| Carnitine | |||||
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Carnitine is an amino acid-like compound that has status as a type of B vitamin (vitamin Bt or vitamin T). Carnosine is an essential compound in the body's metabolic processes.
Carnitine assist in the regulation of fat metabolism and lowers blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Carnitine plays a role transferring fatty acids across mitochondrial membranes, so they can be metabolised.
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- Carnitine is used in energy supply within cells and muscles
- Carnitine prevents fatty build-up around the heart, liver, and skeletal muscles
- Carnitine is composed of the two essential amino acids lysine and methionine
- Men seem to need more carnitine because they are generally bigger in mass than women
- Carnitine is also known as L-Carnitine
- Carnitine plays a role in removing harmful toxins out of the body in a harmless manner
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Carnitine is important because it acts as an excellent anti-oxidant, and increases cerebral blood flow. It improves short-term memory and depression, and stabilises circadian hormonal rhythms, similar to the effects of melatonin.
Last reviewed: 14 January 2007 || Last updated: 21 August 2007
Related Articles
references
- Osiecki, Henry, The Nutrient Bible 2002, BioConcepts Publishing
- Osiecki, Henry. The Physician's Handbook of Clinical Nutrition. 6th edition, 2001, BioConcepts Publishing
- Rolfes SR, Pinna K, Whitney E. Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition. 7th Edition, 2005. Brooks Cole Publishing
- Tortora GJ, Derrickson BH. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 11th edition, 2005. Wiley Publishing
To learn more, go to the the following web sites:
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
