| Amino
acids serve many functions in the human body. Although L-Carnitine
is not one of the 20 amino acids that serve as the building
blocks that form proteins, it does serve a very important
role in the human body, and that is to transport fatty acids
into the mitochondria, the "powerhouses" of the
cells. Without L-Carnitine, fats cannot enter the mitochondria,
where they are broken down into the energy that fuels the
body. The conversion of fatty acids into energy in the mitochondria
provides the majority of energy for your heart and most
of your body, including the muscles.
L-Carnitine
is synthesized naturally in your liver and kidneys from
the essential amino acids L-lysine and L-methionine. Dietary
sources of L-Carnitine include yeast, milk and yogurt
whey. After synthesis or ingestion, it is transported
via the blood to the heart and skeletal muscles, where
it is stored until it is needed.
Deficiencies
of L-Carnitine can occur as a result of metabolic disorders,
clinical conditions, or dietary unavailability. If you
do not have enough L-Carnitine in your cells, fatty acids
will be poorly metabolized and fat levels in the blood
(triglycerides) may be increased. In addition, deficiencies
hamper energy production, resulting in fatigue and reduced
stamina.
Recent
research has shown that combining L-Carnitine and the
nutrient coenzyme Q10 enhances the nutritional benefits
of each. Working synergistically, they offer a powerful
system of nutritional support for your body's cardiovascular
and natural defense systems, as well as for energy production.
Here's how it works: while L-Carnitine carries the fatty
acids into the mitochondria, once the fats are within
the mitochondria, CoQ10 helps convert them into energy.
With
the action of one enhancing the other, these two nutrients
help nutritionally support the rate of fatty acid metabolism
and the resulting energy production in the cells.
Working
together, they energize the cells and help meet the high
energy demands of the heart, liver, kidneys, spleen and
pancreas.
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