Also indexed as
Propionyl-L-Carnitine
See also
See also
L-carnitine is made in the body from the amino acids lysine and methionine, and is needed to release energy from fat. It transports fatty acids into mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells. In infancy, and in situations of high energy needs, such as pregnancy and breast-feeding, the need for L-carnitine can exceed production by the body. Therefore, L-carnitine is considered a "conditionally essential" nutrient.1
Where is it found?
Dairy and red meat contain the greatest amounts of carnitine. Therefore, people who have a limited intake of meat and dairy products tend to have lower L-carnitine intakes.
L-carnitine has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
*** - Angina
*** - Congestive heart failure (propionyl-L-carnitine)
*** - Heart attack
*** - Intermittent claudication (propionyl-L-carnitine)
** - Anemia (for thalassemia)
** - Attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder
** - Chronic fatigue syndrome
** - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
** - Erectile dysfunction (in combination with acetyl-L-carnitine)
** - High triglycerides
** - Infertility (male)
** - Intermittent claudication (L-carnitine)
** - Multiple sclerosis
** - Sprains and strains (for preventing exercise-related muscle injury)
** - Type 1 diabetes
** - Type 2 diabetes
* - Athletic performance (for ultra-endurance only)
* - Beta thalassemia major
* - Cardiomyopathy (only for children with inherited cardiomyopathy)
* - Chemotherapy-induced fatigue
* - High cholesterol
* - Liver cirrhosis
* - Mitral valve prolapse
* - Raynaud’s disease
* - Weight loss
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Where is it found?
Dairy and red meat contain the greatest amounts of carnitine. Therefore, people who have a limited intake of meat and dairy products tend to have lower L-carnitine intakes.
L-carnitine has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
*** - Angina
*** - Congestive heart failure (propionyl-L-carnitine)
*** - Heart attack
*** - Intermittent claudication (propionyl-L-carnitine)
** - Anemia (for thalassemia)
** - Attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder
** - Chronic fatigue syndrome
** - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
** - Erectile dysfunction (in combination with acetyl-L-carnitine)
** - High triglycerides
** - Infertility (male)
** - Intermittent claudication (L-carnitine)
** - Multiple sclerosis
** - Sprains and strains (for preventing exercise-related muscle injury)
** - Type 1 diabetes
** - Type 2 diabetes
* - Athletic performance (for ultra-endurance only)
* - Beta thalassemia major
* - Cardiomyopathy (only for children with inherited cardiomyopathy)
* - Chemotherapy-induced fatigue
* - High cholesterol
* - Liver cirrhosis
* - Mitral valve prolapse
* - Raynaud’s disease
* - Weight loss
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Who is likely to be deficient?
Carnitine deficiencies are rare, even in strict vegetarians, because the body produces carnitine relatively easily.
Rare genetic diseases can cause a carnitine deficiency. Also, deficiencies are occasionally associated with other diseases, such as diabetes and cirrhosis.2 3 Among people with diabetes, carnitine deficiency is more likely to be found in persons experiencing complications of diabetes (such as retinopathy, hyperlipidemia, or neuropathy), suggesting that carnitine deficiency may play a role in the development of these complications.4 A carnitine deficiency can also result from oxygen deprivation which can occur in some heart conditions. In Italy, L-carnitine is prescribed for heart failure, heart arrhythmias, angina, and lack of oxygen to the heart.5
How much is usually taken?
Most people do not need carnitine supplements. For therapeutic use, typical amounts are 1–3 grams per day.
It remains unclear whether the propionyl-L-carnitine form of carnitine used in congestive heart failure research has greater benefits than the L-carnitine form, since limited research in both animals and humans with the more common L-carnitine has also shown very promising effects.6
Are there any side effects or interactions?
L-carnitine has not been consistently linked with any toxicity.
The body needs lysine, methionine, vitamin C, iron, niacin, and vitamin B6 to produce carnitine.
Who is likely to be deficient?
Carnitine deficiencies are rare, even in strict vegetarians, because the body produces carnitine relatively easily.
Rare genetic diseases can cause a carnitine deficiency. Also, deficiencies are occasionally associated with other diseases, such as diabetes and cirrhosis.2 3 Among people with diabetes, carnitine deficiency is more likely to be found in persons experiencing complications of diabetes (such as retinopathy, hyperlipidemia, or neuropathy), suggesting that carnitine deficiency may play a role in the development of these complications.4 A carnitine deficiency can also result from oxygen deprivation which can occur in some heart conditions. In Italy, L-carnitine is prescribed for heart failure, heart arrhythmias, angina, and lack of oxygen to the heart.5
How much is usually taken?
Most people do not need carnitine supplements. For therapeutic use, typical amounts are 1–3 grams per day.
It remains unclear whether the propionyl-L-carnitine form of carnitine used in congestive heart failure research has greater benefits than the L-carnitine form, since limited research in both animals and humans with the more common L-carnitine has also shown very promising effects.6
Are there any side effects or interactions?
L-carnitine has not been consistently linked with any toxicity.
The body needs lysine, methionine, vitamin C, iron, niacin, and vitamin B6 to produce carnitine.
Drug Interactions
Certain medicines interact with L-carnitine: Some interactions may increase the need for L-carnitine (+), other interactions may be negative (-) and indicate L-carnitine should not be taken without first speaking with your physician or pharmacist, others may require further explanation (?). Refer to the individual drug article for specific details about an interaction.
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines index.
Allopurinol (?)
Anticonvulsants (+)
AZT (+)
Chemotherapy (+)
Doxorubicin (+)
Gabapentin (+)
Phenobarbital (+)
Valproic Acid (+)
Certain medicines interact with L-carnitine: Some interactions may increase the need for L-carnitine (+), other interactions may be negative (-) and indicate L-carnitine should not be taken without first speaking with your physician or pharmacist, others may require further explanation (?). Refer to the individual drug article for specific details about an interaction.
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines index.
Allopurinol (?)
Anticonvulsants (+)
AZT (+)
Chemotherapy (+)
Doxorubicin (+)
Gabapentin (+)
Phenobarbital (+)
Valproic Acid (+)
Source: www.cncahealth.com
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