L-Carnitine

Carnitine is a quaternary ammonium compound biosynthesized from the amino acids lysine and methionine. In living cells, it is required for the transport of fatty acids from the cytosol into the mitochondria during the breakdown of lipids (or fats) for the generation of metabolic energy. It is often sold as a nutritional supplement. Carnitine was originally found as a growth factor for mealworms and labeled vitamin Bt. Carnitine exists in two stereoisomers: its biologically active form is L-carnitine, while its enantiomer, D-carnitine is biologically inactive. In animals, carnitine is biosynthesized primarily in the liver and kidneys from the amino acids lysine or methionine, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is essential to the synthesis of carnitine. During growth or pregnancy the requirement of carnitine might exceed its natural production.

Antioxidant effect

The carnitines exert a substantial antioxidant action, thereby providing a protective effect against lipid peroxidation of phospholipid membranes and against oxidative stress induced at the myocardial and endothelial cell level.

Effects on diabetes

L-Carnitine improved glucose disposal among 15 patients with type II diabetes and 20 healthy volunteers. Glucose storage increased between both groups, but glucose oxidation increased only in the diabetic group. Finally, glucose uptake increased about 8% for both.

Food sources 

The highest concentrations of carnitine are found in red meat and dairy products. Other natural sources of carnitine include:

• nuts and seeds (e.g. pumpkin, sunflower, sesame)
• legumes or pulses (beans, peas, lentils)
• vegetables (artichokes, asparagus, beet greens, broccoli, brussels sprouts, collard greens, garlic, mustard greens, okra, parsley, kale)
• fruits (apricots, bananas)
• Cereals (buckwheat, corn, millet, oatmeal, rice bran, rye, whole wheat, wheat bran, wheat germ)
• Other 'health foods (bee pollen, brewer's yeast, carob)

L-Carnitine is found in the following products:

ANDRO-VITO

APHRO-VITA

APHRO 40+

EREXUS

LOVE FIRE