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L-Carnitine
What Is L-Carnitine?
Both Acetyl L-Carnitine and L-Carnitine Fumarate are closely related to amino acids, and generally function as amino acids, but strictly speaking are ammonium compounds derived from the amino acid Lysine. These Carnitines are used by the body to transport long chain fatty acids to the mitochondria in your cells, where they are burned for energy.14,34,35 Since this fat burning is such a major source of muscular energy, deficiencies in either compound may be manifested as low energy levels and muscular weakness. Acetyl-L-Carnitine deficiencies can also appear as mental confusion or cloudiness. Research recently published in the online journal Clinical Nutrition indicates that l-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid reduce age-related oxidative stress and increase energy production.
What is the difference between Acetyl-L-Carnitine & L-Carnitine Fumarate?
Acetyl-L-Carnitine seems to be more effective with neurological conditions than L-Carnitine Fumarate, whereas L-Carnitine Fumarate appears to be better for heart health and weightloss.
Why Is Our L-Carnitine Better?
Our Carnitines are premium Italian-made BIOSINT® Carnitines from Sigma Tau HealthScience, the world leader in Carnitine research. Don't be tempted by less-expensive, questionable-quality Carnitines that are made in China, where there is little concern for heavy metal content or contamination with chemical residues.
Who Should Consider L-Carnitine?
Simply: athletes, vegetarians and vegans, and anyone who wants to increase muscle strength and energy, and burn fat more efficiently - either to help lose weight or improve heart and liver health by preventing fatty buildups. Athletes use lots of L-Carnitine in their exercise. Meat is a good dietary source of L-Carnitine, leaving vegetarians and vegans at a dietary disadvantage.
L-Carnitine can be manufactured in the body provided the requisite vitamins and minerals are also present. These vitamins and minerals are B1, B6, C, and iron. Most importantly the amino acids lysine and methionine as well as CoEnzyme A must be present for L-Carnitine synthesis.
Related Articles
More About L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine is not an amino acid in the strict sense (it is not used as a neurotransmitter or in protein synthesis), however L-Carnitine bears many resemblances to amino acids and is usually grouped under this heading. L-Carnitine (the "L" refers to its chemical polarity) is used by the body to transport long chain fatty acids to the mitochondria in your cells, where they are burned for energy. Since this fat burning is such a major source of muscular energy, deficiencies in L-Carnitine are manifested as low energy levels and muscular weakness. L-Carnitine deficiencies can also appear as mental confusion or cloudiness, heart pain and weight gain.
Sources of L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine can be manufactured in the body provided the requisite vitamins and minerals are also present. These vitamins and minerals are B1, B6, C, and iron. The amino acids lysine and methionine are also needed for L-Carnitine synthesis. L-Carnitine is also present in meats and other animal foods, so if you are a vegetarian or vegan you may want to consider supplementing with L-Carnitine. This would be especially important if you are an athlete, since you are using lots of L-Carnitine during periods of exertion. 1,2
More on L-Carnitine Deficiency
We know already that L-Carnitine deficiency, by denying the mitochondria the needed fatty acids, decreases energy output, but let's look at the other side of this energy equation. If you aren't burning fat, you must be storing it. This obviously leads to a variety of health problems, namely fatty build-ups. L-Carnitine supplementation can help prevent fatty build-ups in the heart and liver (especially likely if you are a regular consumer of alcoholic beverages). Putting it all together, L-Carnitine emerges as a great supplement: it helps increase energy, burn fat (making it excellent addition to a weight loss program), and supports heart and liver health all at the same time! Research recently published in the online journal Clinical Nutrition indicates that l-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid reduce age-related oxidative stress and increase energy production.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine & Mental Decline
Over the last decade, there has been a tremendous study of the aging mind. Many of these studies have shown that Acetyl-L-Carnitine can either slow the onset and progression of age-related mental decline or it may alleviate some of the symptoms associated with it. It is not precisely known why Acetyl-L-Carnitine seems to help with mental decline, but if we look at Acetyl-L-Carnitine's function in the body then we get a idea as to why it may help some people. First and foremost it is important to know that Acetyl-L-Carnitine readily crosses the blood-brain barrier 5 and that it is used to form neurotransmitters, most notably acetylcholine. 23 What is so notable about this is that most of the current prescription drugs are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChE-I). These prescription drugs work to prevent the metabolism of acetylcholine, thus these drugs indirectly increase acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters. Acetyl-L-Carnitine seems to work directly to increase these very same neurotransmitters. In fact, in one study, researchers found a synergistic effect, when Acetyl-L-Carnitine and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors were used together. 23 However there are other possible ways that Acetyl-L-Carnitine may be helpful with mental decline. We know that as we age our body's production of Acetyl-L-Carnitine decreases. We also know that as we age lipid (fat) and protein metabolism changes. Finally we know that in individuals with mental decline, lipid and beta-amyloid plaques are formed on the brain. Beta-amyloid is an amino acid, the building blocks of proteins. It is believed that these plaques may be a cause of or co-factor in the development of mental decline. There have been some studies that concluded that Acetyl-L-Carnitine can help reverse age related changes in lipid metabolism. 16,21 At this time there is no clinical evidence that Acetyl-L-Carnitine has any positive effects on these lipid plaques. Theoretically it may be possible that Acetyl-L-Carnitine has some effect on these plaques, but again there is no evidence that it does. Regarding age-related low mood, Acetyl-L-Carnitine seems to work in much the same way as it may with mental decline. Simply put, it may increase the levels of various neurotransmitters and thereby alleviate some of the symptoms of age-realted low mood. 9 It is as a transporter of long chain fatty acids that Acetyl-L-Carnitine may be beneficial to both Cardio function and nervous system decline which results from poor blood-sugar regulation.
Label Facts
L-Carnitine Fumarate, 500mg (60 capsules)
L-Carnitine Fumarate, 500mg, 60 Capsules:
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Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 Capsules
Servings per container: 30 |
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Amount Per Serving |
% Daily Value |
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| L-Carnitine Fumarate |
1000 mg |
† |
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Other ingredients: Vegetable capsule (HPMC [cellulose], water), rice flour, silicon dioxide.
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Dietary Restrictions
 Vegetarian capsule used and a vegetarian formula.
L-Carnitine Fumarate, 500mg (100 capsules)
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Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 Capsules
Servings per container: 50 |
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Amount Per Serving |
% Daily Value |
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| L-Carnitine Fumarate |
1000 mg |
† |
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Other ingredients: Cellulose (plant fiber), white rice flour, silicon dioxide (flow agents).
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Dietary Restrictions
Vegetarian capsule used and a vegetarian formula.
Acetyl L-Carnitine, 500mg (60 capsules)
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Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 Capsules
Servings per container: 30 |
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Amount Per Serving |
% Daily Value |
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| Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride |
1000 mg |
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Other ingredients: Cellulose (plant fiber), Magnesium Stearate (vegetable source).
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Dietary Restrictions
Vegetarian capsule used and a vegetarian formula.
References
- Cui, J., et al., Effects of L-carnitine and its derivatives on postischemic cardiac function, ventricular fibrillation and necrotic and apoptotic cardiomyocyte death in isolated rat hearts. Mol Cell Biochem, 2003. 254(1-2): p. 227-34.
- De Grandis, D. and C. Minardi, Acetyl-L-carnitine (levacecarnine) in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. A long-term, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Drugs R D, 2002. 3(4): p. 223-31.
- Ghelardini, C., et al., Acetyl-l-carnitine induces muscarinic antinocieption in mice and rats. Neuropharmacology, 2002. 43(7): p. 1180-7.
- Hao, Y., et al., Glutamate-induced over-expression of GAD is down-regulated by acetyl-L-carnitine in rat islet cells. Endocr Res, 2004. 30(1): p. 107-16.
- Inano, A., et al., Acetyl-L-carnitine permeability across the blood-brain barrier and involvement of carnitine transporter OCTN2. Biopharm Drug Dispos, 2003. 24(8): p. 357-65.
- Mazzio, E., K.J. Yoon, and K.F. Soliman, Acetyl-L-carnitine cytoprotection against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium toxicity in neuroblastoma cells. Biochem Pharmacol, 2003. 66(2): p. 297-306.
- McKay Hart, A., M. Wiberg, and G. Terenghi, Pharmacological enhancement of peripheral nerve regeneration in the rat by systemic acetyl-L-carnitine treatment. Neurosci Lett, 2002. 334(3): p. 181-5.
- Parnetti, L., et al., Pharmacokinetics of IV and oral acetyl-L-carnitine in a multiple dose regimen in patients with senile dementia of Alzheimer type. Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 1992. 42(1): p. 89-93.
- Pettegrew, J.W., J. Levine, and R.J. McClure, 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(6): p. 616-32.
- Piovesan, P., et al., Acetyl-L-carnitine restores choline acetyltransferase activity in the hippocampus of rats with partial unilateral fimbria-fornix transection. Int J Dev Neurosci, 1995. 13(1): p. 13-9.
- Rebouche, C.J. and A.G. Engel, Carnitine metabolism and deficiency syndromes. Mayo Clin Proc, 1983. 58(8): p. 533-40.
- Rebouche, C.J. and D.J. Paulson, Carnitine metabolism and function in humans. Annu Rev Nutr, 1986. 6: p. 41-66.
- Scapagnini, G., et al., Long-term ethanol administration enhances age-dependent modulation of redox state in brain and peripheral organs of rat: protection by acetyl carnitine. Int J Tissue React, 2002. 24(3): p. 89-96.
- Scarpini, E., G. Sacilotto, P. Baron, M. Cusini and G. Scarlato (1997). "Effect of acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of painful peripheral neuropathies in HIV+ patients." J Peripher Nerv Syst 2(3): 250-2.
- Sorbi, S., P. Forleo, C. Fani and S. Piacentini (2000). "Double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled clinical trial with L- acetylcarnitine in patients with degenerative cerebellar ataxia." Clin Neuropharmacol 23(2): 114-8.
- Tanaka, Y., et al., Acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation restores decreased tissue carnitine levels and impaired lipid metabolism in aged rats. J Lipid Res, 2004. 45(4): p. 729-35.
- Tomassini, V., et al., Comparison of the effects of acetyl L-carnitine and amantadine for the treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis: results of a pilot, randomised, double-blind, crossover trial. J Neurol Sci, 2004. 218(1-2): p. 103-8.
- Turpeinen, A. K., J. T. Kuikka, E. Vanninen, J. Yang and M. I. Uusitupa (2000). "Long-term effect of acetyl-L-carnitine on myocardial 123I-MIBG uptake in patients with diabetes." Clin Auton Res 10(1): 13-6.
- Vermeulen, R.C. and H.R. Scholte, Exploratory open label, randomized study of acetyl- and propionylcarnitine in chronic fatigue syndrome. Psychosom Med, 2004. 66(2): p. 276-82.
- Wilson, A.D., et al., Primary sensory neuronal rescue with systemic acetyl-L-carnitine following peripheral axotomy. A dose-response analysis. Br J Plast Surg, 2003. 56(8): p. 732-9.
- Yasui, F., et al., Effects of chronic acetyl-L-carnitine treatment on brain lipid hydroperoxide level and passive avoidance learning in senescence-accelerated mice. Neurosci Lett, 2002. 334(3): p. 177-80.
Alzheimer Disease / Neuroprotective Function of Acetyl-L-Carnitine References & Additional Resources
- Beal, M.F., Bioenergetic approaches for neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease. Ann Neurol, 2003. 53 Suppl 3: p. S39-47; discussion S47-8.
- Bianchetti, A., R. Rozzini, and M. Trabucchi, Effects of acetyl-L-carnitine in Alzheimer's disease patients unresponsive to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Curr Med Res Opin, 2003. 19(4): p. 350-3.
- Brooks, J.O., 3rd, et al., Acetyl L-carnitine slows decline in younger patients with Alzheimer's disease: a reanalysis of a double-blind, placebo-controlled study using the trilinear approach. Int Psychogeriatr, 1998. 10(2): p. 193-203.
- Bruno, G., et al., Acetyl-L-carnitine in Alzheimer disease: a short-term study on CSF neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord, 1995. 9(3): p. 128-31.
- Carta, A. and M. Calvani, Acetyl-L-carnitine: a drug able to slow the progress of Alzheimer's disease? Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1991. 640: p. 228-32.
- Forloni, G., N. Angeretti, and S. Smiroldo, Neuroprotective activity of acetyl-L-carnitine: studies in vitro. J Neurosci Res, 1994. 37(1): p. 92-6.
- Gottfries, C.G., Pharmacological treatment strategies in Alzheimer type dementia. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol, 1990. 1(1): p. 1-5.
- Hudson, S. and N. Tabet, Acetyl-L-carnitine for dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2003(2): p. CD003158.
- McDaniel, M.A., S.F. Maier, and G.O. Einstein, "Brain-specific" nutrients: a memory cure? Nutrition, 2003. 19(11-12): p. 957-75.
- Montgomery, S.A., L.J. Thal, and R. Amrein, Meta-analysis of double blind randomized controlled clinical trials of acetyl-L-carnitine versus placebo in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease. Int Clin Psychopharmacol, 2003. 18(2): p. 61-71.
- Pettegrew, J.W., et al., Clinical and neurochemical effects of acetyl-L-carnitine in Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging, 1995. 16(1): p. 1-4.
- Pisano, C., et al., Paclitaxel and Cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity: a protective role of acetyl-L-carnitine. Clin Cancer Res, 2003. 9(15): p. 5756-67.
- Rai, G., et al., Double-blind, placebo controlled study of acetyl-l-carnitine in patients with Alzheimer's dementia. Curr Med Res Opin, 1990. 11(10): p. 638-47.
- Sharman, E.H., et al., Reversal of biochemical and behavioral parameters of brain aging by melatonin and acetyl L-carnitine. Brain Res, 2002. 957(2): p. 223-30.
- Soares, J.C. and S. Gershon, Advances in the pharmacotherapy of Alzheimer's disease. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci, 1994. 244(5): p. 261-71.
L-Carnitine References / Additional Resources
- Arenas J., Ricoy JR, Encinas AR, Pola P, D'Iddio S, Zeviani M, Didonato S, Corsi M. Carnitine in muscle, serum, and urine of nonprofessional athletes: effects of physical exercise, training, and L-carnitine administration. Muscle Nerve 1991 Jul;14(7):598-604
- Barker, G. A., S. Green, C. D. Askew, A. A. Green and P. J. Walker (2001). "Effect of propionyl-L-carnitine on exercise performance in peripheral arterial disease." Med Sci Sports Exerc 33(9): 1415-22.
- Bartels G.L., Remme WJ, Holwerda KJ, Kruijssen DA. Anti-ischaemic efficacy of L-propionylcarnitine--a promising novel metabolic approach to ischaemia? Eur Heart J 1996 Mar;17(3):414-20.
- Benvenga, S., R. M. Ruggeri, A. Russo, D. Lapa, A. Campenni and F. Trimarchi (2001). "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 86(8): 3579-94.
- Brass, E. P., S. Adler, K. E. Sietsema, W. R. Hiatt, A. M. Orlando and A. Amato (2001). "Intravenous L-carnitine increases plasma carnitine, reduces fatigue, and may preserve exercise capacity in hemodialysis patients." Am J Kidney Dis 37(5): 1018-28.
- Cacciatore L., Cerio R, Ciarimboli M, Cocozza M, Coto V, D'Alessandro A, D'Alessandro L, Grattarola G, Imparato L, Lingetti M, et al. The therapeutic effect of L-carnitine in patients with exercise-induced stable angina: a controlled study. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1991;17(4):225-35.
- Center, S. A., J. Harte, D. Watrous, A. Reynolds, T. D. Watson, P. J. Markwell, D. S. Millington, P. A. Wood, A. E. Yeager and H. N. Erb (2000). "The clinical and metabolic effects of rapid weight loss in obese pet cats and the influence of supplemental oral L-carnitine." J Vet Intern Med 14(6): 598-608.
- Cherchi A., Lai C, Angelino F, Trucco G, Caponnetto S, Mereto PE, Rosolen G, Manzoli U, Schiavoni G, Reale A, et al. Effects of L-carnitine on exercise tolerance in chronic stable angina: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled crossover study. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 1985 Oct;23(10):569-72.
- Colonna, P. and S. Iliceto (2000). "Myocardial infarction and left ventricular remodeling: results of the CEDIM trial. Carnitine Ecocardiografia Digitalizzata Infarto Miocardico." Am Heart J 139(2 Pt 3): S124-30.
- Goa, K. L. and R N Brogden. L-carnitine--a preliminary review of its pharmacokinetics, and its therapeutic use in ischemic cardiac disease and primary and secondary carnitine deficiencies in relationship to its role in fatty acid metabolism. Drugs 34 1987:1-24.
- Hiatt, W. R., J. G. Regensteiner, M. A. Creager, A. T. Hirsch, J. P. Cooke, J. W. Olin, G. N. Gorbunov, J. Isner, Y. V. Lukjanov, M. S. Tsitsiashvili, T. F. Zabelskaya and A. Amato (2001). "Propionyl-L-carnitine improves exercise performance and functional status in patients with claudication." Am J Med 110(8): 616-22.
- Iyer, R., A. Gupta, A. Khan, S. Hiremath and Y. Lokhandwala (1999). "Does left ventricular function improve with L-carnitine after acute myocardial infarction?" J Postgrad Med 45(2): 38-41.
- Kamikawa T., Suzuki Y, Kobayashi A, Hayashi H, Masumura Y, Nishihara K, Abe M, Yamazaki N. Effects of L-carnitine on exercise tolerance in patients with stable angina pectoris. Jpn Heart J 1984 Jul;25(4):587-97.
- Loster, H., K. Miehe, M. Punzel, O. Stiller, H. Pankau and J. Schauer (1999). "Prolonged oral L-carnitine substitution increases bicycle ergometer performance in patients with severe, ischemically induced cardiac insufficiency." Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 13(6): 537-46.
- Malone JI, Schocken DD, Morrison AD, Gilbert-Barness E. Diabetic cardiomyopathy and carnitine deficiency. J Diabetes Complications 1999 Mar-Apr;13(2):86-90.
- Mancini, M., et al. Controlled study on the therapeutic efficacy of propionyl-L-carnitine in patients with congestive heart failure. Arzneim Forsch 42 1992:1101-4.
- Nuesch R, Rossetto M, Martina B. Plasma and urine carnitine concentrations in well-trained athletes at rest and after exercise. Influence of L-carnitine intake. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1999;25(4):167-71.
- Rizos, I. (2000). "Three-year survival of patients with heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy and L-carnitine administration." Am Heart J 139(2 Pt 3): S120-3.
- Rubin, M. R., J. S. Volek, A. L. Gomez, N. A. Ratamess, D. N. French, M. J. Sharman and W. J. Kraemer (2001). "Safety measures of L-carnitine L-tartrate supplementation in healthy men." J Strength Cond Res 15(4): 486-90.
- Sirtori, C. R., L. Calabresi, S. Ferrara, F. Pazzucconi, A. Bondioli, D. Baldassarre, A. Birreci and A. Koverech (2000). "L-carnitine reduces plasma lipoprotein(a) levels in patients with hyper Lp(a)." Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 10(5): 247-51.
- Volek, J. S., W. J. Kraemer, M. R. Rubin, A. L. Gomez, N. A. Ratamess and P. Gaynor (2002). "L-Carnitine L-tartrate supplementation favorably affects markers of recovery from exercise stress." Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 282(2): E474-82.
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