Carnitine

Carnitine

It is synthesized in the liver, kidneys and brain, from two essential aminoacids (lysine and methionine) with the aid of vitamins (C, B3 and B6) and iron.
Its levels depend on our diet.

The main source of carnitine is red meat.
Vegetables have a small amount or even nothing of carnitine.

Deficiencies in L.Carnitine produce:
Problems in lipid oxidation and cardiovascular diseases.




L.Carnitine is considered as a “miracle” molecule, because it converts fats into energy, and therefore sold as “fat burner”

The truth is that fats are transformed into energy in the mitochondria, and the long chained fatty acids cannot pass through mitochondrial membrane without the help of L.Carnitine. So it is an organic component synthesized by our body and that is necessary for the right functioning of our organism.

Carnitine shuttle

Supplements of L.Carnitine

Many sportspeople take supplements trying to improve their efficiency and fatigue, but some studies point a very high amount of L.Carnitine is needed to improve them.
L.Carnitine, taken as a supplement doesn’t work without exercise. You have to practice al least 45 minutes of aerobic exercise for the L.Carnitine to start working. L.Carnitine only works when the body needs energy and there is nothing of glucose nor glycogen.
The breaking of the fats (the body energy reserve) it is the last source that our body uses to obtain energy.

L.Carnitine may help in a low sugar and fat diet, always together with exercise.

Recently discovered properties of L.Carnitine

It improves the stretch marks: Researchers from the Research, Optimization and Pharmaceutical Production Group from the University of Seville have patented the use of L.Carnitine in cosmetic products beneficial for the treatment of scars and stretch marks.

Good for the heart: Consume L.Carnitine improves the heart health in patients who have suffered a heart attack (Clinic Proceedings journal)

The results, based on analysis of controlled trials, link L.Carnitine with a 27% reduction of mortality in all these causes, and a very significant reduction of arrhythmias (65%) and angina pectoris after a heart attack.

Good against obesity and diabetes: L.Carnitine supplements in obese animals increase the capacity of its cells to burn energy, helping them to reduce the excess of blood glucose, a symptom of diabetes and pre-diabetes, as it can be read in a paper recently published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.