Carnitine

9 min readEvidence-linked topicGreen Medicine Encyclopedia

Overview

Carnitine is a compound composed of Lysine and Methionine chemically similar to Choline. In addition to obtaining Carnitine from food it is manufactured within the body in the Liver and Kidneys. Carnitine functions in fatty acid metabolism by transporting fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production.

Health Benefits of Carnitine

 Carnitine - Health Benefits

 

Carnitine may Enhance the Function of these Substances

Amino Acids

 Carnitine is a component of Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) - 7.5% to 10.2% of the body's total Carnitine content is present in the form of ALC. 

Carbohydrates

 Carnitine may help to preserve Muscle Glycogen levels during Exercise.  [1] 

Enzymes

 Supplemental Carnitine increases the activity of Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase.  [2]

 Carnitine increases the activity of the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex (especially in athletes).  [3] 

Lipids

 Carnitine facilitates the metabolism of Fatty Acids:

 Carnitine facilitates the transport of Long-Chain Saturated Fatty Acids into the Mitochondriafor Energy production (oxidation). 

Neurotransmitters

 Carnitine may increase Brain levels of Dopamine in elderly persons.  [4]

 Carnitine may increase Brain levels of Serotonin in elderly persons.  [5]

Nucleic Compounds

 Carnitine increases the generation of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) via its role in the beta-oxidation of Fatty Acids and via its role in the removal of Acetyl units in the Mitochondria.  [6]

Patented Medicines

 Carnitine may enhance the ability of Galanthamine to inhibit Acetylcholinesterase.  [7]

Quinones

 Carnitine may enhance the function of Coenzyme Q10.  [8] 

Vitamins

 Carnitine may enhance the function of Vitamin C.  [9]

 Carnitine may enhance the function of Vitamin E.  [10]

Carnitine may Counteract these Potentially Toxic Substances

Alcohols

 Carnitine may counteract the toxicity of Methanol and may enhance the abiilty to survive Methanol intoxication.  [11]

Amino Acid Metabolites

 Carnitine may inhibit the damage caused to Neurons by Ammonia and detoxifies Ammonia by facilitating its conversion to Urea.  [12]

Amino Acids

 Carnitine may counteract the toxic effects of excessive Glutamic Acid.  [13] 

Environmental Toxins

 Carnitine may help to protect the Liver from the toxic effects of Carbon Tetrachloride.  [14]

Hormones

 Carnitine may help to prevent the Brain damage that can occur from excessive Insulin-induced Hypoglycemia.  [15]

 Carnitine may lower elevated Leptin levels.  [16] 

Lipids

 Carnitine may lower elevated Lipoprotein (a) levels.  [17] 

Lipopigments

 Carnitine may facilitate the removal of Lipofuscin from the Heart.  [18] 

Minerals

 Carnitine may help to chelate excessive Iron from the body.  [19]

Organic Acids

 Carnitine may help to reduce post-Exercise levels of Lactic Acid.  [20]

Proteins

 Carnitine may lower elevated Lipoprotein (a) levels.  [21]

Recreational Substances

 Carnitine may help to prevent Alcohol (ethanol)-induced Fatty Liver and may inhibit the ability of Alcohol to damage the Gastric Mucosa.  [22]

Keep reading Carnitine

  • These Substances may Enhance the Function of Carnitine
  • Amino Acids
  • Enzymes
  • Hormones
  • Minerals
  • Vitamins
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