L-carnitine, also known as levocarnitine, is an amino acid that your liver, kidneys, and brain produce from two other amino acids (lysine and methionine). You can also get carnitine from foods and supplements. Its main functions in the body are to help convert fat into energy and to remove toxic compounds from cells.
Popular claims that L-carnitine supplements aid weight loss and athletic performance, but research doesn't fully support these claims. However, research has found some promise in L-carnitine's ability to aid brain, reproductive and cardiovascular health.
May Support Brain Health
Research has shown that L-carnitine may support several aspects of brain health. For example, studies have found that it may help slow the cognitive decline associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease may be treated by increasing acetylcholine levels. Evidence suggests that carnitine may be conditionally essential for Alzheimer's patients as it may support acetylcholine synthesis and the removal of toxins from cells.
A research review found some promising results regarding the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on dementia, but the results are still mixed and warrant further research.
Some studies have found L-carnitine to be more effective than a placebo in treating depression. Another study found L-carnitine to be as effective as two antidepressant medications—Prozac (fluoxetine) and Deniban (amisulpride)—in participants with persistent depressive disorder.3 However, more studies with larger sample sizes are needed to further evaluate these mood-related benefits.
May Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases
Carnitine plays an important role in supporting cardiovascular health, but research is still evaluating the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on cardiovascular health.
A meta-analysis involving more than 3,500 adults who had suffered a heart attack evaluated the effects of five days to 12 months of L-carnitine supplementation compared with placebo. The researchers found that regardless of the dose or duration of L-carnitine supplementation, L-carnitine significantly reduced mortality, ventricular arrhythmias, and new-onset angina.
However, some studies have found that L-carnitine supplementation may worsen heart health. It is metabolized by microorganisms in your gut to form trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), which is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
Since results are mixed regarding the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on heart health, more research is needed to explore this area further.
May Help Manage Type 2 Diabetes
Some studies have shown promising benefits of L-carnitine supplementation on markers of type 2 diabetes. For example, a large meta-analysis found that L-carnitine supplementation significantly improved fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1C, and HOMA-IR, a marker of insulin resistance. This was especially true at doses of 2 grams (g) per day or more for at least 12 weeks.
The study authors note that this may be due to L-carnitine's role in maintaining insulin sensitivity and metabolizing fat and glucose.
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Source: https://www.health.com