acylcarnitine esters can then be exported from the mitochondria via CACT, and the resulting free Co A can participate in other reactions. For example, pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) catalyzes the formation of acetyl-Co A from pyruvate and free Co A (13).

Acetyl-Co A, in turn, can be oxidized to produce energy (ATP) in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Carnitine facilitates the oxidation of glucose by removing acyl groups generated by fatty acid β-oxidation and freeing Co A to participate in the PDH reaction (1).

Deficiency Nutritional carnitine deficiencies have not been identified in healthy people without metabolic disorders, suggesting that most people can synthesize enough L -carnitine (1). Even strict vegetarians (vegans) show no signs of carnitine deficiency, despite the fact that most dietary carnitine is derived from animal sources (8). Infants, particularly premature infants, are born with low stores of L -carnitine, which could put them at risk of deficiency given their rapid rate of growth.

One study reported that infants fed carnitine-free, soy-based formulas grew normally and showed no signs of a clinically relevant carnitine deficiency; however, some biochemical measures related to lipid metabolism differed significantly from infants fed the same formula supplemented with L -carnitine (14). Soy-based infant formulas are now fortified with the amount of L -carnitine normally found in human milk (15).

Primary systemic carnitine deficiency Primary systemic carnitine deficiency is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the gene for the carnitine transporter protein OCTN2 (16, 17). Afflicted individuals have poor intestinal absorption of dietary L-carnitine and impaired L-carnitine reabsorption by the kidneys, i.e., increased urinary loss of L -carnitine (4).

The disorder usually presents in early childhood and is characterized by low plasma carnitine, progressive cardiomyopathy, skeletal myopathy, hypoglycemia, and hypoammonemia (1, 4, 16). Without treatment, primary systemic carnitine deficiency is fatal. Treatment consists of pharmacological doses of L -carnitine; such therapy corrects the cardiomyopathy and muscle weakness (17). Myopathic carnitine deficiency Primary myopathic carnitine deficiency is a rare genetic disorder in which the carnitine deficiency is limited to skeletal and cardiac muscle.

Symptoms, including muscle pain and progressive muscle weakness, begin in childhood or adolescence (4). Serum carnitine levels, however, are usually normal (18). In general, the myopathic form of primary carnitine deficiency is less severe than the systemic form (4). Secondary carnitine deficiency or depletion Secondary carnitine deficiency or depletion may result from either genetic or acquired conditions.

Hereditary causes include genetic defects in amino acid degradation (e.g., propionic aciduria) and lipid metabolism (e.g., medium chain acyl-Co A dehydrogenase deficiency) (19). Such inherited disorders can lead to a build-up of organic acids, which are subsequently removed from the body via urinary excretion of acylcarnitine esters.

Increased urinary losses of carnitine can lead to a systemic depletion of carnitine (1). Systemic carnitine depletion can also occur in disorders of impaired renal reabsorption. For instance, Fanconi's syndrome is a hereditary or acquired condition in which the proximal tubular reabsorption function of the kidneys is impaired (20). Malfunction of the kidney consequently results in increased urinary losses of carnitine. One example of an exclusively acquired carnitine deficiency involves chronic use of pivalate-conjugated antibiotics.

Pivalate is a branched-chain fatty acid that is metabolized to form an acyl Co A ester that is transesterified to carnitine and subsequently excreted in the urine as pivaloyl carnitine.

Urinary losses of carnitine via this route can be 10-fold greater than the sum of daily carnitine intake and biosynthesis (see Safety ); thus, systemic carnitine depletion can result (17). Further, patients with renal disease who undergo hemodialysis are at risk for secondary carnitine deficiency because hemodialysis removes carnitine from the blood (see Hemodialysis) (21).

Regardless of etiology, a secondary carnitine deficiency is characterized clinically by low plasma concentrations of free carnitine (less than 20 μmol/L) and increased acylcarnitine/free carnitine ratios (greater than 0.4) (19, 22).

Secondary deficiencies are more common than the rare, primary carnitine disorders. Nutrient interactions Endogenous biosynthesis of L -carnitine is catalyzed by the concerted action of five different enzymes. This process requires two essential amino acids (lysine and methionine ), iron (Fe 2+ ), vitamin B 6, niacin in the form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), and may also require vitamin C (4). One of the earliest symptoms of vitamin C deficiency is fatigue, thought to be related to decreased synthesis of L -carnitine (23).

Disease Prevention Aging Age-related declines in mitochondrial function and increases in mitochondrial oxidant production are thought to be important contributors to the adverse effects of aging.

Tissue L -carnitine levels have been found to decline with age in humans and animals (24). One study found that feeding aged rats acetyl- L -carnitine (ALCAR) reversed the age-related declines in tissue L -carnitine levels and also reversed a number of age-related changes in liver mitochondrial function; however, high doses of ALCAR increased liver mitochondrial oxidant production (25).

ALCAR supplementation in rats has also been shown to improve or reverse age-related mitochondrial declines in skeletal and cardiac muscle (26, 27).

Studies have found that supplementing aged rats with either ALCAR or α-lipoic acid, a mitochondrial cofactor and antioxidant, improved mitochondrial energy metabolism, decreased oxidative stress, and improved memory (28, 29). Interestingly, co-supplementation of ALCAR and α-lipoic acid resulted in even greater improvements than either compound administered alone.

Likewise, several studies have reported that supplementing rats with both L -carnitine and α-lipoic acid blunts the age-related increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and DNA strand breaks in a variety of tissues (heart, skeletal muscle, and brain).

Improvements in mitochondrial enzyme and respiratory chain activities and decreased apoptosis have also been observed (30-39). While these findings are very exciting, it is important to realize that these studies used relatively high doses of the compounds and only for a short time. Co-supplementation of aged rats with ALCAR and α-lipoic acid for a longer time period (three months) improved both the number of total and intact mitochondria and mitochondrial ultrastructure of neurons in the hippocampus (39).

It is not yet known whether taking relatively high doses of these two naturally occurring substances will have similar effects in humans. Clinical trials in humans are planned, but it will be several years before the results are available. Disease Treatment Cardiovascular disease In the studies discussed below it is important to note that treatment with L -carnitine or propionyl- L -carnitine was used as an adjunct (in addition) to appropriate medical therapy, not in place of it.

Myocardial infarction (heart attack)Myocardial infarction (MI) occurs when an atherosclerotic plaque in a coronary artery ruptures. The resultant clot can obstruct the blood supply to the heart muscle, causing injury or damage to the heart.

L -carnitine treatment has been found to reduce injury to heart muscle resulting from ischemia in several animal models (40). In humans, L -carnitine administration immediately after MI diagnosis has improved clinical outcomes in several, small clinical trials. In one trial, half of 160 men and women diagnosed with a recent MI were randomly assigned to receive 4 grams/day of oral L -carnitine in addition to standard pharmacological treatment.

After one year of treatment, mortality was significantly lower in the L -carnitine supplemented group compared to the control group (1.2% vs. 12.5%), and angina attacks were less frequent (41).

In a controlled clinical trial in 96 cardiac patients, treatment with intravenous L-carnitine (5 gram bolus followed by 10 g/day for three days) following a MI resulted in lower levels of creatine kinase-MB and troponin-I, two markers of cardiac injury (42). However, not all clinical trials have found L -carnitine supplementation to be beneficial after MI. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo -controlled trial, 60 men and women diagnosed with an acute MI were treated with either intravenous L -carnitine (6 grams/day) for seven days followed by oral L -carnitine (3 grams/day) for three months or placebo (43).

After three months, mortality did not differ between the two groups, nor did echocardiographic measures of cardiac function.

In a larger placebo-controlled trial, 472 patients treated in an intensive care unit within 24 hours of having their first MI were randomly assigned to either intravenous L -carnitine therapy (9 grams/day) for five days followed by oral L -carnitine (6 grams/day) for 12 months or a placebo; both groups also received standard medical therapy (44, 45).

Although there were no significant differences in mortality or the incidence of congestive heart failure (CHF), left ventricular volumes were significantly lower in the L -carnitine treated group at the end of one year, suggesting that L -carnitine therapy may limit adverse effects of acute MI on the heart muscle. Based on these findings, a randomized placebo-controlled trial in 2,330 patients with acute MI was undertaken to determine the effect of L -carnitine therapy on the incidence of heart failure six months after MI.

L -carnitine therapy (9 grams/day intravenously for five days, then 4 grams/day orally for six months) did not affect the incidence of heart failure and death in this study (46).

Heart failure Heart failure is described as the heart's inability to pump enough blood for all of the body's needs. In coronary artery disease, accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries may prevent heart regions from getting adequate circulation, ultimately resulting in cardiac damage and impaired pumping ability.

Myocardial infarction (MI) may also damage the heart muscle, which could potentially lead to heart failure. Because physical exercise increases the demand on the weakened heart, measures of exercise tolerance are frequently used to monitor the severity of heart failure.

Echocardiography is also used to determine the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), an objective measure of the heart's pumping ability. A LVEF of less than 40% is indicative of systolic heart failure (47). Addition of L -carnitine to standard medical therapy for heart failure has been evaluated in several clinical trials.

A randomized, placebo-controlled study in 70 heart failure patients found that three-year survival was significantly higher in the group receiving oral L -carnitine (2 grams/day) compared to the group receiving placebo (48).

In a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 30 heart failure patients, oral administration of 1.5 grams/day of propionyl- L -carnitine for one month resulted in significantly improved measures of exercise tolerance and a slight but significant decrease in left ventricular size compared to placebo (49). A larger randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial compared the addition of propionyl- L -carnitine (1.5 grams/day for six months) to the treatment regimen of 271 heart failure patients to a placebo group consisting of 266 patients (50).

Overall, exercise tolerance was not different between the two groups. However, in patients with higher LVEF values (greater than 30%), exercise tolerance was significantly improved in the propionyl- L -carnitine versus placebo group, suggesting that propionyl-L-carnitine may help improve exercise tolerance in higher functioning heart failure patients.

A recent study in 29 patients with mild diastolic heart failure (LVEF > 45%) found that 1.5 grams/day of oral L-carnitine for three months improved some measures of diastolic function compared to baseline (51). Angina pectoris Angina pectoris is chest pain that occurs when the coronary blood supply is insufficient to meet the metabolic needs of the heart muscle ( ischemia ).

The addition of oral L -carnitine or propionyl- L -carnitine to pharmacologic therapy for chronic stable angina has been found to modestly improve exercise tolerance and decrease electrocardiographic signs of ischemia during exercise testing in a limited number of angina patients. One randomized, placebo -controlled study in 200 patients with exercise-induced stable angina found that supplementing conventional medical therapy with 2 grams/day of L -carnitine for six months significantly reduced the incidence of premature ventricular contractions at rest and also improved exercise tolerance (52). In addition, a randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over trial in 44 men with chronic stable angina found that administering 2 grams/day of L -carnitine for four weeks significantly increased the exercise workload tolerated prior to the onset of angina and decreased ST segment depression (electrocardiographic evidence of ischemia) during exercise compared to placebo (53).

In a more recent randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 47 men and women with chronic stable angina, the addition of 2 grams/day of L -carnitine for three months significantly improved exercise duration and decreased the time required for exercise-induced ST segment changes to return to baseline compared to placebo (54).

One study examined the effect of propionyl-L-carnitine on ischemia in men with myocardial dysfunction and angina pectoris by measuring hemodynamic and angiographic variables before, during, and after administering intravenous propionyl- L -carnitine (15 mg/kg body weight). In this study, propionyl- L -carnitine decreased myocardial ischemia, evidenced by significant reductions in ST-segment depression and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (55).

Although these results are promising, large-scale studies are needed to determine whether L -carnitine or propionyl- L -carnitine is a beneficial therapy for angina pectoris.

Intermittent claudication in peripheral arterial disease In peripheral arterial disease, atherosclerosis of the arteries that supply the lower extremities may diminish blood flow to the point that the metabolic needs of exercising muscles are not sufficiently met, thereby leading to ischemic leg or hip pain known as claudication (56). Several clinical trials have found that treatment with propionyl-L-carnitine improves exercise tolerance in some patients with intermittent claudication (IC).

In a double-blind, placebo -controlled, dose-titration study, 1-3 grams/day of oral propionyl-L-carnitine for 24 weeks was well tolerated and improved maximal walking distance in IC patients (57).

In a randomized, placebo-controlled study of 495 patients with IC, 2 grams/day of propionyl- L -carnitine for 12 months significantly increased maximal walking distance and the distance walked prior to the onset of claudication in patients whose initial maximal walking distance was less than 250 meters (58).

However, no significant response to propionyl- L -carnitine treatment was observed in more mildly affected patients whose initial maximal walking distance was greater than 250 meters. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 155 patients with disabling claudication in the US and Russia, administration of 2 grams/day of propionyl- L -carnitine for six months significantly improved walking distance and claudication onset time compared to placebo (59).

More recently, a clinical trial in 74 patients with peripheral arterial disease associated with type 2 diabetes found that 2 g/day of oral propionyl-L-carnitine for 12 months improved pain-free walking distance and the ankle-brachial index, a diagnostic measure of peripheral arterial disease (60).

One study compared the efficacy of L -carnitine and propionyl- L -carnitine administered intravenously for the treatment of IC and concluded that propionyl- L -carnitine was more effective than L -carnitine when the same amount of carnitine was provided (61). Moreover, propionyl- L -carnitine has been reported to be a vasodilator (62); thus, the results mentioned above may in part be due to this compound's ability to affect endothelial function.

In fact, a recent double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study in 21 peripheral arterial disease patients found that intravenous infusion of propionyl- L -carnitine (6 grams/day) increased flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery (63). End-stage renal disease/hemodialysis L -carnitine and many of its precursors are removed from the circulation during hemodialysis.

Impaired L -carnitine synthesis by the kidneys may also contribute to the potential for carnitine deficiency in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of L -carnitine in hemodialysis patients for the prevention and treatment of carnitine deficiency (64). Carnitine depletion may lead to a number of conditions observed in dialysis patients, including muscle weakness and fatigue, plasma lipid abnormalities, and refractory anemia.

A systematic review that examined the results of 18 randomized trials, including a total of 482 dialysis patients, found that L -carnitine treatment improved hemoglobin levels in studies performed before recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) was routinely used to treat anemia in dialysis patients, and that L -carnitine treatment decreased EPO dose and resistance to EPO in studies performed when patients routinely received EPO (65).

Although some uncontrolled studies found that L -carnitine treatment improved blood lipid profiles in hemodialysis patients (66), a 2002 systematic review of randomized controlled trials found no evidence that L -carnitine improved lipid profiles (65).

Moreover, two recent studies associated carnitine therapy by hemodialysis with reduced hospitalization (67, 68). The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) does not recommend routine administration of L -carnitine to all dialysis patients (69). However, the NKF and other consensus groups suggest a trial of L -carnitine for hemodialysis patients with selected symptoms that do not respond to standard therapy.

Those symptoms include persistent muscle cramps or hypotension (low blood pressure) during dialysis, severe fatigue, skeletal muscle weakness or myopathy, cardiomyopathy, and anemia requiring large doses of EPO (69). In general, intravenous L -carnitine therapy (20 mg/kg body weight) at the end of a dialysis session has been recommended for patients on hemodialysis (70). Oral carnitine is not advised for hemodialysis patients due to the possible accumulation of potentially toxic metabolites (see Safety) (71).

Alzheimer's disease (dementia)Several small, controlled clinical trials conducted in the 1990s suggested that acetyl- L -carnitine (ALCAR) treatment (2-3 grams/day for 6-12 months) might slow the cognitive decline in patients clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (72-74).

However, a larger multicenter, randomized controlled trial involving 417 Alzheimer's disease patients found ALCAR treatment (3 grams/day for 12 months) was no different than placebo with respect to cognitive decline (75).

Subsequent statistical analyses of the data from that study suggested that patients with early-onset Alzheimer's disease (65 years and younger) experienced a more rapid cognitive decline that was significantly slowed by ALCAR treatment (76, 77). However, a multicenter, randomized controlled trial involving 167 early-onset Alzheimer's disease patients between 45 and 65 years of age found that ALCAR treatment (3 grams/day for 12 months) had no effect on most measures of cognitive decline except ALCAR treatment was associated with a non-significant reduction in the attention-related decline compared to placebo (76).

HIV/AIDSOne of the hallmarks of infection with the HIV retrovirus is a progressive decline in the numbers of critical immune cells known as CD4 T lymphocytes (CD4 cells), ultimately leading to the development of AIDS. Lymphocytes of HIV-infected individuals inappropriately undergo programmed cell death ( apoptosis ).

Limited evidence in cell culture experiments and in humans suggests that L -carnitine supplementation may help slow or prevent HIV-induced lymphocyte apoptosis. In an uncontrolled trial, 11 asymptomatic HIV-infected patients, who had refused antiretroviral treatment despite progressively declining CD4 cell counts, were treated with 6 grams/day of L -carnitine intravenously for four months (78). After four months of L -carnitine therapy, CD4 cell counts increased significantly and markers of lymphocyte apoptosis decreased, although there was no significant change in plasma levels of the HIV virus.

Long-term outcomes were not reported in these patients. In a more recent study, 20 HIV-infected individuals were randomly assigned to receive the antiretroviral agents, zidovudine (AZT) and didanosine (DDI), with or without supplemental L -carnitine (79).

Although CD4 cell counts and plasma HIV levels were not different between the two groups after seven months of therapy, indicators of CD4 cell apoptosis were significantly lower in the group taking L -carnitine. Some antiretroviral agents (nucleoside analogues) used to treat HIV-infection appear to cause a secondary L -carnitine deficiency that may lead to some of their toxic side effects (see Drug interactions) (80).

A small cross-sectional study found that nerve concentrations of acetyl- L -carnitine were significantly lower in HIV patients who developed peripheral neuropathy while taking nucleoside analogues than in control subjects (79). Ten out of 16 HIV patients with painful neuropathies reported improvement after three weeks of intravenous or intramuscular acetyl- L -carnitine (ALCAR) treatment (81). In a small study of 20 patients with antiretroviral-induced neuropathy, oral ALCAR (2 grams/day) for four weeks significantly reduced the subjects' mean pain intensity score but did not affect any of the measured neurophysiological parameters (82).

In a double-blind, placebo -controlled trial in 90 HIV patients with symptomatic distal symmetrical polyneuropathy, intramuscular injection of 1,000 mg/day of ALCAR for two weeks had no benefit compared to placebo in the intention-to-treat analysis, but ALCAR provided some pain relief in the group of 66 patients who completed the trial (83). Results from two recent trials suggest that long-term (two to four years) ALCAR supplementation may be a beneficial adjunct to antiretroviral therapy in some HIV-infected individuals (84, 85).

However, large-scale, controlled studies are needed before any conclusions can be drawn. Decreased sperm motility L -carnitine is concentrated in the epididymis, where sperm mature and acquire their motility (86). Two uncontrolled trials of L -carnitine supplementation in more than 100 men diagnosed with decreased sperm motility found that oral L -carnitine supplementation (3 grams/day) for three to four months significantly improved sperm motility (87, 88).

However, no information on subsequent fertility was reported. A cross-sectional study of 101 fertile and infertile men found that L -carnitine concentrations in semen were positively correlated with the number of sperm, the percentage of motile sperm, and the percentage of normal appearing sperm in the sample (89), suggesting that L -carnitine levels in semen may be useful in evaluating male infertility.

More recently, a placebo -controlled, double-blind, cross-over trial in 86 patients with male infertility found that L -carnitine (2 grams/day) supplementation for two months led to significantly improvements in sperm quality, evidenced by increases in sperm concentration and motility (90). Similar improvements in sperm motility were observed in a subsequent placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study conducted by the same group, but the patients received combination therapy consisting of L -carnitine (2 grams/day) and acetyl- L -carnitine (1 gram/day) for six months (91).

Interestingly, in both studies, the most dramatic carnitine-induced improvements were noted in patients with the lowest baseline sperm motility measures (i.e., most severe cases) (90, 91). Another group of researchers also reported improved sperm motility following combined carnitine therapy.

In this placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study, 44 patients with idiopathic asthenozoospermia (reduced sperm motility) received placebo, L -carnitine (3 grams/day), acetyl- L -carnitine (3 grams/day), or a combination of L -carnitine (2 grams/day) and acetyl- L -carnitine (1 gram/day). The combination therapy as well as acetyl- L -carnitine, alone, resulted in significant increases in sperm motility (92). Together, these data suggest that carnitine therapy may be useful in disorders of sperm motility and male infertility; however, large-scale clinical trials are undoubtedly necessary.

Performance Physical performance Interest in the potential of L -carnitine supplementation to improve athletic performance is related to its important roles in energy metabolism. A number of small, uncontrolled studies have reported that either acute (dose given one hour before exercise bout) or short-term (two to three weeks) L -carnitine supplementation (2 to 4 grams/day) was associated with increases in maximal oxygen uptake and decreases in plasma lactate (93-96).

Most studies to date have shown no effect of L -carnitine supplementation on physical performance (97).

However, conclusions that can be drawn from this research are limited due to small numbers of participants, short duration of supplementation, and lack of appropriate control groups in most studies. In a recent double-blind, placebo -controlled trial in 32 healthy adults, propionyl-L-carnitine (1 gram/day or 3 grams/day) for eight weeks did not improve aerobic or anaerobic exercise performance (98).

Several studies have shown that carnitine supplementation increases plasma carnitine levels (99-103), but studies have failed to demonstrate that carnitine supplementation increases levels of carnitine within skeletal or cardiac muscle (27, 98, 104). Thus, while carnitine supplementation in theory might work, the available data suggest that carnitine supplementation does not affect athletic performance in healthy individuals. Sources Biosynthesis The normal rate of L -carnitine biosynthesis in humans ranges from 0.16 to 0.48 mg/kg of body weight/day (4).

Thus, a 70 kg (154 lb) person would synthesize between 11 and 34 mg of carnitine per day. This rate of synthesis combined with efficient (95%) L -carnitine reabsorption by the kidneys is sufficient to prevent deficiency in generally healthy people, including strict vegetarians (105). Food sources Meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products are the richest sources of L -carnitine, while fruit, vegetables, and grains contain relatively little L -carnitine.

Omnivorous diets have been found to provide 20 to 200 mg/day of L -carnitine for a 70 kg person, while strict vegetarian diets may provide as little as 1 mg/day for a 70 kg person. Between 63% and 75% of L -carnitine from food is absorbed, compared to 14%-20% from oral supplements (1, 105, 106). Non-milk-based infant formulas (e.g., soy formulas) should be fortified so that they contain 11 mg of L -carnitine/liter. Some carnitine-rich foods and their carnitine content in milligrams (mg) are listed in Table 1 (105).

Table 1. L-Carnitine Content of Selected Foods Food Serving L-Carnitine (mg)Beef steak 3 ounces* 81Ground beef 3 ounces 80Pork 3 ounces 24Canadian bacon 3 ounces 20Milk (whole) 8 fluid ounces (1 cup) 8Fish (cod) 3 ounces 5Chicken breast 3 ounces 3Ice cream 4 ounces (½ cup) 3Avocado 1 medium 2American cheese 1 ounce 1Whole-wheat bread 2 slices 0.2Asparagus 6 spears (½ cup) 0.2*A three-ounce serving of meat is about the size of a deck of cards. Supplements Intravenous L -carnitine is available by prescription only for the treatment of primary and secondary L -carnitine deficiencies.

Oral L -carnitine is available by prescription for the treatment of primary and secondary L -carnitine deficiencies. It is also available without a prescription as a nutritional supplement; supplemental doses usually range from 500 to 2,000 mg/day.

Acetyl- L -carnitine is available without a prescription as a nutritional supplement. In addition to providing L -carnitine, it provides acetyl groups, which may be used in the formation of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. Supplemental doses usually range from 500 to 2,000 mg/day (107). Propionyl- L -carnitine provides L -carnitine as well as propionate, which may be utilized as an intermediate during energy metabolism (106). See Figure 1 for the chemical structures of L -carnitine, acetyl- L -carnitine, and propionyl- L -carnitine.

Safety Adverse effects In general, L -carnitine appears to be well tolerated; toxic effects related to high-dose L -carnitine have not been reported. L -carnitine supplementation may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.

Supplements providing more than 3,000 mg/day may cause a ""fishy"" body odor. Acetyl- L -carnitine has been reported to increase agitation in some Alzheimer's disease patients and to increase seizure frequency and/or severity in some individuals with seizure disorders (107).

Only the L - isomer of carnitine is biologically active, and the D-isomer may actually compete with L -carnitine for absorption and transport, thereby increasing the risk of L -carnitine deficiency (4). Supplements containing a mixture of the D - and L -isomers ( D, L -carnitine) have been associated with muscle weakness in patients with kidney disease. Controlled studies examining the safety of L -carnitine supplementation in pregnant and breast-feeding women are lacking (107).

Drug interactions The anticonvulsant, valproic acid, and nucleoside analogues used in the treatment of HIV infection, including zidovudine (AZT), didanosine (dd I), zalcitabine (dd C), and stavudine (d4T), may produce a secondary L -carnitine deficiency. Pivalic acid-containing antibiotics used in Europe (pivampicillin, pivmecillinam, and pivcephalexin) may also produce a secondary L -carnitine deficiency (105, 107).

Additionally, two cancer chemotherapy agents, ifosfamide and cisplatin, may increase the risk of secondary L -carnitine deficiency. Further, there is limited evidence that L -carnitine supplementation may help prevent cardiomyopathy induced by doxorubicin (adriamycin) therapy (80).

Authors and Reviewers Originally written in 2002 by: Jane Higdon, Ph. D. Linus Pauling Institute Oregon State University Updated in April 2007 by: Victoria J. Drake, Ph. D. Linus Pauling Institute Oregon State University Updated in April 2012 by: Victoria J. Drake, Ph.

D. Linus Pauling Institute Oregon State University Reviewed in April 2012 by: Tory M. Hagen, Ph. D. Principal Investigator, Linus Pauling Institute Professor, Dept. of Biochemistry and Biophysics Burgess and Elizabeth Jamieson Endowed Chair in Healthspan Research Oregon State University Copyright 2002-2018 Linus Pauling Institute References1. Rebouche CJ. Carnitine. In: Shils ME, Shike M, Ross AC, Caballero B, Cousins RJ, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins; 2006:537-544.2. Fraenkel G, Friedman S. Carnitine. Vitam Horm. 1957;15:73-118.3. De Grandis D, Minardi C. Acetyl-L-carnitine (levacecarnine) in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

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e L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine are two different forms of the same amino acid, but acetyl-L-carnitine has been processed so it’s able to pass the blood-brain barrier. Both are commonly supplemented in the diet, but they each boast unique benefits to health.

L-Carnitine Benefits Endurance, Fat Burning & Brain Function

Natural Remedies L-Carnitine L-Carnitine Benefits Endurance, Fat Burning & Brain Function L-Carnitine Benefits Endurance, Fat Burning & Brain Function1261 17 601By Rachael Link, MS, RDLet’s face it: Amino acids are crucial to pretty much every aspect of health. These compounds are the building blocks of proteins, which make up our skin, hair and muscles and perform a variety of functions in the body.

When it comes to health, though, some amino acids, like L-carnitine and glycine, stand out from the rest. Found only in small amounts in certain foods like beef, fish and chicken, it’s safe to say that many of us aren’t getting enough L-carnitine in our diets.

Fortunately, it’s also available in capsule, liquid or injectable form to help supply a quick and concentrated dose of carnitine. This superstar supplement has been shown to do everything from enhance athletic performance to bring fat burning to the next level.

Here’s what you need to know about this important amino acid and what it can do for you. What Is L-Carnitine?

Carnitine is a type of amino acid that benefits energy levels by transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria where they can be burned up and used as fuel. For this reason, many take carnitine as a weight loss supplement to help bump up fat burning. Carnitine occurs in two forms, or isomers: L-carnitine and D-carnitine.

L-carnitine is the active form that plays a role in energy metabolism and production. It is produced within the body, but it can also be taken as a supplement or found in many different protein foods as well. In supplement form, it’s available as a capsule, liquid or even injectable. A deficiency in carnitine can be caused by an inadequate intake, excess loss through diarrhea or dialysis, liver disorders, the use of certain medications, and some genetic disorders.

Additionally, because it is primarily found in animal products, vegans and vegetarians are at a higher risk of deficiency. Although many people take L-carnitine as a way to speed up weight loss and fat burning, carnitine benefits include enhancing brain function, preventing muscle damage, regulating blood sugar and increasing endurance as well. L-Carnitine Benefits Increases Endurance Enhances Weight Loss Prevents Muscle Damage Amps Up Fat Burning Boosts Brain Function Regulates Blood Sugar1. Increases Endurance Because L-carnitine plays a central role in energy production, many athletes begin taking it as a way to enhance endurance and boost athletic performance.

Both human and animal studies have confirmed the beneficial effects of this amino acid on endurance levels. In one study out of Turkey published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, giving professional soccer players three to four grams of L-carnitine before exercise was found to prolong the time it took to reach exhaustion.

( 1) Similarly, an animal study out of India published in the journal Wilderness & Environmental Medicine showed that giving rats L-carnitine improved exercise endurance. ( 2)For this reason, supplementing with this amino acid may especially benefit endurance athletes, such as long-distance runners, swimmers or cyclists.2.

Enhances Weight Loss Many people look to L-carnitine as a way to help shed unwanted pounds and lose weight fast. When combined with diet and exercise, some studies have found that supplementing with it can, in fact, be an effective way to enhance weight loss.

One analysis of research out of Iran looked at the results of nine studies and found that supplementing with carnitine led to a significantly greater amount of weight loss as well as a larger drop in body mass index compared to a control group. ( 3)However, L-carnitine weight loss results may vary, and other studies have turned up mixed results.

In a study out of Australia published in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, for instance, 36 obese women took either L-carnitine or a placebo and completed eight weeks of aerobic training. At the end of the study, researchers concluded that L-carnitine had no impact on either total body mass or fat mass. ( 4)While L-carnitine may work for some people, it shouldn’t be considered a quick fix. Pair it with regular exercise and a healthy diet to see maximum results.3.

Prevents Muscle Damage Besides increasing endurance and amping up weight loss, this amino acid also makes a useful supplement for athletes looking to prevent and protect against muscle damage.

In one 2014 study published in the Asian Journal of Sports Medicine, 21 male athletes were given either L-carnitine or a placebo daily for two weeks prior to an athletic test. Compared to the control group, those who took L-carnitine were found to have lower levels of certain markers that indicate muscle damage. ( 5)Other ways to aid in muscle recovery include eating lots of anti-inflammatory foods, loading up on fruits and vegetables, and getting enough protein in your diet.4.

Amps Up Fat Burning Besides increasing weight loss, this amino acid also helps kick up fat burning as well. In one study conducted in Germany, overweight participants received a regular diet, either with or without the addition of L-carnitine.

After 10 days, L-carnitine was found to significantly increase the breakdown of fat. ( 6)Another study published in the Journal of Physiology showed that increasing the amount of carnitine in the muscles helped prevent fat gain by increasing fat burning and energy expenditure during physical activity. ( 7)Other fat-burning foods include apple cider vinegar, bone broth, cayenne pepper and chia seeds.5.

Boosts Brain Function L-carnitine isn’t just good for your body, but it’s good for your mind as well. In fact, promising research has found that it may positively impact brain function and cognition. One study conducted by the University of Catania in Italy and published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition looked at the effects of daily L-carnitine supplementation on mental and physical fatigue in elderly participants over 100 years old.

Not only was it found to reduce total fat mass and increase muscle mass, but it also helped decrease fatigue and improve cognitive function. ( 8)Other studies have even found that acetyl-L-carnitine, another form of L-carnitine, could help reverse cognitive decline and improve memory in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. ( 9, 10)Avocados, beets, blueberries and broccoli are also brain foods that can help enhance your focus and memory.6.

Regulates Blood Sugar Some promising research has shown that carnitine supplementation could aid in maintaining normal blood sugar levels and fighting insulin resistance. Insulin is the hormone responsible for transporting sugar from the bloodstream to the cells where it can be used as fuel. Too much insulin can lead to insulin resistance, decreasing its effectiveness and resulting in high blood sugar.

A study out of Rome published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition showed that infusing diabetic participants with L-carnitine improved insulin sensitivity and increased the uptake of sugar from the bloodstream. ( 11) Another small study in 2010 conducted at Sapienza University’s Department of Clinical Medicine in Rome found that combining L-carnitine with caloric restriction helped reduce insulin resistance and increase sensitivity. ( 12)Controlling your carb intake, including more fiber and protein foods in your diet, and using natural stress relievers can also help keep blood sugar in check. L-Carnitine vs. Acetyl-L-Carnitin

e L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine are two different forms of the same amino acid, but acetyl-L-carnitine has been processed so it’s able to pass the blood-brain barrier. Both are commonly supplemented in the diet, but they each boast unique benefits to health.

While L-carnitine is primarily used to kick-start fat burning and enhance athletic performance, acetyl-L-carnitine also benefits brain health and memory. Although both can be used concurrently, it’s not always necessary. Taking acetyl-L-carnitine can supply the same benefits as L-carnitine, with the bonus brain-boosting benefits as well.

L-Carnitine Food Sources Animal products are the best natural sources of L-carnitine, with foods like grass-fed beef packing in the highest amount per serving.

It can also be found in small amounts in some sources like vegetables and grains. Here are the foods that contain the most L-carnitine per serving, according to the National Institutes of Health: ( 13)Beef steak, cooked, 4 ounces: 56–162 milligrams Ground beef, cooked, 4 ounces: 87–99 milligrams Whole milk, 1 cup: 8 milligrams Codfish, cooked, 4 ounces: 4–7 milligrams Chicken breast, cooked, 4 ounces: 3–5 milligrams Ice cream, 1/2 cup: 3 milligrams Cheddar cheese, 2 ounces: 2 milligrams Whole wheat bread, 2 slices: 0.2 milligram Asparagus, cooked, 1/2 cup: 0.1 milligram L-Carnitine Supplements + Dosage Although carnitine can be found naturally in plenty of food sources, it’s also available in supplement form as well.

It can be found in L-carnitine liquid, capsule and injectable forms for a quick and convenient way to boost your carnitine levels. For oral L-carnitine, be sure to take it with meals to maximize its effectiveness. The standard L-carnitine dosage is 500–2,000 milligrams daily.

Based on most current research available, a dose of up to two grams per day can be used safely and effectively with minimal side effects. The dosage may vary by the type of L-carnitine supplement, however. Acetyl-L-carnitine, for example, can be used in doses up to 2,500 milligrams per day while the dose for L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, a form typically used to enhance athletic performance, can range all the way up to 4,000 milligrams.

Keep in mind that when adding any supplement into your routine, you should always start with a low dose and work your way up to ensure you’re able to tolerate it without adverse side effects. L-Carnitine Uses + Recipes Most people use L-carnitine to help boost weight loss and increase fat burning. However, there are many other potential reasons you may want to add carnitine into your diet. It can correct deficiencies, boost brain function, prevent muscle damage, increase endurance and enhance athletic performance.

It can also be incredibly useful for vegans and vegetarians who may have a limited intake of carnitine-rich foods. Taking a supplement can be an easy way to help meet your needs for this crucial amino acid. If you’re looking for some ways to increase your carnitine intake without the use of a supplement, including a few servings of carnitine-rich foods can help.

Here are some recipes that are high in carnitine for you to try out: Steak Fajitas Garlic Baked Chicken Seared Grass-Fed Steak Savory Baked Fish Precautions When used as directed, carnitine can be safe and effective with minimal risk of side effects.

Common L-carnitine side effects include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. L-carnitine may increase the risk of seizures in those with epilepsy. If you’ve had a seizure before, you should not take carnitine. Additionally, carnitine may worsen symptoms of hypothyroidism. If you have an underactive thyroid, you should consult with your doctor before taking this amino acid.

When starting carnitine, as with any supplement, it’s best to start with a low dose and increase slowly to assess tolerance. If you experience any negative side effects, be sure to report to your doctor to determine if supplementation is right for you.

Finally, keep in mind that carnitine may enhance fat loss and weight loss for some people, but it should be used in combination with a healthy diet and active lifestyle to see the most results. Final Thoughts L-carnitine is an amino acid that works by transporting fatty acids to the mitochondria where they can be broken down into fuel.

This amino acid is produced in the body and is also found in small amounts in certain types of food, like animal products. Although safe in moderation, potential carnitine side effects include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. When paired with a healthy lifestyle and nutritious diet, taking carnitine could offer a variety of health benefits. In fact, studies show that carnitine could help increase endurance, enhance weight loss, prevent muscle damage, amp up fat burning, boost brain function and regulate blood sugar.

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Because Leaky Gut is so common, and such an enigma, I’m offering a free webinar on all things leaky gut. Click here to learn more about the webinar. Previous Story - What Is Amylose? Top 9 Benefits + Side Effects of This Resistant Starch Next Story - DIY Setting Powderacetyl l carnitine benefits acetyl-l-carnitine carnitine l carnitine side effects l carnitine weight loss l-carnitinel-carnitine benefits l-carnitine dosage

els Low Lysine Diet, Foods Lysine is an essential amino acid of the eight amino acids. It is necessary for the growth and repair of the tissues, and maintaining balance of nitrogen in the body. Lysine is essential because it is not manufactured in the body.

Lysine Deficiency: Symptoms and Causes of Low Lysine Levels

Published January 8, 2011 by PUPLysine Deficiency: Symptoms and Causes of Low Lysine Lev

It has to be consumed from outside food such as legumes, dairy food, fish, meat, brewer’s yeast etc. Lysine Health Benefits Before coming to its deficiency, let us know some of the L-lysine benefits It is an essential building block for proteins.

Children need lysine, for proper growth and development of the bones. It helps in forming collagen a substance necessary for skin, connective tissue, bone and cartilage. It is useful after surgery and persons having injury from sports. As it repairs bone and tissues. Combining with arginine, it stimulates growth hormone. Migraine headache. Pain during periods. Lysine deficiency occurs in persons who are vegetarians, than in those who eat meat and non vegetarian food.

It also occurs due to excessive arginine intake. Deficiency of lysine affects fat metabolism. Its deficiency may also lead to loss of calcium and thus giving rise to osteoporosis.

Deficiency of lysine can cause niacin deficiency. Symptoms of Lysine Deficiency Loss of appetite. Fatigue. Nausea. Dizziness. Slow growth. Anemia. Disorders of reproductive system. Hair loss.

Agitation and poor concentration. Related posts: L-Lysine Foods: Health Benefits Of L-Lysine Amino Acid L-Lysine Benefits: Health Benefits Of Amino Acids For Hair And Skin Carnitine Deficiency: Symptoms And Causes of Low Carnitine Levels Low Zinc Levels Causes, Symptoms, Effects: Foods For Zinc Deficiency

Carnitine plays a crucial role in helping your body produce energy from fat. It transports long-chain fatty acids into the fuel centers of your cells, where the fats are then converted to fuel. Your skeletal muscles and heart muscle contain a concentrated amount of carnitine.

Carnitine Deficiency Symptoms

Carnitine Deficiency Symptomsby JANET RENEE, MS, RD Oct. 03, 2017Carnitine is a substance found throughout your body and available in your diet.

Under normal circumstances, however, your body produces all the carnitine it needs each day. Certain medications and conditions, such as angina, can cause low carnitine levels, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some individuals cannot make enough carnitine due to inherent defects in producing or transporting it into tissues. Video of the Day Error setting up player: Invalid license key A Crucial Substance

In healthy adults and children, the liver and kidneys take responsibility for producing enough carnitine from lysine and methionine, two amino acids.

Primary Carnitine Deficiency Primary carnitine deficiency is a genetic condition that prevents the body from producing energy from certain fats. Symptoms typically appear during infancy or early childhood. These include a weakened and enlarged heart, muscle weakness, low blood sugar and vomiting.

Not everyone with primary carnitine deficiency exhibits symptoms, however, according to the Genetics Home Reference. Symptoms related to deficiency can occur when you go too long without food, since the body uses fat for fuel during periods of fasting. Secondary Carnitine Deficiency Metabolic problems can cause secondary carnitine deficiency. This can occur when an error in metabolism blocks the pathways needed for carnitine to enter your cells. This can cause compounds to bind to carnitine and carry it out of the body. The result is a drop in the available carnitine in your cells and tissues.

Increasing dietary intake or taking carnitine supplements is beneficial for those with primary and secondary deficiency, according to the University of Illinois Chicago. Other Deficiency Causes Other types of deficiency, also classified as secondary, can occur from diarrhea and taking certain antibiotics or anti-convulsant drugs, such as valproate.

Deficiency can also occur from malnutrition, especially not getting enough lysine, methionine, folate, iron, vitamin C, B-3, B-6 and B-12. Red meat is the richest source of carnitine. Other foods that provide some carnitine include milk, chicken and fish.

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