Carnitine

Carnitine is made from lysine and methionine in your liver, kidneys, and brain. Therefore, your being deficient in carnitine implies that you may lack lysine and methionine. Iron, niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin C are also necessary to make carnitine.

Functions of Carnitine in Your Body

• Can be converted to acetyl choline in your body
• Energizes the heart
• Enhances short- and long-term memory
• Helps convert stored body fat into energy
• Improves mental focus and energy
• Increases oxygen availability and respiratory efficiency
• Lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol
• May slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease
• Needed for the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the cells
• Prevents DNA degeneration
• Promotes DNA repair from mutations that occur form free radical production
• Raises HDL (good) cholesterol
• Reduces the build-up of acids and metabolic waste
• Reduces triglycerides

Causes of Carnitine Deficiency

• Deficiency of folic acid
• Deficiency of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), an important compound found in all living cells
• Deficiency of vitamin B6, B12 or Vitamin C
• Ipecac syrup (used to remove poisons before they can be absorbed)
• Iron deficiency
• Lysine deficiency
• Pivampicillin (an antibiotic)
• Pyrimethamine (antiparasitic and antimalaria drug)
• Sulfadiazine (used to treat infection)
• Valproic acid (an anticonvulsant)
• Vegetarian diet

Nutrients that increase Carnitine Effectiveness

• Alpha-lipoic acid
• B Vitamins - USANA Vitamins Supplements HealthPak is more than a Multivitamin. USANA HealthPak was designed to provide a comprehensive balance of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support the function of various tissues and organ systems in the body.
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
• Phosphatidylcholine (a phospholipid) - USANA Vitamins Supplements Ginkgo-PS is formulated with the highest quality Ginkgo biloba extract and Phosphatidylserine, or PS, enhances the formula’s action. USANA’s brain health Ginkgo-PS™ supplement are designed to support healthy mental and cognitive function.
• Phosphatidylserine


Recommended Dosage – 500 to 4,000 milligrams daily. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) is the form of carnitine that can effectively help maintain memory and recover from a stroke.

Side effects and Contraindications

Although side effects of carnitine supplementation are rare, they include agitation, headache, increased appetite, nausea, skin rash, and vomiting. Some people also experience body odor, which can be prevented by taking riboflavin. If you have kidney or liver disease, contact your doctor before starting a carnitine regiment.

Diseases/disorders that can be treated with Carnitine

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Angina pectoris
• Attention deficit disorder (ADD)
• Brain injuries
• Congestive heart failure
• Depression
• High cholesterol levels
• Immune enhancement
• Increased triglycerides
• Infertility
• Memory enhancement
• Mitral valve prolapsed
• Nerve injury
• Parkinson’s disease
• Recovery from heart attack or stroke
• Renal disease
• Senility
• Stroke
• Weight loss