Many people have questions about what L-Carnitine, also simply called Carnitine, is and how it works. Unfortunately, however, many people take this supplement, often to increase athletic performance and endurance, without really knowing the facts. It is important for your health and well-being that you do thorough research and understand everything that you are putting into your body.
L-carnitine can be described as a nutrient. It is usually taken in manufactured capsules or as a powder to add to a drink and can be purchased at most health and weight loss stores. The substance, however, is actually naturally present in the body. It is made by the liver and kidneys and is then stored in various places in the body. When people take manufactured carnitine, it’s usually because the substance helps the body turn fat stores into energy faster, thereby reducing weight and fat retention. It can also be used by patients who suffer from a lack of natural carnitine, often caused by certain medical conditions or the use of certain medications. In addition to helping the body burn fat and treat certain conditions, L-Carnitine can also help relieve stress.
Carnitine is commonly used to treat the heart condition known as angina pectoris, which causes severe chest pain in sufferers. In addition to relieving chest pain, it allows people with this condition to be more physically active. It can also be used to help relieve painful symptoms of peripheral vascular disease and diabetic neuropathy. If you have any of these conditions and think carnitine might work for you, you should discuss the possible use of this substance with a doctor. Although it can be purchased without a prescription, it is important that you discuss the possible risks and benefits with your doctor. Additionally, L-carnitine may negatively interfere with certain medications you are taking, so be sure to discuss this with your doctor as well. You should only use the substance under the supervision and recommendation of a professional.
The same is true if you are considering taking carnitine to boost your athletic performance or to enable you to exercise for longer periods of time. L-carnitine is also commonly used as a weight loss supplement. If used correctly and approved by a doctor, it can reduce fat storage, increase muscle-building abilities, and reduce fatigue, allowing you to train longer.
There have also been studies in the recent past on whether or not L-carnitine is effective in prolonging the progression of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, memory impairment, and other effects of aging. The results on this have been mixed, and many professionals in the medical community disagree on the effectiveness of carnitine in these conditions. If other medications have not worked for you and you are considering using L-Carnitine for this purpose, discuss this with your doctor. If he does not approve of the use of Carnitine, you can seek a second opinion. Just make sure that any doctor giving you permission to take L-Carnitine is knowledgeable about you, your medical history, and your current status.
If your doctor does not approve of you taking carnitine supplements for whatever reason, be aware that you can find carnitine in other, more natural substances. Red meat, dairy products, fish, chicken, vegetarian meat alternatives, wheat, asparagus, avocados, and peanut butter all contain high amounts of all-natural L-carnitine. If your doctor approves the use of Carnitine for your situation, be sure to ask them what the best choices are, as there are many products on the market. L-Carnitine is the most commonly used and generally the least expensive. Acetyl L-carnitine is generally considered more appropriate for those hoping to improve brain function, and propionyl L-carnitine is a common choice for people with peripheral vascular disease or angina pectoris.
