Energy Support

Dairy and red meat contain the greatest amounts of L-Carnitine.  Only small amounts are found in plants, such as avocado and some fermented soy products (e.g., tempeh).  

L-Carnitine is made in the body from the amino acids l-lysine and l-methionine (synthesized in the kidneys).  It is needed to release energy from fat.  L-carnitine releases energy by removing short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids from  mitochondria.  Build-up of these fatty acids interferes with mitochondrias' bioenergy-producing process, which can lead to muscle weakness and fatigue. 

L-Carnitine is used for supporting healing associated with myopathies (disorder of muscle tissues), myocarditis (degeneration of heart tissue), myocardial infarction (heart attacks).  Many studies have reported favorable results using L-Carnitine to support cardiovascular health (e.g., increased walking capacity, etc.). 

It is also used for supporting anorexia, chronic fatigue, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, peripheral vascular disease and intermittent claudication, leg ulcers, and to enhance athletic performance and endurance. 

Notes:

1. Chronic Liver Disease -- Avoid L-Carnitine due to impaired L-Carnitine  metabolism or increased L-Carnitine biosynthesis leading to overly high levels of this amino acid derivative.
2. Coenzyme Q-10 and L-Carnitine may have synergistic effects.
3. Seizures -- An increase in seizure frequency or severity has been reported in people with a history of seizures using L-Carnitine orally or intravenously.