L-Carnitine 'The Fat Processor'

L-Carnitine, also known simply as carnitine, is a nutritional supplement sometimes labeled vitamin Bt. By transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria, it helps in the consumption and disposal of fat in the body.

Derived from amino acids, some L-carnitine can be found in nearly all of the body’s cells, produced mainly in the liver and kidneys. It is an essential nutrient, and its presence has two major functions. One is the transportation of long-chain fatty acids to the mitochondria, the metabolism of which produces bioenergy, specifically in cardiac and skeletal muscles. The other function is to remove short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids from the mitochondria that would interfere with the bioenergy process vital to the cells’ normal function.

Much natural intake of L-carnitine comes from the consumption of red meat and dairy products, but vegetarians can find enough of the supplement in other food groups. Natural sources include nuts and seeds; legumes; vegetables like artichokes, asparagus, beet greens, broccoli, brussel sprouts, collard greens, garlic, mustard greens, okra, and parsley; fruits like apricots and bananas; cereals like buckwheat, corn, millet, oatmeal, rice bran, rye, whole wheat, wheat bran, and wheat germ; and other foods like bee pollen, brewer’s yeast, carob, and kale. Through food sources, 60 to 75% of the available L-carnitine is typically absorbed.

As an oral supplement, L-carnitine is typically prescribed by a doctor when a patient has L-carnitine deficiencies that cause fatigue and general weakness. In some cases, the supplement can be administered intravenously. Additionally, it can be found in the United States as a nutritional supplement sometimes under the name Acetyl-L-carnitine.

Persons who can benefit from L-carnitine or a derivative thereof are those with cardiac illnesses; the supplement can aid in lowering triglycerides and/or elevating HDL-cholesterol levels, in addition to having antioxidant properties. In addition, Acetyl-L-carnitine may be used in the treatment of age-related disorders like dementia, even in some cases of premature infants, where neuroprotective activity can be enhanced by the use of the drug. Studies also found that a low number of Type II diabetes patients had increased glucose storage with the help of L-carnitine.

Some symptoms that have occurred in patients taking L-carnitine supplements included mild gastrointestinal problems like nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. In rare cases, seizures have been reported in patients with no history of seizures, and increased seizure activity in patients with said pre-existing condition. However, most patients have no side effects when taking L-carnitine as a supplement, whether intravenously or orally.

Currently, products containing L-carnitine cannot be marketed in Canada as natural health products and are not allowed to be imported into Canada.