L-Carnitine
L-carnitine is an important molecule because it’s needed to convert fat into energy. The name carnitine is derived from Latin “carnus” (flesh), because it was originally found in meat extracts. Animal products such as meat, poultry, fish, and milk are the best food sources, with redder meats tending to have higher levels of L-carnitine. Adults eating animal products consume about 60–180 milligrams of carnitine per day.[1] The human body can make carnitine from lysine using other micronutrients as cofactors. Adults eating a variety of animal products get about 75% of the daily carnitine needs filled from the diet, so only need to make about 25% of what they use.[2] Vegans get noticeably less (about 10–12 milligrams),[1] with vegetarians getting a bit more than vegans because of eating dairy products. In both cases, because the diet is limited in L-carnitine, they may need to make as much as 90% of their daily needs.[2] While the human body can make carnitine from lysine, it may not always be able to make sufficient amounts to meet demands. This has led to it being thought of as a “conditionally essential” nutrient. L-carnitine’s most important role is in mitochondrial fat metabolism—it is used to transport long-chain fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane for breakdown by mitochondrial β-oxidation. This transportation function allows fats and oils from our diet to be used for energy production and enhances mitochondria’s potential to burn fat. This function is especially important in tissues and organs that use a lot of fat as an energy source, including the heart and skeletal muscles.*
Top Benefits of L-carnitine
Supports healthy mitochondrial function *
Supports joint health *
Supports healthy aging *
Qualia’s L-carnitine Sourcing
Carnitine can be supplemented as either L-carnitine or acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR). While ALCAR and L-carnitine support the same functions, in general, the ALCAR form tends to be used in research more for brain and nervous system support, while the L-carnitine form has been researched more for supporting the healthy function of heart and skeletal muscles. But both forms support all tissues.*
L-carnitine sourcing is a non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan ingredient.
L-carnitine Formulating Principles and Rationale
L-carnitine is generally considered to be dose-dependent (see Qualia Formulating Principles) in the range it’s commonly supplemented (between 1000 mg to several grams a day) when given alone. These amounts are higher than what the body gets from the diet and makes daily, while a lower serving (250-500 mg) could be obtained from a diet rich in foods that are good sources of L-carnitine. We supplement L-carnitine in this latter, lower range to help support a more optimal dietary intake.*
L-carnitine Key Mechanisms
Supports mitochondrial function and structure*
Supports healthy mitochondrial function and structure* [3,4]
Supports fatty acid β-oxidation* [5]
Promotes the healthy production of ATP* [4]
Supports joint health*
Supports joint comfort* [6–8]
Supports joint structure and function maintenance* [8–12]
Supports synovial membrane and fluid health* [13]
Supports healthy joint immune mediator levels* [9]
Healthy aging and general well-being*
Supports healthy cardiovascular function* [14–16]
Supports balanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress* [3,17]
Supports neuroprotective functions* [3]
Supports telomerase activity and telomere length* [18,19]
Supports mesenchymal stem cell longevity* [18–20]
Supports healthy immune signaling* [7]
Complementary ingredients*
Lipoic acid – supports mitochondrial function* [21]
Creatine and L-leucine – support healthy muscle function and structure* [22]
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
REFERENCES
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