L-carnitine: What Is It And How Does It Act In Our Body?
Nutritional supplements with L-carnitine have become popular in recent years to improve sports performance and promote weight loss, in addition to other medical uses.
But what is L-carnitine exactly? How does it act in our body? And, most importantly, is it truly effective in all its applications? In this article we will answer these questions.
L-carnitine It is an amino acid produced by the kidneys and liver and that is stored in the brain, heart, muscles and sperm. It is involved in the transformation of fats into energy and antioxidant properties are attributed to it.
It is one of the two isomers or molecular structures of carnitine. While L-carnitine has positive effects on the body, the other isomer, D-carnitine, inhibits the activity of L-carnitine.
L-carnitine It is mainly found in red meat, especially in lamb and beef. It can be found in moderate amounts in pork, cod, chicken breast and dairy products, and there is also a small concentration of this amino acid in some vegetables and cereals.
This compound is used as a supplement to treat various disorders of the body and to enhance metabolic activity However, not all of its applications have been supported by scientific research.
How does it act in the body?
L-carnitine serves to transport fatty acids across the mitochondrial membranes of cells. The enzyme carnitine palmitoyltransferase binds L-carnitine molecules to fatty acids.
This amino acid has antioxidant effects: eliminates free radicals, particles that if accumulated in excess alter DNA and damage cells through oxidation, which can promote the appearance of cancer.
Deficiencies of L-carnitine in the body can occur due to genetic alterations or malnutrition, as well as due to the exclusive consumption of plant foods.
Lack of L-carnitine can cause different alterations depending on age, severity and the organs involved. Some of the most characteristic symptoms of this alteration are a reduction in glucose levels (hypoglycemia), the appearance of diseases of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) and fatigue.
What is it for?
The uses of L-carnitine as a nutritional supplement are multiple, although not all of its supposed benefits have been demonstrated and there is still much to investigate. In this section we will detail the scientific evidence around the different applications of this substance.
In no case is it recommended to take L-carnitine supplements without a medical prescription since it is a drug in the experimental phase in most of its applications.
1. Kidney diseases
The kidneys participate in the production of L-carnitine, so blood levels of this amino acid are affected when there is kidney disease It is in this field that external L-carnitine is most clearly effective.
The effectiveness of L-carnitine supplements has been demonstrated as an adjuvant for people undergoing hemodialysis, a form of therapy that replaces the function of the kidneys when they do not function properly. This not only reduces the symptoms of L-carnitine deficiency but can also prevent them.
2. Cardiovascular disorders
Scientific studies have found preliminary evidence in favor of the use of L-carnitine in diseases of the heart and the circulatory system in general.
Specifically, L-carnitine can increase physical effort capacity of people diagnosed with angina pectoris or heart failure, as well as reducing the risk of mortality after heart attacks and in cases of cardiac inflammation (myocarditis).
On the other hand, it has been suggested that L-carnitine reduces pain and improves mobility in people with atherosclerosis, and that it prevents the appearance of this disorder by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
3. Weight loss
There is not enough scientific evidence to claim that L-carnitine is effective as a weight loss supplement, despite the fact that this is one of its most famous applications.
Some studies claim that this compound reduces fat accumulation and increases muscle mass. In addition, the effects of L-carnitine to reduce fatigue would facilitate weight loss indirectly.
4. Male infertility
Male infertility has been linked with low levels of L-carnitine. According to research, supplements of this amino acid are likely to increase the number and mobility of sperm.
5. Diabetes
L-carnitine can help regulate blood glucose levels of people with diabetes if taken as a complement to specific medication to treat this disease.
In the same sense, it may be effective in reducing the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, which occurs when high levels of glucose damage the nerves in the extremities, causing pain and numbness.
6. Hyperthyroidism
L-carnitine appears to reduce symptoms of hyperthyroidism, a disorder characterized by excessive secretion of thyroid hormones. The studies in this regard are promising but at the moment inconclusive.
Typical symptoms of hyperthyroidism include tachycardia, anxiety, insomnia, physical weakness and tremors.
7. Erectile dysfunction
Although more studies are needed to confirm this, it has been suggested that L-carnitine can increase the effectiveness of Viagra in cases of impotence, especially in men who do not respond adequately to this medication and who have undergone prostate surgery.
8. Fatigue
There is preliminary scientific evidence regarding the usefulness of L-carnitine for reduce age-related fatigue cancer, celiac disease, hepatitis, multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as fatigue in general.
9. Sports performance
Intense physical exercise has been linked to a decrease in L-carnitine levels, so many athletes use these supplements to improve their performance However, and although some studies support this hypothesis, it cannot be said that L-carnitine is useful for improving sports performance.
