Health Benefits of L-CarnitineBenefits of L-carnitine - Carnitine is an increasingly popular ingredient found in weight loss and sport nutrition products. L-carnitine has been extensively studied in the treatment of heart related disease such as angina, congestive heart failure (CHF) and heart attack. There is good evidence that it can help relieve symptoms in angina, CHF and after a heart attack. Other studies show that taking L-carnitine can improve sperm count and motility in men who are infertile. Some experts suggest that L-carnitine can be given to improve fertility in these groups of individuals. Other evidence from research studies suggest that L-carnitine may be helpful in treating poor circulation, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), high triglycerides (a type of cholesterol), sprains and strains from vigorous exercises and in attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, these suggested health benefits of L-carnitine are preliminary and better studies will be needed to confirm these findings. As for improving athletic performance, one well-designed study showed that it did not help improve performance or recovery time in well-trained athletes. 
Evidence of Benefits (Leaf Rating System)
It is a very
important chemical in our body as it allows energy to be released from
fat.
It also transports essential fatty acids into the mitochondria (power
generators) of cells. This would explain the importance of L-carnitine
in the proper functioning of the heart and brain.
Research studies to support the benefits of L-carnitine Heart Disease and Irregular
Heartbeat
One well-designed study showed that it did not help improve performance or recovery time in well-trained athletes. However, one clinical study suggests that it can help reduce muscle aches after exercise. Infertility in men One clinical study showed that L-carnitine can increase sperm count and motility after 6 months of use. It is known that sperm and seminal fluids contain L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine and that lower levels are often found in people with infertility problems. Other studies in animals show similar benefits. Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Some initial clinical studies seem to show that taking L-carnitine may help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Additional studies will need to be done to confirm this preliminary finding. Weight Loss Since L-carnitine is involved in fat metabolism, it is speculated that taking it may boost fat metabolism and promote weight loss. One study done in a group of patients suffering from bipolar disorder showed that L-carnitine did not have any effect on their weight after 26 weeks. What's the difference between L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine?Acetyl-l-carnitine,
one of the most important types of carnitine, is converted into
L-carnitine in our body. Both forms exist naturally in our body.
What
are the side
effects of L-carnitine?
There
are no
reports of side effects or toxicity linked to taking l-carnitine.
Is L-carnitine safe to use? Yes. Dosage up to 2 grams daily is safe to use. It is not known for certain if using more than 2 grams daily have any long-term side effects.
Dose to UseTypical dose
used is 1 to 3 grams daily. Dosage up to 6 grams daily (divided into
two or three equal doses) have been used as well in some clinical
studies.
The fact is, most people do not need to take this as the body is capable of making it "on-demand". The body can easily make carnitine from the amino acid lysine and methionine along with vitamin C, iron, niacin and vitamin B6.
Carnitine
Deficiency? When can this happen?
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