How does L-Carnitine work to help speed weight loss? What evidence is there that it works? http://www.metabolism.com/2008/08/23/lcarnitine-work-speed-weight-loss-evidence-works
In a study of 18 overweight subjects, carnitine greatly increased weight loss. The subjects were split into two groups of 9. For 12 weeks, both groups ate a healthy diet and performed moderate exercise. One group was given 2000 mg of carnitine, and the other a placebo. In the placebo group, the average weight loss after 12 weeks was one pound. In the carnitine group, weight loss averaged 11 pounds. That’s an eleven-fold increase in weight loss, simply by increasing carnitine levels. Body fat percentage levels also decreased markedly in the carnitine group.
However, not everyone will experience such a dramatic effect of weight loss with carnitine. In a recent study, individuals taking carnitine for 8 weeks did not experience increased weight loss. So, how does one know if it is even worth trying this supplement. Well, in my experience, individuals following a reduced carbohydrate diet, and incorporating aerobics and strength training, usually find it easier to lose weight while taking carnitine on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before breakfast, when compared to those following the same protocol minus L-carnitine.
We hope all is well with you and that you find this information useful.
Articles of interest: * Rebouche CJ, Paulson DJ. Carnitine Metabolism and Function in Humans. Ann Rev Nutr 1986; 6:41-66. * Avogaro P, Bon GB, Cazzolato G, Rorai E. Acute Effects of L-carnitine on FFA and Beta-OH-Butyrate in Man. Pharmacol Res Commun 1981; 13 (5): 443-50. * Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2000 Jun;10(2):199-207 * Robert L. Pastore, Ph.D., CNC, CN
Senior Nutritionist at Metabolism.com

How Does L-Carnitine Work? 1. How Does L-Carnitine Work? * L-Carnitine burns fat by promoting the movement of fatty acids into the mitochondria, which burn fatty acids to make energy. Fatty acids cannot move into the mitochondria without L-Carnitine.
Effects
* Muscles, including the heart, make energy from fatty acids. L-Carnitine burns fat, lowers cholesterol by pulling triglycerides from the blood, boosts energy, and promotes muscle development.
Uses
* Dieters use L-Carnitine to burn fat and lose weight, while body builders take it to build muscle. However, there is no medical proof that L-Carnitine helps dieters or body builders. L-Carnitine is known to improve blood sugar levels and sperm production, lower cholesterol, counteract symptoms of hyperthyroidism and fight heart disease.
Dosage
* The recommended dosage varies according to the desired effect; medicinal dosages range between 300 and 4,000 mg per day. Pills are sold in 250 mg or 500 mg increments. Bodybuilders and dieters take 2,000 mg of L-Carnitine a day. Start by taking 1,000 mg, and gradually increase to the desired dosage.
Although different types of L-Carnitine are available, only acetyl L-Carnitine and L-Carnitine are recommended for supplementation.
Side Effects And Safety * L-Carnitine is considered to be safe, but causes stomach upset or diarrhea if taken in high doses. Kidney or liver disease patients should not take L-Carnitine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using this supplement, to avoid interactions with medications, such as antibiotics. The D and DL forms of carnitine must be avoided, as these can trigger muscle problems.
Sources
*
In addition to nutritional supplements, L-Carnitine is found in red meats and dairy products. The body also makes limited amounts of L-Carnitine on its own, with proper nutrition. * Anatomical Chartswww.mentone-educational.com.au
Wide Range of Charts for Everyone from Students to Professionals * Information on Alpha-1www.alphanet.org/
Health Management for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency * Most Powerful Fucoidanwww.k-fucoidan.com
Highest Amount in Our Fucoidan Supplements Than Any Other Products * "Heart Attack Warning"www.YourTicker.com/Angioprim
Clean Arteries Before Surgery. Painless, Fast, Safe & Easy
Ads by Google
Resources
* University Of Maryland Medical Center Information On L-Carnitine

How Does L-Carnitine Work?
X

Michelle Rasey
Michelle R. Rasey has been a writer for over twenty years. Her work has appeared in The Sun Newspapers, CNN.com and Wall Street Journal.com. A graduate of Baldwin Wallace College, she holds degrees in Spanish and International Studies. She also has a medical license in alternative medicine
By Michelle Rasey, eHow Contributor

Read more: How Does L-Carnitine Work? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4927932_lcarnitine-work.html#ixzz1RN8EmCbo

Read more: How Does L-Carnitine Work? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4927932_lcarnitine-work.html#ixzz1RN89wnwL A century of L-Carnitine research | http://www.lonza.com/carnipure/en/news/a_century_of_l-carnitine.html | After the establishment of the chemical structure of L-Carnitine in 1927, Prof. Erich Strack from the University of Leipzig, Germany, initiated decades of research on that exciting substance. Today, roughly 70 years later, the main physiological functions of L-Carnitine are well established.
In 1985, a research group at the Swiss life sciences-driven company Lonza made a discovery that completely changed L-Carnitine production technology. A team of scientists developed an improved process, which makes use of a biotransformation step for stereo-selective introduction of the optical centre for the synthesis of pure L-Carnitine, the natural form of Carnitine as it occurs in nature. Interestingly, they could make use of the same starting substance (γ-butyrobetaine) that is used in the human and animal body to produce L-Carnitine. Only this patented method guaran-tees production of optically 100% pure L-Carnitine (L-Carnipure®), containing no D-Carnitine. In the 21st century, an average number of 350 new scientific publica-tions per year show the enormous interest in this nutrient and the important role of L-Carnitine in many research fields.
By continuing to invest in quality science and clinical research, Lonza strives to un-cover new potential applications as well as improve upon the overall understanding of this exciting nutrient. Lonza actively sponsors clinical research studies at universi-ties throughout the world, and also has been involved in the collection and compila-tion of this new special edition on L-Carnitine.
According to Prof. Fritz Pittner, main editor of this issue, “L-Carnitine seems to be far more involved in metabolism and health care than expected, provided it is supplied in a pure, uncontaminated form and applied in correct and sufficient dosage.”

Lonza is the world’s largest manufacturer of L-Carnitine and is the only manufacturer who can guarantee 100% pure L-Carnitine, completely free from unnatural D-Carnitine.
L-Carnipure® crystalline contains 100% L-Carnitine, while L-Carnipure® tartrate (U.S. Patent 5073376, Japan Patent JP 2546068 and other international patents) consists of 68% L-Carnitine and 32% L-tartaric acid. L-Carnipure® crystalline and L-Carnipure® tartrate have been self affirmed as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). L-Carnipure® products are produced from the same substance (gamma butyrobetaine) as from which the human body produces L-Carnitine. Being crystalline, white, water-soluble and heat stable, both products are ideal for use in various food and drink applications. In addition, L-Carnipure® tartrate is non-hygroscopic, odorless and has a pleasant citrus taste and excellent flowability. Both products are kosher certified. Further details are available at www.carnipure.com.

Lonza is a life sciences-driven chemical and biotechnology company, headquartered in Switzerland, which generated sales of CHF 2.18 billion in 2004. 5700 people operating 18 production and R&D sites around the world are passionately delivering sustainable value to their customers. Lonza is one of the leading custom manufacturers of chemical intermedi-ates and active ingredients as well as biopharmaceuticals for the pharmaceutical and agro-chemical industries. On the basis of organic and oleochemical and biotechnology platforms, Lonza creates value solutions for nutrition, hygiene & personal care, wood & water and in-dustrial specialty markets. Lonza also offers polymer intermediates, resins and compounds. For more information please visit the company’s website at www.lonza.com. | 15.09.2005 | Basel - The L-Carnitine story goes back to 1905, when two Russian Scientists discovered a new substance in muscle tissue. This substance was L-Carnitine. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of its original discovery, the editors Prof. Fritz Pittner, Prof. Alfred Lohninger and Dr. Gisela Pittner from the University of Vienna, Austria, encouraged well known scientists in the field of L-Carnitine research to report recent findings and summaries of current knowledge in a special edition of Chemical Monthly – Monatshefte für Chemie (Vol. 136/No. 8, Springer publishing). This special edition issue covers contributions in various disci-plines including areas of organic chemistry and bioorganic synthesis, analytics and diagnostics, the role of L-Carnitine in metabolism, biochemical, physiological, patho-biochemical and pharmacological aspects, L-Carnitine deficiency as well as the use of L-Carnitine as a nutritional supplement. |