L-Carnitine

Carnitine is produced by the liver and kidneys out of two amino acids, lysine and methionine, into what is called a quaternary amine. It can be found in some foods, including meat, fish, and dairy products.

Carnitine’s most important role in the organism is to get fuel into cells, specifically the mitochondria. The mitochondria can be seen as the “cellular furnace”. They play a key role in transforming nutrients from food into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the molecule that provides energy for cellular functions.

The organism has two primary sources of fuel: sugar and fatty acids. The metabolism of fat produces approximately twice as much energy as sugar. Since the heart is constantly at work, even when resting, it requires a lot of energy to sustain itself. Fatty acids are the heart’s preferred source of fuel.

Carnitine is therefore essential for cardiac function, as it facilitates the entry of fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy conversion. Without carnitine, fatty acids can’t enter the mitochondria, and sugar is used as backup fuel. Sugar provides less sustained energy for cardiac activity and could cause complications.

Carnitine is often recommended for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal heart functioning, as its actions may be beneficial for the heart.

Additionally, research has shown that people who take carnitine while engaging in an exercise regimen are less likely to experience muscle soreness.