Imagine a supplement that is so effective and well researched that even the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given it an approval. This supplement, L-Carnitine, can help everyone in your family, including your newborn baby. L-Carnitine can improve fat metabolism, aid weight loss, improve memory and increase blood flow to the heart.
What exactly is L-Carnitine? Well, for the scientific wizards in our audience, it is a quaternary ammonium compound or gammaTrimethyl-beta-HydroxyButyrobetaine. To everyone else, L-Carnitine Base occurs in the body through endogenous synthesis in the kidneys and liver. This supplement, which naturally exists in the body, can be sustained through a properly balanced and nutritious diet. However, external supplements are available for those who fail to have the perfect diet or whose synthesis may not be sufficient to receive the effects of L-Carnitine.
There are certain signs and symptoms that may indicate your body needs supplementation. Some indicators are growth, obesity, prolonged physical and mental exercise, aging and stress. Vegetarians also should be concerned due to the lack of L-Carnitine in vegetables and cereals. Deficiency of L-Carnitine is divided into two groups: whole body (systemic) and muscle (myopathic). The symptoms include impaired fat metabolism and fat accumulation in skeletal muscles, heart muscles and the liver. Also, loss of muscle tone, failure to thrive, recurrent infection, swelling of the brain, hypoglycemia and heart disturbances may indicate a deficiency. L-Carnitine deficiency can be diagnosed in two ways. Systemic deficiency can be determined through serum or 24-hour urine samples. Myopathic deficiency is diagnosed through skeletal muscle biopsy.
When supplementation with L Carnitine is indicated, the next question becomes, "What form of L-Carnitine should I be using?" A major supplier, Biosint USA, Larchmont, NY, the domestic affiliate of Sigma-Tau S.p.A., the originator of the L-Carnitine process, offers numerous options, including different types and derivatives of L-Carnitine Base. These include the salts: L-Carnitine Fumarate, LCarnitine Tart rate and L-Carnitine HC1. Also, Biosint supplies L-Carnitine derivatives, such as Acetyl L-Carnitine HCI, to help consumers specifically and effectively maximize the obtainable benefits of L-Carnitine supplementation. These salts and derivatives span a wide range in solubility, handling characteristics and concentration. According to Ken Hassen, vice president and general manager of Biosint USA, "CarniShield B94 offers superior handling characteristics and, simultaneously, the highest concentration of L-Carnitine available worldwide." Hassen adds that all of these products are kosher-certified, as well, and certified BSE safe.
Once someone starts taking an L-Carnitine supplement, he or she should notice some differences. There should be an increase in endurance, muscle energy and heart energy. You may have overall improved mental and physical performance. L-Carnitine may decrease cramps, stress and ammonia poisoning. It also may help with alcohol and drug detoxification. Furthermore, it is reported to accelerate recovery, increase oxygen consumption and help fitness maintenance. If you are taking Acetyl L-Carnitine you are likely to experience some different effects. These include mood improvement, memory enhancement, mental acuity and enhancement of sports performance.
Typically, people can safely supplement their diets with up to three or four grams per day of L-Carnitine.
Current research indicates that Carnitine supplementation may improve sports performance, increase blood supply to the heart and enhance memory. Biosint's L-Carnitine has been used in 70% of all research conducted in Carnitines. Besides studies on L Carnitine and its relation to increased sports performance, and its necessity in human infant formulae, more recent research has focused on the use of L-Carnitine and Alzheimer's disease, with studies showing a slower course of mental decline among supplemented patients.
Also, one of the disorders for which L-Carnitine is indicated is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). This condition is associated with such symptoms as debilitating fatigue, muscle weakness, myalgia and other neuropsychiatric responses. As indicated by Biosint, several reports have shown CFS patients to have abnormalities of L-Carnitine metabolism. In a 1994 study where L-Carnitine was orally administered, patients showed a significant clinical improvement after eight weeks of treatment. There also has been some work done in the use of Acetyl L-Carnitine and Alzheimer's disease, with studies showing a slower course of mental decline among supplemented patients. L-Carnitine also has been studied for its benefits in sports and endurance. Finally, this supplement has been proven to decrease body fat while maintaining body weight.