L-Carnitine: Improves your workouts by releasing energy! • Turns fat into fuel during exercise routines • Supports healthy heart & lung function • Helps decrease production of free radicals • Lessens tissue damage after exercise routines What is L-Carnitine? L-Carnitine is a nutrient responsible for the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the energy-producing centers of the cells (known as the mitochondria). In other words, L-Carnitine helps the body convert fatty acids into energy, which is used primarily for muscular activities throughout the body. The body produces L-Carnitine in the liver and kidneys and stores it in the skeletal muscles, heart, brain and sperm. In infancy and in situations of high-energy needs—such as pregnancy and breast-feeding—the need for L-Carnitine can exceed more than what the body can produce. Therefore, L-Carnitine is considered a “conditionally essential” nutrient. Why Take L-Carnitine?Heart Disease: Studies suggest that people who take L-Carnitine supplements soon after suffering a heart attack may be less likely to suffer a subsequent heart attack, die of heart disease, experience chest pain and abnormal heart rhythms, or develop congestive heart failure. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): In addition to reducing one's chances of developing heart failure after a heart attack, some studies suggest that L-Carnitine may help treat CHF once it has set in. These studies have shown that L-Carnitine may improve exercise capacity in people with CHF. High Cholesterol: In several studies, people who took L-Carnitine supplements had a significant lowering of their total cholesterol and triglycerides, and an increase in their HDL ("good") cholesterol levels. Athletic Performance: L-Carnitine, in theory, is thought to be helpful for improving exercise performance. However, studies in healthy athletes have not yet proven this theory. Eating Disorders: Several studies suggest that amino acid levels, including Carnitine, are diminished in people with anorexia nervosa. Some experts believe that low levels of Carnitine contribute to muscle weakness frequently seen in people with this eating disorder. Alcohol-related Liver Disease: Some researchers speculate that alcohol consumption reduces the ability of L-Carnitine to function properly in the body. This can lead to a build-up of fat in the liver. Supplementation with L-Carnitine has been shown to prevent and reverse the damage caused by alcohol-induced fatty build-up in the liver of animals, and could possibly have the same effect on the human body. Kidney Disease and Hemodialysis: Given that the kidney is a major site of L-Carnitine production, damage to this organ can cause a significant L-Carnitine deficiency. Many patients undergoing hemodialysis also experience L-Carnitine deficiencies. For these reasons, individuals with kidney disease (with or without the need for hemodialysis) may benefit from L-Carnitine supplementation, if recommended by a healthcare provider. Male Infertility: Low sperm counts have been linked to low L-Carnitine levels in men. Several studies suggest that L-Carnitine supplementation may increase sperm count and mobility. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Some researchers speculate that chronic fatigue syndrome may be caused by deficiencies in a variety of nutrients, including Carnitine. L-Carnitine has been compared to a fatigue medication in a study of 30 people with CFS. Those who took L-Carnitine did much better than those who took the fatigue medication, particularly after receiving the supplement for 4 to 8 weeks. Hyperthyroidism: Some research suggests that L-Carnitine may prove useful for preventing or diminishing the symptoms associated with an overactive thyroid. These symptoms include insomnia, nervousness, elevated heart rate and tremors. In fact, in one study, a small group of people with hyperthyroidism had improvement with these symptoms, as well as normalisation of body temperature, when taking L-Carnitine. Where is L-Carnitine found? Dairy and red meat contain the greatest amounts of L-Carnitine. Therefore, people who have a limited intake of meat and dairy products tend to have lower L-Carnitine levels. BIOVEA L-Carnitine Capsules contain 100% natural L-Carnitine. No synthetic D-Carnitine or DL-Carnitine is present. (D-Carnitine and DL-Carnitine are less effective than L-Carnitine, and are not recommended because of their adverse physical side effects.)