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Forms of Carnitine

The human body produces carnitine in the liver and kidneys for the purpose of converting fat into energy. Normally, there is enough carnitine to meet the body's needs. For people who have deficiencies, the nutrient supplemental carnitine is prescribed as a treatment. Several forms of carnitine exist; different forms are indicated for different conditions.

  1. L-Carnitine

    • L-carnitine represents the simplest form of carnitine. It is marketed as a weight-loss product, but there is no scientific evidence to support its use, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It has been shown to reduce fat mass and increase muscle mass in addition to reducing fatigue. These results could lead to weight loss as a side effect. Another use of this form of carnitine is to increase sperm count. Studies indicate that men with low sperm counts have low levels of carnitine. Some additional studies on the use of L-carnitine for chronic fatigue syndrome report positive effects, but the evidence is not clear.

    Acetyl-L-Carnitine

    • Acetyl-L-carnitine is the form of carnitine associated with improved brain function and the nervous system. Some studies indicate it can reduce pain and increase feeling to damaged nerves in the body. It may even help regenerate nerve damage, although there is no scientific evidence of that ability. The main interest for this form is treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The evidence is mixed as to the ability of acetyl-L-carnitine to slow the progression of the disease. Some patients have shown improvement, or their rate of decline has slowed when taking this form of carnitine.

    Propionyl-L-Carnitine

    • Studies use Propionyl-L-Carnitine with regard to heart and vascular problems. Persons with angina report reduced pain after taking this form. Some studies indicate a reduction in symptoms of heart failure and an increase in the ability to exercise or engage in activities requiring physical exertion following heart failure. Peripheral vascular disease results from decreased blood flow to the legs. Propionyl-L-Carnitine produces results for that disease by reducing pain and increasing the ability to walk distances. The basis for all these uses is an increase in muscle energy.

    Dietary Sources

    • Certain foods contain high concentrates of all the forms of carnitine. These food include red meat, especially lamb and dairy products. All sources with carnitine are fish, poultry, peanut butter, wheat, asparagus and avocados.

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