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The body actually produces a substance known as L-carnitine, otherwise known as levocarnitine or simply carnitine, which is an ammonium compound that results from the processing of lysine and methionine in the liver and kidneys. These are both amino acids.
Acetyl L-carnitine is the naturally occurring type you’ll find in humans, and for the most part, it is unnecessary to supplement what the body produces. However, L-carnitine can also be lacking during certain precious moments in life, and this supplement can then become beneficial for individuals with certain conditions. |
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Using L-Carnitine as a Nutritional Supplement.
While the normal body produces enough acetyl L-carnitine to allow the body to absorb fatty acids as a necessary catalyst, it is entirely possible that during growth spurts, hormone changes or pregnancy the body may not be able to sufficiently support the need for the substance.
Originally found as a growth factor in mealworms, humans can consume any of several foods as natural sources rich in L-carnitine, including red meat, which is the source highest in concentration, as well as dairy products, some nuts and seeds, beans, peas, garlic and green veggies, wheat and other cereal products, and even in supplements like bee pollen and carob.
One major advantage that has been found in supplementing the acetyl L-carnitine produced by the body is that it can help Type II Diabetics to dispose of glucose at a higher rate. Translated into English that means reducing the symptoms of Diabetes, especially high blood sugar readings and the resulting negative feelings associated. With elevated levels of the natural supplement, a Diabetic person can now “digest” more of the sugar intake (carbohydrates), as well as more efficiently oxidize the glucose. Less sugar bound to the red blood cells in the system means a much healthier body and a longer life.
As a natural substance in the body, L-carnitine has no known side effects and is perfectly safe for all to take, since it cannot harm anyone to have a more efficient endocrine system. However, there are some restrictions to the marketing of the product. In fact, in Canada, it cannot be marketed as a “natural health product” due to the fact that it is not considered a “natural ingredient”, and any product or supplement containing the substance is banned from importation into Canada.
In the United States, there are no such restrictions, and research continues in hopes of being able to market it as a drug to fight diabetes some day. However, at this point, it is not recommended to quit a treatment method currently set in place for Diabetes and attempt to control blood sugar with L-carnitine alone based on these tentative findings.
Always consult your physician before trying any new therapy, as it may not be affective for your needs or may actually cause harm if you have other risk factors at work.
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