Lisa Nelson

Heart Health - Do you need to supplement L-carnitine?



Posted: Thursday, November 04, 2010

by Lisa Nelson
Be Heart Healthy and Lose Weight

This is probably a supplement you've never heard of, but when supplemented along with coenzyme Q10 substantial benefits have been seen in individuals with heart disease.

L-carnitine is a compound produced by the liver and kidneys from the biosynthesis of the amino acids lysine and methionine. To form L-carnitine you also need adequate levels of vitamin C, B6, niacin, and iron.

Let me explain how L-carnitine works. The powerhouse of your cells is the mitochondria and produces the energy your heart needs to function. L-carnitine is responsible for transporting fatty acids to the mitochondria for energy production. The heart typically gets 60% of its energy from fat sources. If this process is slowed due to a lack of L-carnitine heart function is affected, especially compounding problems for individuals with heart disease. Those with moderate to severe atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries due to inflammation and cholesterol deposits) and congestive heart failure are most affected by a deficiency of L-carnitine. Too make matters worse, damaged heart tissue has a hard time "holding on" to L-carnitine resulting in a deficiency.

If you remember back to the information I shared on Coenzyme Q10, Coenzyme Q10 directly affects energy production in the mitochondria. When Coenzyme Q10 levels are low, cells are unable to produce energy, meaning the heart lacks the fuel it needs to pump blood.

About 85% of individuals with heart disease respond positively to coenzyme Q10 supplementation and significant improvements to their heart health. However, ~10-15% do not see any improvements from the addition of coenzyme Q10. Researchers have learned the "missing link" for these individuals is L-carnitine. The combination of L-carnitine with Coenzyme Q10 is needed for some individuals to experience the additional energy boost and improved heart function.

Signs of improvements many individuals see from a combination of L-carnitine and Coenzyme Q10 include better color, easier breathing, and less difficulty with exertion activities.

Now, receive free heart health and weight loss tips from dietitian Lisa Nelson when you subscribe to The Heart of Health. Subscribers also receive access to the special report "How to Make Heart Healthy Changes into Lifelong Habits". Learn more at http://www.hearthealthmadeeasy.com. Lisa Nelson RD, founder and owner of Heart Health Made Easy and Health Expert for The Health Central Network, is dedicated to guiding clients to heart health through practical diet and lifestyle changes.
Lisa Nelson RD is the founder and owner of Health Practices Online and Heart Health Made Easy.

Health Practices Online provides online business management services for busy health professionals who are overwhelmed by everything involved with establishing an online presence.

Receive regular tips and the free report "7 Steps to Starting an Online Health Practice" at http://www.healthpracticesonline.com.

Heart Health Made Easy provides clients step-by-step guidance to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and weight loss, so they can live life and enjoy their family for years to come. Lisa will make it truly possible for you to see dramatic changes in your health, without crazy fads or impossibly difficult techniques.

Receive regular tips and the free report "How to Make Heart Healthy Changes into Lifelong Habits" at http://www.hearthealthmadeeasy.com.

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