Carnitine, often referred to as L-Carnitine, is an amino acid. It is considered to be invaluable in the process of metabolizing fat within the body, as well as preventing the buildup of fat deposits in the heart.
As an essential element in breaking down fat within the body, carnitine plays an important role in helping to transport fatty acids through the system, where the acids can be converted into energy. Proper levels of this amino acid in the body will help to promote overall physical fitness, as any intake of fat will be efficiently used to fuel the functions of the body. Carnitine also works hand-in-hand with other important amino acids, such as lysine. Lysine is necessary to help the body produce collagen. Carnitine also aids lysine in helping the body to absorb nutrients, in particular calcium.
Another example of an amino acid that carnitine works closely with is methionine. Methionine contains sulfur, which in proper amounts is important to the body. It aids in overall metabolic rate, as well as helping to strengthen nails, hair, and skin tissue. Working with carnitine, methionine helps to reduce fat content in the liver, and ensures that the body maintains the ability to expel toxic elements.
A variant of carnitine, often referred to as levocarnitine, is produced in the muscles and liver and is often used to treat incidences of deficiency of the amino acid. Carnitine can be obtained from a number of sources, such as various types of meat, poultry, and fish. There are trace amounts found in some dairy products as well.
Carnitine is understood to be helpful in helping the body to fight off a number of ailments, including diabetes, liver disease and Alzheimer’s disease. While most people produce the proper amount in both the liver and the muscle structure around the body, there are cases in which carnitine production drops to levels that are unsafe. Lower production of this element can weaken the body’s ability to fight off toxins, as well as allow for fatty deposits to build up in vital organs. A medical professional can determine if there is an imbalance in the body and take steps to supplement with diet and other treatments.