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L-Carnitine
proven to reduce physical and mental fatigue while improving
cognition in those over 100 years of age.
The
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has recently released data
from clinical research conducted by Italian scientists regarding
L-Carnitine as a medical treatment. The study was financed in order
to explore the potential benefits of L-Carnitine in elderly patients.
The results of the study indicate that L-Carnitine has the ability to
significantly improve cognitive ability and reduce fatigue in
patients of one hundred or more years of age.
How
Does the Body Get L-Carnitine?
L-Carnitine
is naturally produced in the human body, but like many other vital
hormones and proteins, endogenous production of this vital protein
declines naturally as a result of the aging process. In a healthy
individual, the human body contains somewhere between twenty and
twenty five grams of this molecule. L-Carnitine is most abundant in
cells and organs across the body that have very high metabolic
requirements. These organs include the brain, the heart, muscles,
immune cells, sperm, and nerves.
Without
a sufficient supply of L-Carnitine, the human body cannot sustain
itself. Although a large portion of L-Carnitine that human beings
utilize comes from the diet, the human body has the ability to
synthesize this protein when the body has an adequate amount of the
amino acids methionine and lysine. In addition to the presence of
these amino acids, the body also needs the nutrients iron, Vitamin
B3, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin C in order to create this hormone
internally. Without proper nutrition, the human body is unable to
produce its own store of L-Carnitine and health will deteriorate as a
result.
L-Carnitine
is Necessary for Healthy Metabolism
L-Carnitine
is vitally important in maintaining a healthy level of cellular
metabolism, and if the body is deficient in this vital hormone then
the body's protective physiological processes slow down as well. Like
Human Growth Hormone Deficiency, L-Carnitine Deficiency plays a major
role in an increased rate of aging and decreased rehabilitative
ability. L-Carnitine Deficiency is widely believed to be one of the
primary factors which induce severe fatigue in older patients, and
there is great hope that L-Carnitine can be used in order to amplify
low-energy levels in geriatric patients.
L-Carnitine
Study Parameters
This
particular study featured 46 women and 24 men ranging in age from 100
to 106. All of these patients were chosen based on their report of
experiencing significant exhaustion after even the most minor levels
of physical activity. This was a tightly controlled study in which
half of the patients were randomly selected to ingest two grams of
L-Carnitine daily while the control group unknowingly took a placebo.
The 70 patients were monitored over the course of 6 months while
taking daily doses of either L-Carnitine or placebo.
Every
patient underwent a routine physical both before and after the 6
month period of treatment in which their muscle mass, total body fat,
and BMI were recorded. Once each month, the researchers drew blood
samples in order to monitor L-Carnitine and Cholesterol levels as
well as a number of other factors. In lieu of a more analytical
method, patients were asked to self report levels of physical and
mental fatigue and exhaustion.
The
Similarity of Fatigue and Pain
Fatigue
is similar to pain in that the experience of these two negative
phenomena are completely relative to the perception of the patient
and not to any testable analytic. Before and after the monitoring
period, each patient was evaluated for overall cognitive function.
Although fatigue is impossible to accurately measure, cognitive
testing can scientifically prove that self-assessed fatigue limits
overall cognitive ability. The physical effects of fatigue were
monitored via a 6 minute session of light cardiovascular activity.
L-Carnitine
Study Results
Out
of the seventy patients who participated in this study, eight of the
patients died before the six month testing period was complete. Three
patients in the experimental group did not survive the testing
period, while five patients in the placebo group died. This left 62
patients who provided a full set of usable data. Over the course of
six months of therapy, the experimental group did indeed experience
boosted levels of L-Carnitine in the blood stream. As a result of this
increase in L-Carnitine Levels, the patients experienced a number of
positive benefits, including:
Measurable
decrease in mental and physical fatigue
Reduction
in severity of mental and physical fatigue
Increases
in muscle mass
Reduced
levels of fat
Decreased
cholesterol levels
Improved
performance on cognitive tests
Increased
ability to withstand light physical activity
How
does L-Carnitine Benefit the Body?
It
is well known in the medical community that L-Carnitine is vital for
the oxidation of long-chain fatty acids by cellular mitochondria. It
is believed that increased L-Carnitine levels improve the ability of
the mitochondria to metabolize fatty-acids, thus causing a number of physiological benefits in the experimental participants, manifested both physically and cognitively.
This
evidence also suggests that increased levels of L-Carnitine help the
body utilize glucose more efficiently, allowing the body to sustain
activity for a longer period of time. In addition to this,
L-Carnitine preserves muscular glycogen, which is the immediate
energy source for the muscles. All of this combines to preserve the
rate at which ATP is efficiently expended in order to support
physical activity. In patients with L-Carnitine Deficiency, ATP
stores are burned up more quickly, causing these individuals to
experience fatigue and exhaustion more quickly, inhibiting their
ability to engage in cardiovascular activity dependent upon the
severity of the deficiency.
Elderly
Patients Desperately Need L-Carnitine
By
the age of 100, Endogenous L-Carnitine levels are incredibly low,
allowing researchers to vividly see the potential benefits of
L-Carnitine supplementation for patients with lesser deficiency. The
researchers who conducted this study came to the ultimate conclusion
that L-Carnitine supplementation has the ability to reduce body fat,
increase muscle mass, and improve capacity for physical and cognitive
activity by reducing the effects and severity of exhaustion and
fatigue.
L-Carnitine
Supplementation a Smart Decision
L-Carnitine
is a vital part of a healthy diet and helps maximize physical and
mental health. Although our body can naturally produce a certain
level of L-Carnitine, it is necessary to eat foods or take
supplements which contain L-Carnitine in order to maximize the
benefits of the hormone. L-Carnitine is a legal supplement which can
be purchased at nearly all nutrition stores. A normal and healthy
dose of L-Carnitine is generally between 2 and 4 grams of L-Carnitine
per day, which is around the dose provided to the patients in the
study discussed above.
L-Carnitine
Important for Individuals of All Ages
Although
the above study is related to the use of L-Carnitine in geriatric
patients, it displays the importance of maintaining a healthy level
of L-Carnitine throughout one's life. Healthy levels of L-Carnitine
are necessary in order to maximize the benefits of cardiovascular
training because it helps the body maintain the necessary level of
energy in order to engage in strenuous exercise.
The
hypothesis of the researchers in the above study, that L-Carnitine is
necessary to sustain ATP levels optimally over time, shows that
fatigue and exhaustion are physical disorders related to the energy
available to the body at any moment in time. It is not just a matter
of the brain or the muscles' ability to withstand pressure, but
fatigue is directly related to the rate at which the body uses up
internal energy sources such as ATP.
L-Carnitine
increases the Benefits of HGH
Both
L-Carnitine and Human Growth Hormone are intricately related to the
metabolic processes which enhance exercise ability and increase our
ability to withstand physical exertion. L-Carnitine helps the body
use every ounce of energy with maximum efficiency, whereas Human
Growth Hormone releases internal stores of energy which provide the
muscles of the body with additional energy to further enhance
exercise capacity. L-Carnitine and Human Growth Hormone play unique
yet inextricably linked roles in physical performance, and both HGH
Deficiency and L-Carnitine Deficiency prevent individuals from
achieving optimal energy levels and sapping men and women all over
the world of their vitality.
Human
Growth Hormone and L-Carnitine are fantastic when taken together.
L-Carnitine is a vital protein that the body absolutely has to have
to survive, but it is in no way a substitute for Human Growth
Hormone. HGH is a vital hormone which promotes metabolism throughout
the body, whereas L-Carnitine simply maximizes the effectiveness of
available energy. In terms of physical performance and energy, think
of HGH as an energy excavator and think of L-Carnitine as an agent of
efficiency.
L-Carnitine
Supplementation
What
Forms of L-Carnitine Supplements are Effective?
L-Carnitine
is available in a number of forms and, for the most part, the protein
remains intact through the process of digestion. L-Carnitine can be
commonly found as a liquid, hard tablet, or powder capsule. There are
a number of options available and you are free to choose which works
best for you. For patients who are significantly deficient in
L-Carnitine, it is possible to receive an L-Carnitine injection from
a physician via prescription.
Do
Not Take Too Much L-Carnitine
We
do not suggest taking a dose of L-Carnitine greater than 4 milligrams
per day without the approval of a qualified physician, because there
are certain risks involved with L-Carnitine overdose. L-Carnitine
overdose can cause stomach problems such as cramping, nausea,
vomiting, and diarrhea. Overdose of L-Carnitine can also lead to
elevated levels urea in the blood which can actually hinder exercise
performance and cause muscular weakness.
Natural
Sources of L-Carnitine
In
addition to taking L-Carnitine in supplemental form, there are also
many great sources for the vital protein that you can find in your
every day diet. Red meats are a significant source of L-Carnitine,
although they should be eaten sparingly if at all in any diet. For
individuals who are not lactose-intolerant, Milk products are a great
source of L-Carnitine. L-Carnitine deficiency is a fairly common
occurrence among vegans and vegetarians for this reason.
For
individuals who desire to limit red meat consumption and are lactose
intolerant, there are a number of fruits and vegetables which provide
L-Carnitine, including bananas, apricots, kale, parsley, okra,
mustard greens, garlic, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, broccoli,
and asparagus. Seeds and nuts also contain a healthy dose of
L-Carnitine as well. Whole wheat, rice bran, oatmeal, corn, and rye
contain L-Carnitine, but remember to avoid processed rice and grains
when possible.
L-Carnitine
as a Medical Treatment
There
are a number of medical conditions for which L-Carnitine supplements
and injections are recommended and/or prescribed. Some individuals
have a genetic disorder which limits their ability to process their
own L-Carnitine. Certain medical treatments such as hemodialysis can
lead to L-Carnitine Deficiency as well. L-Carnitine supplements are
an important thing to consider when starting a diet, because making a
significant dietary transition can often lead to insufficient
ingestion of certain nutrients such as L-Carnitine.
L-Carnitine
is also a common supplement used during treatment of cardiovascular
complications. L-Carnitine has been shown to alleviate cholesterol
levels and decrease risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
The protein has also been shown to relieve certain issues arising
from poor circulation in the extremities.
L-Carnitine
Reverses Muscle Atrophy
L-Carnitine
supplementation is often recommended for AIDS patients in order to
alleviate the symptoms of muscle wasting associated with the immune
virus. L-Carnitine helps prevent the human body from feeding on its
own musculature, which helps AIDS patients and has also been used to
preserve health in patients in recovery from anorexia as well. For
men who are having fertility trouble, L-Carnitine is often an early
suggestion for encouraging procreative ability.
For
patients too young to suffer from HGH Hormone Deficiency, L-Carnitine
is a useful method of safely and legally optimizing endurance and
physical performance. If you do suffer from HGH Hormone Deficiency or
Testosterone Deficiency, L-Carnitine is one of the many nutrients
that you will need to maximize the benefits of your treatment.
L-Carnitine
and Bone Mass
As we age,
L-Carnitine levels in the cells start to decline. This negatively
impacts the metabolism of fatty tissues throughout the body. The
bones are significantly affected by this metabolic decline. The bones
are slowly but constantly undergoing a process known as remodeling
and organs known as osteoblasts require adequate metabolic activity
to perform their function of restructuring bone. Without sufficient
osteoblast activity, the bones are slowly leeched of their calcium
and an overall reduction in bone capacity will eventually result in
osteoporosis.
L-Carnitine
Provides Antioxidant Benefits
L-Carnitine is one
of a large group of nutrients and supplements known as antioxidants.
Antioxidants protect the body at a cellular level from elements known
as free radicals. Free radicals are rogue atoms and molecules that
lack an electric charge and can damage human cellular bodies. The
purpose of antioxidants are to cancel out the potential damage caused
by free radicals. When individuals lack sufficient antioxidants,
these rogue elements and molecules take control and break down organs
at a cellular level. L-Carnitine Deficiency is common in geriatric
patients and, as a result, these patients are more at risk of
cellular damage as a result.
Pharmaceutical
Uses for L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine and
the Heart
Clinical research
has proven that L-Carnitine can be beneficial for patients that have
suffered from angina. L-Carnitine supplementation reduces the need
for certain medications and also increases energy and reduces fatigue
while helping prevent further occurrences of chest pain. Some
clinical studies even present evidence that L-Carnitine can help
those that have suffered a heart attack from experiencing another.
L-Carnitine can also prevent angina after a heart attack and can
preserve normal heart rhythm, which may prevent the need for a
pacemaker. There is not definitive evidence regarding these final
claims as of yet, however.
L-Carnitine and
Kidney Disease
The kidneys are one
of the primary organs which create endogenous L-Carnitine. Patients
who suffer from kidney disease almost universally suffer with issues
with L-Carnitine production. Patients who undergo dialysis as a
result of kidney disease are often prescribed L-Carnitine in order to
maintain energy levels and reduce symptoms of fatigue related to
kidney disease and its treatment.
L-Carnitine
and Male Fertility
L-Carnitine
Deficiency can lead to fertility issues in males. Sperm cells are one of the kinds of cells which most rely on L-Carnitine in order to function
optimally. With insufficient L-Carnitine, sperm quality declines and
the sperm are often not active enough to ensure insemination.
L-Carnitine has also been proven beneficial in treating a disorder
known as varicocele, which is a vascular disorder which disrupts the
functional ability of the testicles. Evidence even suggests that
L-Carnitine supplementation even outperforms surgery in the treatment
of this disorder.
L-Carnitine
and Weight Loss
Those
who are interested in weight loss would be smart to use L-Carnitine
as a dietary supplement. L-Carnitine is often labeled as a
weight-loss treatment, but this is not quite an accurate assessment
of what L-Carnitine can achieve. There is evidence that L-Carnitine
can improve BMI by decreasing adipose fat while boosting muscle mass,
but this may not result in overall weight loss. L-Carnitine in this
respect can be understood more as a mechanism for body sculpting than
for the encouragement of weight loss.
For
patients with Human Growth Hormone Deficiency, Bio-Identical HGH
injections vastly outperform L-Carnitine in the treatment over
obesity, although L-Carnitine does produce many positive benefits
regarding cardiovascular and metabolic health. It is important to
think of L-Carnitine as a supplement which can increase the
effectiveness of various forms of Hormone Replacement Therapy rather
than a fully-fledged treatment option in and of itself.
L-Carnitine and
Muscle Developmental
Clinical research
has proven that L-Carnitine significantly improves muscle development
and function. One study shows that L-Carnitine supplementation can
even help healthy individuals increase muscle mass and reduce fatigue
associated with exercise. Of course, until research suggests
otherwise, it is important to limit L-Carnitine consumption to no
more than 4 grams per day. As the body loses the ability to produce
its own L-Carnitine with age, the benefits of L-Carnitine
supplementation continue to become more and more pronounced.
L-Carnitine
Can Benefit Patients with Mild to Moderate Asthmatics
Studies are
beginning to show that some forms of asthma may be the result of
L-Carnitine Deficiency in youth. In comparison to healthy children,
kids with mild to moderate chronic asthma were shown to have
comparatively lower levels of L-Carnitine. L-Carnitine has been shown
to be a useful and successful treatment option for a significant
portion of children with this form of asthma. L-Carnitine is thought
to improve metabolism in cells within the lungs which helps the organ
to absorb oxygen more efficiently, often reducing and eliminating the
need for an inhaler.
L-Carnitine
and Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
is the result of an overactive thyroid gland. Symptoms of
hyperthyroidism include fatigue, insomnia, muscle atrophy, weight
loss, and anxiety. There is clinical proof that hyperthyroidism pulls
L-Carnitine from the body and impoverishes cells throughout the body
from healthy L-Carnitine levels. There is significant evidence that
L-Carnitine supplementation can alleviate and reverse many symptoms
of Hyperthyroidism. L-Carnitine is secondary to hyperthyroidism and
does not prevent hyperthyroidism, but can alleviate symptoms when
they occur.
L-Carnitine
is an Important Part of any Health Regimen
L-Carnitine
is a potent metabolism-enhancing protein which can provide
significant benefits throughout the body. Many Anti-Aging Hormone
Panels include testing for L-Carnitine Deficiency. This test will
help your physician optimize your Hormone Replacement Therapy
Regimen, providing you the greatest possible benefits.
Healthy
levels of L-Carnitine help Human Growth Hormone HRT patients by
optimizing physiological and cellular metabolism. L-Carnitine also
helps patients undergoing Testosterone Hormone Replacement Therapy by
providing additional energy for muscle development and helping to
preserve or even restore fertility in Testosterone Deficient
patients.
Even
if you do not choose to utilize Hormone Replacement Therapy, we
encourage you to take supplemental L-Carnitine in order to help
improve your physiological profile.
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