Health and Anti-Aging Benefits of L-carnitine

Angela has lived with many inflammatory illnesses. Through the changes in her diet and the use of supplements, her life has turned around.

What is L-Carnitine?

L-carnitine is an amino acid that is naturally produced by your liver and kidneys and then stored in your muscles, heart, brain, and other tissues. Unfortunately, our bodies generally do not make enough of this nutrient, especially those who take certain drugs like valproic acid or have undergone medical procedures like hemodialysis; therefore, our bodies need to get this amino acid through other means.

Meat and dairy products are primary sources of L-carnitine, but not so much in vegetables. The nutrient is essential because it helps utilize the fat stored in your body as energy and helps your body transport toxins out of its tissues. Using up the fat stored allows for a quicker weight loss, making this very beneficial to those seeking to lose weight.

Toxins built up in the body often get outsourced to the skin; therefore, the more toxins that leave the inner body through other means will not go to the skin, allowing our skin to remain firm and healthy. This nutrient also benefits those who love to work out, strengthening your heart and improving sport's endurance.

Unfortunately, some are more apt to be deficient in this amino acid aside from those with medical conditions, such as strict vegetarians, chronic dieters, those with anorexia, and low-weight or premature infants. Part of keeping us young is taking care of the inside of our bodies. This amino acid can do that by assisting those with congestive heart failure, heart attacks, leg pain caused by circulation problems, high cholesterol, and other heart complications.

L-carnitine is also used to help treat many of the most common diseases, including ADHD, Lyme disease, diabetes, chronic fatigue, male infertility, and leg ulcers.

How to Know if You Are Deficient of L-Carnitine

If there is a deficiency, some of your body's most common signs include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Chest pain
• Muscle pain or cramps
• Abnormally low blood pressure
• Confusion
• Cardiomyopathy

Fortunately, there is a natural cure by taking an L-carnitine supplement. Even without a deficiency, an increased amount can help improve your overall health, especially keeping you feeling and looking young. L-carnitine will help keep your skin looking young, by ridding the body of toxins. The more efficient your body functions, the less wear and tear there will be on the body.

12 Benefits Of L-Carnitine

Fortunately, there are numerous benefits to L-carnitine that will assist in keeping your body healthy.

1. It helps rid the body of toxins and poisons
2. Increases energy level
3. Improves brain and motor functioning, as well as slows the progression of diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia.
4. Helps with depression
5. It helps prevent heart damage during a heart attack and assists in recovery, lowering the risk of further complications.
6. It prevents muscular atrophy in some degenerative muscular conditions, such as cancer and AIDS.
7. Improves sperm count, as well as speed and mobility of sperm for those with male infertility
8. Assists those with hyperthyroidism by easing symptoms such as anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, and a racing heart
9. It prevents fatigue and weakness in those who are on dialysis
10. Increases red blood cell count in those with severe kidney disease
11. Improves low birth weight
12. Prevents side effects that occur due to the seizure medication valproic acid

Natural Source of L-Carnitine from Food

Cheese

Side Effects

When taking supplements, knowing what amount is safe and for whom is essential. Taking a supplement by mouth is safe for most people; even small amounts are safe short-term for children. As with most supplements, not enough is known about their safety in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding; therefore, avoid it unless specifically approved by your doctor.

Injection supplements are also available, although you should only take them with the approval of a health professional. Some adverse side effects of L-carnitine include:

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• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Diarrhea
• Fishy odor of breath, sweat, or urine

Although it is encouraged and safe for those with hyperthyroidism, a person with hypothyroidism should not take it since it can worsen symptoms.

Another unfortunate side effect is that those with a history of seizures may experience an increased risk of having additional seizures due to this amino acid, which is unfortunate since it can improve the side effects of seizure medications. For this reason, you need to discuss with your doctor if you have ever suffered a history of seizures.

L-Carnitine Supplementation

One of the most common ways to take this supplement is in capsule form. The average person should consume at least 20-200 mg per day, but you will find most supplements provide a higher milligram than that.

L-carnitine also comes in liquid and shot form. Although possessing a higher absorption rate than the capsule, the liquid state is also significantly more expensive for the same amount. For those who may have absorption issues, the shot is the most easily absorbed since it does not have to be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. Although it may sound scary, shots are pretty easy to give to oneself.

Attention: As with all supplements, it is strongly advised to discuss with your doctor or nutritionist before taking it, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions. They will be able to advise you whether there will be any complications and if it is beneficial for you.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

© 2012 Angela Michelle Schultz

Comments

Dianna Mendez on August 30, 2012:

I have heard of this before and I am glad that I caught your article on this. Good information to know before going with the option of shots. Voted up.

Farhat from Delhi on August 30, 2012:

great information ....specially for ageing women like me (always worried about the increasing facial lines) who finds the hub more valuable..hahah!

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on August 28, 2012:

LOL, I didn't even think of that. LOL... Sadly, I thought it looked appetizing, despite not being cooked. :)

Natasha from Hawaii on August 28, 2012:

A reason to eat beef and cheese? I'm on board!

It's somehow amusing to me that the plate of raw meat is from "Ivan." Somehow, I'm not surprised that a (presumably) Russian sat down and took a photo of raw beef.