Carnitine - a New Super Nutrient on the Block!!!!

A remarkable nutrient called carnitine - which is synthesised in your body from the amino acids lysine and methionine - plays a major role in providing your body with energy. It transports fatty acids into the mitochondria ("energy factories") of your cells, where they are converted into energy in the form of ATP (the main "energy source" for the majority of cellular functions). Carnitine is also responsible for removing biological waste from your cells.

Although carnitine is made in your body, deficiencies can result from many causes including genetic defects, ageing, liver or kidney disease, and the use of certain medications such as the anti-epileptic drug Dilantin. Red meat and dairy products are rich sources of carnitine and smaller amounts are found in fish, poultry, wheat, asparagus, avocados and pears.

There is now extensive research to show that taking L-carnitine as a food supplement can be highly beneficial in connection with a number of health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, angina, intermittent claudication (a cramping sensation in the legs due to decreased oxygen supply), high triglyceride (blood fat) levels, chronic fatigue syndrome, male infertility, age- related cognitive impairment and muscle fatigue.

Besides regular L-carnitine, carnitine derivatives such as acetyl- L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine are also available as health supplements. All three forms contribute to energy production, but also have an affinity with different cells in your body which means they are able to provide their own specific health benefits. For example, acetyl-L-carnitine improves overall cognitive function in the elderly, delays the progression of Alzheimer's disease, and may be effective in combating depression in the elderly. Propionyl-L-carnitine has a special affinity with cells within the heart muscle. It has been shown to out-perform normal L-carnitine when it comes to improving heart function and helps combat conditions such as coronary heart disease, angina and claudication

In addition, a newer class of carnitines has now been developed called amino-carnitines - combinations of L-carnitine with amino acids. They are combined to either enhance carnitine's metabolic performance or because they have direct physiological effects that work together with carnitine. For example, the amino acid arginine dilates blood vessels. When combined with carnitine it appears to enhance carnitine's effect on the heart and muscles, and male sexual function.