In most cases, L-Carnitine is considered a substance that is closer to the group of B vitamins rather than the amino acids. However, when the grouping of the substance is based on chemical structure, L-Carnitine is considered to be a part of the amino acid group. It is also sometimes thought of as a form of protein.
The primary role of L-Carnitine in the body is to help move or transport the fatty acids in the cells into the mitochondria - the energy powerhouse of the cell. The mitochondria convert the L-Carnitine into energy. Thus, L-Carnitine can be considered as a vital substance that helps convert fat into useful energy that the body can take advantage of. The energy produced in this process is used by many of the body’s muscles, including the heart. L-Carnitine also greatly improves the effective antioxidant properties of vitamin C and vitamin E.
L-Carnitine is naturally created by the body when it has enough amounts of important vitamins and minerals available. These vitamins and minerals are: vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin C, methionine, lysine, niacin and iron.
L-Carnitine also plays a very important role in the prevention of fatty cell build up in different parts of the body such as the heart, the liver, and even the skeletal muscles. It also checks and regulates the levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood. The heart has a special need for L-Carnitine because it needs this substance in order to function normally.
For people who have deficiencies in this important substance, L-Carnitine supplements may be used. Supplements are also useful for people who do not get enough of this substance from their regular diet. Other causes of L-Carnitine deficiencies are: genetic disorders, problems or complications in the kidney and the liver, and side effects of some types of medication. Of course, any deficiency in the vitamins and minerals that are needed by the body to produce L-Carnitine will subsequently result in a deficiency of L-Carnitine as well. Some of the symptoms that will signify a deficiency in L-Carnitine are: chest pain, weakness of muscles, nausea or confusion, and chronic fatigue.
L-Carnitine has also been found to be helpful to people who are suffering from angina pectoris, elevated cholesterol levels, increased triglyceride levels, and congestive heart failure. Consequently, L-Carnitine has been used to aid in patients that are recovering from a heart attack.
Experimental uses of L-Carnitine are also being continuously studied in treating Alzheimer’s disease and many other ailments that relate to memory functions and memory loss. The L-Carnitine derivative – the ALC or Acetyl-L-carnitine – is being seriously studied as a possible remedy to memory problems acquired in an advanced age or through brain related diseases. There are actually studies that have already shown that this substance may be able to at least delay the onset or the progression of the dreaded Alzheimer’s disease.
The best food sources for L-Carnitine are meat, fish, dairy products, and poultry. These food products contain very high amounts of this substance. On the other hand, grains and fruits contain very little or no L-Carnitine at all.
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