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CARNITINE-PLUS

Two unique and potent carnitine supplements
in liquid or veg caps.

Research suggests that optimizing carnitine intake can enhance fatty acid oxidation in healthy persons who already have adequate carnitine levels. (1)

Carnitine is a water-soluble nutrient made from methionine and lysine that allows the body to convert fat to energy. Synthesized primarily in the liver and kidneys, it is critical for energy formation and an active metabolism. For carnitine and its derivative, acetyl-L-carnitine, to have optimum effect, there needs to be adequate essential fatty acids (such as omega-3s) present in the diet.

In order for fat to be turned into fuel, it must be carried into the mitochondria, the energy-producing portion of the cell. Carnitine's role is to transport the fatty acids from the blood into the cell for this energy production. By utilizing fatty acids for energy, fatty build up is prevented in organs such as the heart and liver. Improved fat metabolism reduces the risk of damage in conditions like diabetes, alcohol-induced fatty liver and cardiovascular disease. Carnitine also plays a key role in glucose metabolism. (2)

Carnitine contributes to improved heart function and positively affects conditions such as angina, arrhythmias, heart attack recovery and congestive heart failure. Clinical trials have shown that carnitine is as effective as calcium channel blockers and other anti-angina drugs in reducing angina symptoms, yet most doctors remain unaware of its value. (3)

Carnitine also may improve the metabolism and exercise tolerance of coronary artery disease patients. (4-6)

Carnitine also provides anti-aging benefits in that it enhances energy production in the cell, which is needed for cellular repair. (7) Studies have also shown that carnitine helps prevent sarcopenia (age-related loss of muscles and the underlying loss of neurons). (8)

Numerous studies have supported the use of L-carnitine for the treatment of high blood lipids, including lowered LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Other functions include assisting with weight loss, improving muscle strength in musculoskeletal disorders, addressing immune system dysfunction, positively impacting mental function, metabolic nerve diseases, HIV infection, tuberculosis and improving sperm count and motility. (9)

Carnitine also protects against oxidative stress, enhances antioxidant activity of some enzymes, and helps to regulate hormonal changes caused by physical stress.

Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) is synthesized from carnitine by the addition of an acetyl group to the carnitine molecule.

ALCAR can pass through the blood-brain barrier and is neuroprotective, with the capacity to counteract several physiological and pathological modifications typical of brain aging processes.

ALCAR is a natural anti-inflammatory that enhances the effect of antioxidant systems within the body. (10) These anti-inflammatory properties protect the cell plasma membrane (the cells' first line of defense) and prevent the conversion of arachidonic acid into inflammatory chemicals.

ALCAR can also help repair the mitochondria, boost levels of glutathione and CoQ10 and work synergistically with R+ lipoic acid. (11,12) It may improve and stabilize visual functions and be effective for patients affected by early age-related macular degeneration. (13)

ALCAR along with lipoic acid may be effective supplemental regimens to maintain myocardial function.

ALCAR appears to slow or reverse the effects of aging in rats. (14)

Clinical studies in humans demonstrating positive effects of acetyl-L-carnitine may slow or reverse mild cognitive impairment and the progression of dementia in Alzheimer's disease in younger patients. (15, 16)

ALCAR structurally resembles acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter in the brain, and actually mimics some of the actions.

Both forms of carnitine aid in the transportation of fats into the mitochondria to be burned. (17) They also enhance the sensitivity of insulin receptors, helping to decrease blood sugar and circulation levels of insulin in healthy subjects or in type 2 diabetic patients and help prevent glycation.

For CARNITINE-PLUS to have optimum effect, it is important to have adequate omega-3 intake.

The carnitine used in CARNITINE-PLUS is L-carnitine orotate, an ionic compound salt formed by L-Carnitine and Orotic Acid (OA), which is a stable and highly absorbable form of L-Carnitine.

Orotic Acid is a natural substance that functions as an essential part of every living cell and has shown to have a "sparing" effect on vitamin B12, meaning that supplemental OA can partially compensate for B12 deficiency. (18)

Orotic Acid can promote the reproduction of liver cells and the normalization of the liver enzyme system and prevent impaired liver cells from deterioration. OA also appears to have a direct effect on folate metabolism. L-Carnitine Orotate may be applicable in the auxiliary treatment of various hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver, hepatotoxicity, impairment of liver functions caused by alcohol and other liver diseases.

Do not take carnitine in the evening, as it may interfere with sleep. Carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine should not be used by people with bipolar disease or those susceptible to seizures.

References

  1. Kelly GS. L-Carnitine: therapeutic applications of a conditionally-essential amino acid. Altern Med Rev. 1998 Oct;3(5):345-60.
  2. Mingrone G. Carnitine in type 2 diabetes. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Nov;1033:99-107.
  3. Drugs Exptl.Clin. Res.10: 213-217,1984.
  4. Ferrari R, Cucchini F, Visioli O. The metabolical effects of L-carnitine in angina pectoris. Int J Cardiol. 1984 Feb;5(2):213-6.
  5. Kamikawa T, Suzuki Y, et al., Effects of L-carnitine on exercise tolerance in patients with stable angina pectoris. Jpn Heart J. 1984 Jul;25(4):587-97.
  6. Vescovo G, Ravara B, et al., Inflammation and perturbation of the l-carnitine system in heart failure. Eur J Heart Fail. 2005 Oct;7(6):997-1002.
  7. Kumaran S, Subathra M, et al., Supplementation of L-carnitine improves mitochondrial enzymes in heart and skeletal muscle of aged rats. Exp Aging Res. 2005 Jan-Mar;31(1):55-67.
  8. Oplaka, J., Gellerich, FN, et al., Age and Sex Dependency of Carnitine Concentration in Human Serum and Skeletal Muscle. Clin Chem 2001 47(12);2150.
  9. Evangeliou A, Vlassopoulos D. Carnitine metabolism and deficit--when supplementation is necessary? Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2003 Jun;4(3):211-9.
  10. Loots du T, Mienie LJ, et al., Acetyl-L-carnitine prevents total body hydroxyl free radical and uric acid production induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in the rat. Life Sci. 2004 Jul 23;75(10):1243-53.
  11. Savitha S, Sivarajan K, et al., Efficacy of levo carnitine and alpha lipoic acid in ameliorating the decline in mitochondrial enzymes during aging. Clin Nutr. 2005 Oct;24(5):794-800.
  12. Savitha S, Tamilselvan J, et al., Oxidative stress on mitochondrial antioxidant defense system in the aging process: role of DL-alpha-lipoic acid and L-carnitine. Clin Chim Acta. 2005 May;355(1-2):173-80.
  13. Feher J, Kovacs B, et al., Improvement of visual functions and fundus alterations in early age-related macular degeneration treated with a combination of acetyl-L-carnitine, n-3 fatty acids, and coenzyme Q10. Ophthalmologica. 2005 May-Jun;219(3):154-66.
  14. Hagen TM, Moreau R, et al., Mitochondrial decay in the aging rat heart: evidence for improvement by dietary supplementation with acetyl-L-carnitine and/or lipoic acid. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2002 Apr;959:491-507.
  15. Sano M, Bell K, Cote L, et al., Double-blind parallel design pilot study of acetyl levocarnitine in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Arch Neurol. 1992 Nov;49(11):1137-41.
  16. Brooks JO 3rd, Yesavage JA, et al., Acetyl L-carnitine slows decline in younger patients with Alzheimer's disease: a reanalysis of a double-blind, placebo-controlled study using the trilinear approach. Int Psychogeriatr. 1998 Jun;10(2):193-203.
  17. Charles J. Rebouche, Kinetics, Pharmacokinetics, and Regulation of l-Carnitine and Acetyl-l-carnitine Metabolism. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 1033: 30-41 (2004). doi: 10.1196/annals.1320.003
  18. Rundles, W, Brewer, S. Jr., Hematologic Responses in Pernicious Anemia to Orotic Acid. Blood, 1958, Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 99-115.