  MRM L-Carnitine Liquid (1000mg per serving) 16 ozL-Carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid required for the oxidation and transport of fatty acids. Found mostly in the heart, skeletal muscle and brain, L-Carnitine is synthesized in the body, primarily liver and kidney's, from essential amino acids obtained through the diet. Population studies have shown that vegetarians are commonly unable to meet optimal carnitine needs. Improved lipid transport, may in turn, facilitate weight management, increase exercise performance and balance cholesterol levels*.
L-Carnitine supplementation has also been claimed to decrease muscle fatigue by preserving muscle glycogen through the preferential use of fat as energy. Theoretically, L-Carnitine could produce great results for decreasing weight and increasing exercise performance*.
Active Ingredients:
(Amount per 1 capsule)
L-Carnitine - 500mg
Vitamin B-5 - 15mg
Vitamin B-6 - 5mg
L-CARNITINE
L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid required for the transport of long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane for oxidation. Carnitine is widely distributed in mammalian tissues and is metabolized from the amino acids lysine and methionine. Most of the carnitine needed for proper body functioning can be found in meat and dairy products. Found mostly in the heart, skeletal muscle and brain, carnitine is synthesized in the body, primarily the liver and kidney. Population studies have shown that deficiencies in carnitine are common especially in the vegetarian population (women and children avoiding meat/dairy) and infants fed carnitine-free formulas.
L-Carnitine Supplements: Carnitine supplementation has been claimed to increase fatty acid oxidation and decrease muscle fatigue, therefore, preserving muscle glycogen by using fat as energy. Theoretically, the more carnitine in the muscle or plasma the more transport of fatty acids to the mitochondria for oxidation. Hence, oral carnitine supplementation may facilitate weight loss and increase exercise performance.
Energy Usage: During aerobic exercise, skeletal muscle relies mostly on the breakdown of carbohydrates (CHO) and fats for energy. Once the level of exercise increases, so does the utilization of CHO versus fat. High intense training leads to a loss of glycogen (stored energy), which is known to restrict ones ability to maintain high intense exercise. Various nutritional interventions have been designed to overcome this inhibition. CHO loading as well as CHO intake during exercise are known to maintain a high rate of CHO utilization and to delay weariness from exertion. Enhancing fatty acid (FA) oxidation during exercise decreases glycogen breakdown, therefore, increasing aerobic capacity (1).* Since carnitine is vital for the transport of fat into the cell for oxidation, the theory is, more available carnitine more fat breakdown.
L-Carnitine Deficiencies and Clinical Investigations: There are 2 types of carnitine deficiencies, muscle deficiencies and deficiencies in the plasma. Muscle deficiencies are related to irregularity of carnitine metabolism within the muscles. Plasma carnitine deficiencies are related to a variety of disease states including deficient intake in premature infants or long-term parenteral nutrition, renal failure, organic acidemias and Reye's syndrome (an acquired disorder of the brain of young children following acute febrile illness) (2).* A variety of clinical studies have been conducted using carnitine for therapeutic procedures. Documentation has shown carnitine supplementation to be beneficial for individuals deficient in muscle and plasma carnitine. Research has indicated carnitine supplementation to be beneficial in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart - thickening of the left ventricle septum and walls of the ventricle with marked myofibril disorder) (3)*, acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), myocardial ischemia (lack of blood and oxygen to the heart) and peripheral vascular disease (4).* Oral administration of carnitine for 12 weeks indicated that L-Carnitine is a useful therapeutic addition for dealing with symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF) (5).* A recent study noted that carnitine is essential for mitochondrial energy production however, disturbances in mitochondrial function may contribute to or cause the fatigue seen in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) patients. Carnitine administration indicated significant improvements in the clinical status of CFS patients (6).* Children with chronic neurologic handicaps that were treated with carnitine showed a marked improvement in alertness and arousability, although, when carnitine was discontinued, they promptly became lethargic (7).*
Conclusion: L-Carnitine supplementation has shown to be useful in many disease states, mainly those associated with muscle or plasma carnitine deficiencies. Oral administration of carnitine has indicated significant benefits for individuals suffering from CHF, myocardial ischemia and myocardial infarctions to neurological diseases such as CFS. Although there is limited data showing the benefits of carnitine supplementation on exercise performance and weight loss, some athletes under certain conditions might see positive results. In theory, L-Carnitine supplementation may aid in weight loss and increase exercise performance.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References:
(1) Br J Nutr, 79:117, 1998.
(2) Pathol Biol (Paris), 40:910, 1992.
(3) Muscle Nerve, 13:192, 1990.
(4) Cardiologia, 36:373, 1996.
(5) Jpn Circ J, 56:86, 1992.
(6) Neuropsychobiology, 35:16, 1997.
(7) Brain Dev, 16:146, 1994.
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