Carnitine is a vitamin-like compound with a structure similar to an amino acid. It is found in food, particularly in meat and dairy products, and can also be made by the body from the amino acid, lysine.

Carnitine in the body helps convert fatty acids into energy, which is used primarily for muscular activities throughout the body. The body produces carnitine in the liver and kidneys and stores it in the skeletal muscles, heart, brain, and sperm.

Some people have dietary deficiencies of carnitine. Carnitine deficiency may occur due to genetic defects, reduced absorption, dietary deficiency of precursors, and increased requirements due to stress, medication use or disease. Carnitine deficiencies may cause symptoms such as fatigue, chest pain, muscle pain, weakness, low blood pressure, and/or confusion. A healthcare provider may recommend use of the supplement levocarnitine (L-carnitine) for individuals who have a suspected or confirmed deficiency of this nutrient.

In addition to helping those with carnitine deficiencies, L-carnitine supplementation may benefit individuals with the following conditions:

• Heart Disease

• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

• High Cholesterol

• Intermittent Claudication

• Athletic Performance

• Weight Loss

• Eating Disorders

• Alcohol-related Liver Disease

• Dementia and Memory Impairment

• Down’s Syndrome

• Kidney Disease and Hemodialysis

• Male Infertility

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

• Shock

• Peyronie’s Disease

• Hyperthyroidism