Carnitine Complex: The remarkable nutrient endorsed by a leading cardiologist

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. In such cases, you would need to make up any shortfall through your diet (red meat and dairy products are rich sources of carnitine and smaller amounts are found in fish, poultry, wheat, asparagus, avocados and pears) or by taking it in supplement form.

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 muscle fatigue.

Besides regular L-carnitine, carnitine derivatives such as acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine are also available. 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.

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 carnitines 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 carnitines effect on the heart and muscles, and male sexual function.      

Scientists have found that all of these carnitines combined have a remarkable synergistic effect that increases their therapeutic value. Their research has resulted in the launch of Carnitine Complex a cutting-edge nutritional supplement developed by Solgar that is based on a blend of carnitines and amino-carnitines including L-carnitine, propionyl-L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine arginate and acetyl-L-carnitine taurinate.

Assessing the remarkable therapeutic properties of the individual forms of carnitine

 
Scientists have found that regular L-carnitine supplements are able to significantly lower raised blood fats, improve energy levels in chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers, and also improve sperm quality (Refs. 1, 2, 3).

Acetyl-L-carnitine is the acetyl ester of L-carnitine. Several clinical trials suggest that this form of carnitine improves overall cognitive function in the elderly, delays the progression of Alzheimers disease, and may be effective in combating depression in the elderly (Refs. 4, 5, 6). 

Acetyl-L-carnitine has a particular affinity with the brain because the acetyl component helps promote the neurotransmitter acetylcholine an important brain chemical. Abnormal acetylcholine metabolism in the brain is thought to be associated with age-related dementias, including Alzheimers disease. Fortunately acetyl-L-carnitine has the unique ability to cross the blood brain barrier where it is able to then get to work.

Propionyl-L-carnitine helps heart attack patients make a full recovery

Propionyl-L-carnitine has its own distinct health-related benefits. It 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.

Scientists believe that propionyl-L-carnitine works by protecting heart muscle cells from damage caused by lack of blood flow. It penetrates into heart muscle cells rapidly, an effect thought to account for its advantage in supporting heart muscle recovery following a heart attack. Animal studies have demonstrated that propionyl-L-carnitine not only prevents tissue damage related to lack of blood flow, but also has the ability to prevent any existing damage from getting worse (Ref. 7). 

In a human study, patients with congestive heart failure, who were given propionyl-L-carnitine each day for 15 days, experienced a 21 per cent increase in exercise tolerance and a 45 per cent increase in oxygen consumption (Ref. 8). Propionyl-L-carnitine has also been shown to aid male sexual dysfunction, probably because of its effect on improving blood flow.

Leading cardiologist believes everybody on the planet should take some form of carnitine

Dr Stephen T. Sinatra (M.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.C.N., C.N.S.), a board-certified and leading cardiologist, who has been using carnitines in his practice for 10 years, says: Everybody on the planet should take some form of carnitine. I used L-carnitine at first, then began with acetyl-L-carnitine about five years ago, and now that propionyl-L-carnitine is available, I have found it to be especially helpful for my patients.

With regards to taking combined carnitine formulas, Dr Sinatra believes these full-spectrum carnitines have an advantage, and hopes this will be the carnitine of the future. He says, If consumers could take L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine in one preparation, that means they would get full carnitine support that would help with ATP turnover whether its in the heart, the brain, the eye, the ear wherever. In other words, you would get penetration of the carnitines in all of the tissues of the body.

In one double-blind study, supplementing with a combination of propionyl-L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine for six months significantly improved erectile function in elderly men with erectile dysfunction associated with low testosterone levels. Propionyl-L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine were significantly more effective than testosterone treatment (Ref. 9).

In other studies, a combination of L-carnitine, propionyl-L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine has been shown to significantly increase peak running speed and total work load in athletes compared to both placebo and individual carnitine ingredients (Ref. 10). Likewise, the combination formula was much more effective in helping adults recover from physical, mental and emotional fatigue.

What to take for best results

The recommended dosage for Carnitine Complex is one 250mg tablet taken twice a day, between meals.

References

1. Curr Ther Res 1980;27:20816

2. Neuropsycholbiol 1997;35:1623

3. Andrologia 1994;26:1559

4. Clin Ter 1990;132(6 Suppl):479510 [in Italian]

5. Neurobiol Aging 1995;16:14

6. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1987;13:41723

7. Coron Artery Dis. 2004 Feb;15(1):65-71

8. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 1998;12:291-9

9. Urology 2004;63:6416

10. Cavazza C, et al. Nutritional supplement for facilitating skeletal muscle adaptation to strenuous exercise and counteracting defatigation in aesthetic individuals. Sigma-Tau Healthscience S.p.A, Pomezia, March 1998.