L-Carnitine and Overall Health

L-carnitine may provide protection from lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. There is some evidence claiming that L-carnitine can reduce biochemical makers related to oxidative stress such as nitrite concentration and malondialdehyde. Lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress may be related to chronically high levels of glucose and insulin sensitivity. Researchers reported in the Turkish Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism that demonstrated a decrease in blood glucose after 12 weeks of L-carnitine supplementation. The participants were given 3g/per day and were type 2 diabetics. Here is in an interesting paper describing how L-carnitine improves glucose disposal in human subjects. Strangely enough, there is evidence from ponies taking 4g/per day of L-carnitine that reveled a decrease in postprandial plasma glucose and insulin concentration. According to Alesci et al, L-carnitine supplementation may enhance "modulation of the immune system and other glucocorticoid-like effects."

From a perspective of athletic performance there may be some advantages with supplemental L-carnitine as a means toward recovery. For example, Karlic & Lohinger reported in their review that L-carnitine appeared to attenuate "accumulation of creatine kinase", decrease catabolism of purines, free radical formation and sarcolemma disruption. The most muscle damage occurs during the eccentric phase in relation to the movement being performed. Giamberardino et al claim that L-carnitine reduced pain in association to eccentric type of exercises by ameliorating levels of creatine kinase and improving vasodilation.