Carnitine is an important dietary supplement denied recognition as a vitamin because it can be manufactured in the body from the amino acid lysine. Bodily production of carnitine relies on methionine, niacin, iron, and Vitamins C and B-6. If there is a deficiency in any one of these nutrients, there is also a deficiency in carnitine. Because carnitine breaks down fat into energy, a deficiency results in decreased energy production. Additional deficiency symptoms include faulty fat metabolism and muscle weakness. Deficiency can result from excessive exercise, illness, and an inadequate diet. Carnitine is primarily indicated in fighting cardiovascular disease, AlzheimerÕs disease, kidney disorders, and in enhancing athletic performance.
For the human heart to function normally, adequate levels of carnitine and oxygen are necessary. Lack of oxygen leads to a depletion of carnitine, which in turn decreases energy production in the heart and increases the risk for angina and heart disease. In 1987, carnitine was shown to be beneficial in angina, post-heart attack therapy, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure. An earlier study showed it can lower triglycerides and total cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol. Carnitine has also proven beneficial in peripheral vascular disease.
This supplement has been explored for its ability to enhance physical performance. Athletes and normal subjects taking supplemental carnitine in a 1988 report showed increased cardiac function after exercise, improved exercise intensity, time, and energy metabolism within the muscle. Other studies conducted in both animals and humans show that carnitine supplements boost the level of carnitine in the muscles. This results in improvements in endurance, athletic performance, and strength.
Carnitine appears to result in overall enhanced physical performance. Persons with muscular dystrophy often have low levels of carnitine in their skeletal muscle. While this deficiency may contribute to muscle weakness associated with this disease, there has been no research to date investigating this question.
L-acetylcarnitine (LAC), a form of the nutrient, has had positive results in studies on AlzheimerÕs disease, and associated dementia, impaired memory, and depression in the elderly. This form of carnitine seems to have an antioxidant effect on the brain. It is thought to work to enhance or imitate acetylcholine. A 1995 study indicated a delay in the progression of AlzheimerÕs disease with carnitine supplements. Research conducted in 1994 found LAC supplements offer DownÕs Syndrome patients an improved visual memory and attention capacity. LAC has also been shown to enhance memory and cognitive function in healthy individuals.
Sperm depends on carnitine for energy metabolism. A 1994 study found LAC supplements greatly increase sperm count and motility. Such a finding has great implications for male infertility. AIDS patients also exhibit low serum levels of carnitine. Researchers have reported LAC prevents the toxic effects that the popular AIDS drug AZT has on muscle cells. Preliminary studies the year before found LAC to enhance immunity and reduce HIV immune suppression. Carnitine has been shown to protect the heart against toxicity caused by chemotherapy drugs. It has also been shown to improve symptoms related to anti-convulsant medications.
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