Kidney Disorders Information

If you haven’t heard of Acetyl L-Carnitine, then you are missing out on a simple supplement that can help our bodies in so many ways. Acetyl L-Carnitine is naturally found in meats, vegetables and grains, with the highest concentration in red meats such as beef and lamb. For instance, beef has about 145 mg of L-Carnitine per every 100 grams while vegetables such as carrots have only 0.4 mg. Your body can produce a very small amount of L-Carnitine on a daily basis with the highest concentrations in the heart and skeletal muscles.

Acetyl-L-carnitine is similar in form to the amino acid L-carnitine and also has some similar functions, such as being involved in the metabolism of food into energy. The acetyl group that is part of acetyl-L-carnitine contributes to the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is required for mental function.

Other names for acetyl-L-carnitine include: acetyl-levocarnitine, acetylcarnitine, l-acetylcarnitine, levacecarnine, and ST-200

So how does Acetyl L-Carnitine help the body. Here are a few examples:

1. Congestive Heart Failure - Studies suggest that people who take L-Carnitine supplements soon after suffering a heart attack may be less likely to suffer a subsequent heart attack, die of heart disease, experience chest pain and abnormal heart rhythms, or develop congestive heart failure. (Congestive heart failure is a condition that leads to a back up of blood into the lungs and legs because the heart loses its ability to pump blood efficiently).

In addition, people with coronary artery disease who use L-Carnitine along with standard medications may be able to sustain physical activity for longer periods of time.

2. High Cholesterol - In several studies, people who took L-Carnitine supplements had a significant lowering of their total cholesterol and triglycerides, and an increase in their HDL (”good”) cholesterol levels.

3. Intermittent Claudication - Decreased blood flow to the legs from atherosclerosis (plaque build up) often causes an aching or cramping pain in the legs while walking or exercising. This pain is called intermittent claudication and the diminished blood flow to the legs is called peripheral vascular disease (PVD). At least one well-designed study suggests that carnitine supplements may improve muscle function and exercise capacity in those with PVD. In other words, people with PVD may be able to walk farther and longer if they take carnitine, particularly proprinylcarnitine.

4. Alcohol-related Liver Disease - Some researchers speculate that alcohol consumption reduces the ability of carnitine to function properly in the body. This can lead to a buildup of fat in the liver. Supplementation with carnitine has been shown to prevent and reverse the damage caused by alcohol-induced fatty buildup in the liver of animals.

5. Down’s Syndrome - In a study of individuals with Down syndrome, L-acetylcarnitine (LAC) supplementation significantly improved visual memory and attention.

6. Kidney Disease and Hemodialysis - Given that the kidney is a major site of carnitine production, damage to this organ can cause a significant carnitine deficiency. Many patients undergoing hemodialysis also experience carnitine deficiencies. For these reasons, individuals with kidney disease (with or without the need for hemodialysis) may benefit from carnitine supplementation, if recommended by a healthcare provider.

7. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) - Some researchers speculate that chronic fatigue syndrome may be caused by deficiencies in a variety of nutrients, including carnitine. L-carnitine has been compared to a medication for fatigue in a study of 30 people with CFS. Those who took L-carnitine did much better than those who took the medication, particularly after receiving the supplement for 4 to 8 weeks.

8. Hyperthyroidism - Some research suggests that L-carnitine may prove useful for preventing or diminishing the symptoms associated with an overactive thyroid. These symptoms include insomnia, nervousness, elevated heart rate, and tremors. In fact, in one study, a small group of people with hyperthyroidism had improvement in these symptoms, as well as normalization of their body temperature, when taking carnitine.

Carnitine is available as a supplement in a variety of forms, but only the form L-carnitine (alone or bound to either acetic or propionic acid) is recommended.

* L-carnitine (LC): the most widely available and least expensive * L-acetylcarnitine (LAC): this form of carnitine appears to be the one to use for Alzheimer’s disease and other brain disorders * L-propionylcarnitine (LPC): this form of carnitine appears to be most effective for chest pain and related heart problems, as well as peripheral vascular disease (PVD).

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