The function of a turbo mechanism in a car is to provide optimum fuel and performance. This is true with the L-Carnitine in the human body where, as an amino acid, it is essential in the process of burning fat into fuel. L-Carnitine is actually a nutrient that helps the body turn fat into energy, and is produced in the liver and kidney and stored in the heart, skeletal muscles, brain and sperm. If a person is carnitine-deficient, chances are his body cannot transport the nutrients into the tissues where it can be used, or he is suffering from angina, a disease characterized by attacks of suffocative pain, or an intermittent claudication, characterized by an aching cramp in the legs while exercising or simply walking. L-Carnitine has been found to be effective in helping reduce the symptoms of angina and intermittent claudication by increasing the distance that can be walked by people affected by painful cramps in the legs.
How does L-Carnitine work? According to L-Carnitine proponents, energy is achieved through a formula of Fat+ Oxygen+ L-Carnitine. It works by (a) stimulating the body to burn triglycerides as fuel, (b) allowing the body to burn more fats while saving more glycogen or carbohydrate storage to increase endurance and stamina, and (c) making the energy source accessible by providing more fat to the muscles. Studies have also shown that an adequate supply of carnitine is necessary for the maintenance of good health and even instrumental in the treatment of such health problems as diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, and liver and kidney diseases.
As energy boosting aid or supplement in sports, L-Carnitine has taken various forms in liquid, capsule, tablets and tartrate (salt or ester). Whether it is liquid or pill, it reduces body fat and helps in weight loss as well. Another form is a chewable L-Carnitine, which is chewed before a workout. A fast-absorbing source of the pure nutrient is also in liquid form called Optimum Nutrition Liquid L-Carnitine, while an herbal balanced fat-burning formula in capsule is taken on an empty stomach before the start of a workout. A supplement in tablet form called Ultra Fat Solve, is a mixture of amino acids, minerals, unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins which enhances weight loss and supports the heart. A bodybuilding carnitine capsule helps mobilize the fat, while another supplement, designed especially for women, is a powerful fat-mobilizing and weight control aid in both liquid and capsule form.
Among the health problems that can be treated by L-Carnitine supplements include heart attack; heart failure; peripheral vascular disease, which is a condition of decreased blood flow to the legs; diabetic neuropathy when nerves in the body are damaged by high blood sugar levels; and chronic fatigue syndrome, which is caused by a deficiency in nutrients. The recommended doses of the supplement vary according to health conditions, and are usually taken under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider against possible side effects.
