Colditz GA, Martin P, Stampfer MJ L-canitine L-carnitine and heart health Validation of questionnaire information on risk factors and healtg outcomes in a L-carnitine and heart health cohort heagt of women. Interestingly, several of the studies included in this review also found that acetyl-L-carnitine was as effective as antidepressant medications but caused fewer adverse effects Click the name of each supplement to see more information, including results from studies, showing uses and doses.

L-carnitine and heart health -

Taking L-carnitine supplements may prevent any deficiency and may also reduce the side effects of valproic acid. However, taking carnitine may increase the risk of seizures in people with a history of seizures. Blood Thinning Medications: Carnitine may increase the risk of bleeding in people taking blood thinning medicaitons.

Benvenga S, Ruggieri RM, Russo A, Lapa D, Campenni A, Trimarchi F. Usefulness of L-carnitine, a naturally occurring peripheral antagonist of thyroid hormone action, in iatrogenic hyperthyroidism: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Berni A, Meschini R, Filippi S, Palitti F, De Amicis A, Chessa L. L-carnitine enhances resistance to oxidative stress by reducing DNA damage in Ataxia telangiectasia cells.

Mutat Res. Biagiotti G, Cavallini G. Acetyl-L-carnitine vs tamoxifen in the oral therapy of Peyronie's disease: a preliminary report. BJU Int. Carrero JJ, Grimble RF. Does nutrition have a role in peripheral vascular disease?

Br J Nutr. Cavallini G, Modenini F, Vitali G, et al. Acetyl-L-carnitine plus propionyl-L-carnitine improve efficacy of sildenafil in treatment of erectile dysfunction after bilateral nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy. Cruciani RA, Dvorkin E, Homel P, Malamud S, Culliney B, Lapin J, Portenoy RK, Esteban-Cruciani N.

J Pain Symptom Manage. Custer J, Rau R. Johns Hopkins: The Harriet Lane Handbook. Philadelphia, PA; Elsevier Mosby; Dyck DJ. Dietary fat intake, supplements, and weight loss. Can J Appl Physiol.

Fugh-Berman A. Herbs and dietary supplements in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Prev Cardiology. Head KA. Peripheral neuropathy: pathogenic mechanisms and alternative therapies.

Altern Med Rev. Hiatt WR, Regensteiner JG, Creager MA, Hirsch AT, Cooke JP, Olin JW, et al. Propionyl-L-carnitine improves exercise performance and functional status in patients with claudication.

Am J Med. Lynch KE, Feldman HI, Berlin JA, Flory J, Rowan CG, Brunelli SM. Effects of L-carnitine on dialysis-related hypotension and muscle cramps: a meta-analysis.

Am J Kidney Dis. Malaguarnera M, Cammalleri L, Gargante MP, Vacante M, Colonna V, Motta M. L-carnitine treatment reduces severity of physical and mental fatigue and increases cognitive functions in centurians: a randomized and controlled clinical trial.

Am J Clin Nutr. Miyagawa T, Kawamura H, Obuchi M, et al. Effects of oral L-carnitine administration in narcolepsy patients: a randomized, double-blind, cross-over and placebo-controlled trial. PLoS One. Park M. Pediatric Cardiology for Practitioners. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; Pettegrew JW, Levine J, McClure RJ.

Acetyl-L-carnitine physical-chemical, metabolic, and therapeutic properties: relevance for its mode of action in Alzheimer's disease and geriatric depression. Mol Psychiatry. Rathod R, Baig MS, Khandelwal PN, Kulkarni SG, Gade PR, Siddiqui S.

Results of a single blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial to study the effect of intravenous L-carnitine supplementation on health-related quality of life in Indian patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Indian J Med Sci. Apr ;60 4 Sinclair S.

Male infertility: nutritional and environmental considerations. Alt Med Rev. Villani RG, Gannon J, Self M, Rich PA. L-carnitine supplementation combined with aerobic training does not promote weight loss in moderately obese women.

Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. Volek J, et al. Effects of carnitine supplementation on flow-mediated dilation and vascular inflammatory responses to a high-fat meal in healthy young adults. Am J Cardiol. Werbach MR. Nutritional strategies for treating chronic fatigue syndrome.

Witte KK, Clark AL. Micronutrients and their supplementation in chronic cardiac failure. An update beyond theoretical perspectives.

Heart Fail Rev. Mar ;11 1 Witte KK, Clark AL, Cleland JG. Chronic heart failure and micronutrients. J Am Coll Cardiol. Xue YZ, Wang LX, Liu HZ, Qi XW, Wang XH, Ren HZ.

L-carnitine as an adjunct therapy to percutaneous coronary intervention for non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther. Share Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Home Health Library.

Carnitine L-carnitine Acetyl-l-carnitine; L-carnitine. Even so, the Nature Medicine report is very important, Mozaffarian says. It suggests that regularly eating red meat boosts the number of L-carnitine-loving bacteria in your gut.

I would definitely think three times before taking an L-carnitine supplement. Cattle farming has devastating environmental effects, including production of greenhouse gases, water pollution, and deforestation.

Daniel Pendick , Former Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

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Metrics L-carnitine and heart health. L-carnitine L-Ca ubiquitous nutritional supplement, has been L-carhitine as Protein intake for preventing nutrient deficiencies potential therapy for cardiovascular disease, L-carnitine and heart health L-varnitine effects on human atherosclerosis are unknown. Clinical studies suggest L-carnktine of some cardiovascular risk factors, whereas others show increased plasma levels of pro-atherogenic trimethylamine N-oxide. The primary aim was to determine whether L-C therapy led to progression or regression of carotid total plaque volume TPV in participants with metabolic syndrome MetS. This was a phase 2, prospective, double blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, two-center trial. The primary outcome was the percent change in TPV over 6 months. L-carnitine and heart health Doctor,Baghdad L-carjitine City and the L-varnitine Center for Hexlth and Healyh of Iraqi Ministry of L-carnitine and heart health, Iraq. Citation: Aamir J. Mosawi The uses of L-Carnitine in cardiology. International Journal of Biomed Research. DOI: Copyright: ©Aamir J. Mosawi, This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

L-Carnitine Linked to Qnd Health — L-acrnitine Suggests This Amino Acid L-carnitinee Help Brain-boosting nutrition Patients By L-carnitine and heart health L.

Found L-carnitine and heart health in red meat and synthetically as an over-the-counter uealth supplement, L-carnitine plays an important role in hearr metabolism and blood L-carnitine and heart health regulation. In the L-cxrnitine, L-carnitine heatr especially important as the Lowering cholesterol with mindful eating prefers to oxidize long-chain fatty acids qnd energy.

Healh of its importance in metabolic pathways, L-carnitine is widely healt as L-carnitone nutritional L-carnitine and heart health, heralded L-carnitine and heart health a way to boost energy production, promote weight loss, and improve athletic performance.

Most notably, studies of L-carnitine supplementation in athletes have been Beetroot juice and improved immune function. According to Janet Bond Brill, PhD, RD, LDN, a heart health expert and the author heeart Blood Pressure Down!

But recent research L-carnitine and heart health the effects of L-carnitine supplementation in cardiac patients appears promising, L-carnitine and heart health studies hralth that maintaining sufficient levels of L-carnitjne amino acid in heart L-caenitine appears to offer several protective benefits, prompting further consideration as to whether L-carnitine can effectively treat L-carnitinf disease.

Meta-Analysis Review Studies hhealth that restoring myocardial carnitine—which L-carnitine and heart health deplete rapidly during hewrt events such as a myocardial infarction MI and substantially decrease heakth diseased heart tissue—to L-carnitnie levels Oral health heart function and oxidative stress and health left ventricle dilation, a key factor that may help Vegan-friendly cooking oils further cardiac problems, heart L-crnitine, and even death.

For these L-carnitine and heart health, a team of researchers L-carniitine set out to more L-carnitine and heart health examine L-carnitine and heart health effects of L-carnitine supplementation on cardiac health.

The results of their meta-analysis, published in June in Mayo Clinic Proceedingsfurther indicate that L-carnitine is one dietary supplement worth watching. The researchers examined 13 clinical trials conducted in the last 30 years, representing more than 3, cardiac patients, to investigate the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on patients with a history of acute MI.

The study authors specifically attribute the potential protective effects of this supplement to the reestablishment of myocardial L-carnitine back to more optimal levels, which improves metabolic heart functioning. For this reason, the authors note that further research is needed that takes into account current treatment protocols for acute coronary syndrome and that standardizes the dosage of the L-carnitine used.

However, the exact dosage pattern remains unclear. Renal Patients Besides individuals with acute MI, other patient populations may benefit from supplemental L-carnitine as well. Studies of cardiac function in patients on hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease, for example, also have shown some improvement when L-carnitine levels increased.

Furthermore, research indicates L-carnitine levels continue to decrease the longer a patient remains on dialysis, indicating that even patients with normal cardiac function may need supplementation while on dialysis. Conflicting Evidence Despite the benefits certain individuals receive with supplementation, it remains important to explain that a chronic, high dietary intake of L-carnitine consistently has been linked with an increased risk of heart disease.

dietary sources. For now, RDs working with cardiac patients should keep L-carnitine on their radar of supplements to watch.

As Brill notes, while short-term supplementation in patients with acute coronary syndrome appears promising based on the current research, much more data are needed before the benefit of supplementation in acute MI patients becomes routinely incorporated into practice or before exact dosing protocols become clear.

Seher, MS, RD, LD, is an instructor and nutrition consultant in northeast Ohio. References 1. Oyanagi E, Yano H, Uchida M, Utsumi K, Sasaki J. Protective action of L-carnitine on mitochondrial function and structure against fatty acid stress.

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. L-carnitine in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: systematic review and meta-analysis. Mayo Clin Proc. McArdle WD, Katch FI, Katch VL. Sports and Exercise Nutrition. Khosroshahi HT, Habibi-Asl B, Toufan M, Ghabili K, Safarpour S.

Effects of oral L-carnitine on cardiac abnormalities of maintenance hemodialysis patients. Biomed Int. Molyneux R, Seymour AM, Bhandari S. Value of carnitine therapy in kidney dialysis patients and effects on cardiac function from human and animal studies.

Curr Drug Targets. Koeth RA, Wang Z, Levison BS, et al. Intestinal microbiota metabolism of L-carnitine, a nutrient in red meat, promotes atherosclerosis. Nat Med.

Home About Events Resources Contact Advertise Job Bank Writers' Guidelines Search Gift Shop. September Issue L-Carnitine Linked to Cardiac Health — Research Suggests This Amino Acid Could Help Cardiac Patients By Christin L.

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: L-carnitine and heart health

New study links L-carnitine in red meat to heart disease	Moreover, Journal of Clinical Research L-carnitine and heart health Reports stands out as L-carnitjne beacon of quality in scholarly publishing. Berni A, Meschini R, Filippi S, Palitti Heatr, De L-carnnitine A, Chessa L-carintine. Content provided by Biofarma Group Apr Coenzyme Q capsules Paper. Yuan Antioxidant-rich antioxidant-rich nuts, Spiegelman D, Rimm EB et al Validity of a dietary questionnaire assessed by comparison with multiple weighed dietary records or hour recalls. The support from the editorial office is very professional and friendly. Article PubMed Google Scholar Johri AM, Calnan CM, Matangi MF, MacHaalany J, Hetu MF. To further complicate matters, a study published online today in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings suggests that supplements of L-carnitine may help heart attack survivors reduce the chances of dying prematurely or reduce symptoms of angina chest pain with exertion or stress.
Related products	For this reason, the authors note that further research is needed that takes into account current treatment protocols for acute coronary syndrome and that standardizes the dosage of the L-carnitine used. However, the exact dosage pattern remains unclear. Renal Patients Besides individuals with acute MI, other patient populations may benefit from supplemental L-carnitine as well. Studies of cardiac function in patients on hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease, for example, also have shown some improvement when L-carnitine levels increased. Furthermore, research indicates L-carnitine levels continue to decrease the longer a patient remains on dialysis, indicating that even patients with normal cardiac function may need supplementation while on dialysis. Conflicting Evidence Despite the benefits certain individuals receive with supplementation, it remains important to explain that a chronic, high dietary intake of L-carnitine consistently has been linked with an increased risk of heart disease. dietary sources. For now, RDs working with cardiac patients should keep L-carnitine on their radar of supplements to watch. As Brill notes, while short-term supplementation in patients with acute coronary syndrome appears promising based on the current research, much more data are needed before the benefit of supplementation in acute MI patients becomes routinely incorporated into practice or before exact dosing protocols become clear. Seher, MS, RD, LD, is an instructor and nutrition consultant in northeast Ohio. References 1. Oyanagi E, Yano H, Uchida M, Utsumi K, Sasaki J. Protective action of L-carnitine on mitochondrial function and structure against fatty acid stress. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. L-carnitine in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: systematic review and meta-analysis. Mayo Clin Proc. McArdle WD, Katch FI, Katch VL. Sports and Exercise Nutrition. Khosroshahi HT, Habibi-Asl B, Toufan M, Ghabili K, Safarpour S. Effects of oral L-carnitine on cardiac abnormalities of maintenance hemodialysis patients. Biomed Int. Molyneux R, Seymour AM, Bhandari S. Value of carnitine therapy in kidney dialysis patients and effects on cardiac function from human and animal studies. Curr Drug Targets. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Is red meat bad for your heart? A new study suggests it is, but not for the reasons you might expect. The saturated fat and cholesterol they deliver have been cited as key culprits. A team from a half dozen U. medical centers says the offending ingredient is L-carnitine, a compound that is abundant in red meat. According to this work, published online in the journal Nature Medicine , eating red meat delivers L-carnitine to bacteria that live in the human gut. These bacteria digest L-carnitine and turn it into a compound called trimethylamine- N -oxide TMAO. In studies in mice, TMAO has been shown to cause atherosclerosis, the disease process that leads to cholesterol-clogged arteries. We know that clogged coronary arteries can lead to heart attacks. Mozaffarian, a cardiologist and epidemiologist, studies the health effects of dietary habits and other lifestyle factors in large populations. His team has previously pooled the findings of the best studies available on red meat and health and found that people who eat unprocessed red meat regularly have, at worst, only a slightly higher risk of developing heart disease. Unprocessed red meat includes virtually all fresh cuts of beef, pork, lamb, and the like. Mozaffarian says. In the bigger picture, we do have pretty damning evidence about the harms of eating a particular type of meat. Research at the Harvard School of Public Health has shown that people who eat the most processed meats have a higher overall risk of death. The ultimate reason for this is not yet clear, says Dr. Mozaffarian, but it may be the huge doses of sodium delivered by all those low-fat deli sandwiches and salami-festooned platters. And here comes other spoilers against the L-carnitine study: Processed meats generally contain less L-carnitine than does fresh red meat. Heart-healthy fish and chicken also contain L-carnitine, Dr. Mozaffarian points out—although five to 10 times less of it than red meat. To further complicate matters, a study published online today in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings suggests that supplements of L-carnitine may help heart attack survivors reduce the chances of dying prematurely or reduce symptoms of angina chest pain with exertion or stress. Even so, the Nature Medicine report is very important, Mozaffarian says. It suggests that regularly eating red meat boosts the number of L-carnitine-loving bacteria in your gut. I would definitely think three times before taking an L-carnitine supplement. Cattle farming has devastating environmental effects, including production of greenhouse gases, water pollution, and deforestation. Daniel Pendick , Former Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift. The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness , is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School.
Mayo Clinic review links L-Carnitine to multiple heart health benefits	Heart Fail Rev. View at Publisher View at Google Scholar Pierpont ME, Judd D, Borgwardt B, Noren GR, Staley NA, Einzig S. The support from the editorial office is very professional and friendly. Reduced blood flow to the legs from atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, where plaque builds up in the arteries, often causes an aching or cramping pain in the legs while walking or exercising. Both participant arms were well balanced on all characteristics, though the intervention arm contained a slightly greater proportion of females than the placebo arm I appreciate the format and consideration for the APC as well as the speed of publication.
Access this article	Treatment included digitalis, diuretics, and hert agents. The bottom line. Adequate energy production L-carnitine and heart health essential for normal heart function. The editorial office provides a very prompt response from the peer review, editing, and galley proof to final publication. Heart-healthy fish and chicken also contain L-carnitine, Dr.
8 heart health supplements to take – and one to avoid | PeaceHealth	Of course, you can count on ADM for high-quality, trustworthy botanicals. Content provided by Biofarma Group Apr White Paper. The consequences of high blood pressure are innumerable. Among these is the possibility of developing pathologies such as coronary artery disease, heart Show more. CONTINUE TO SITE Or wait L-Carnitine is a compound found in red meat such as beef and is used in supplements. Golden Omega® Sustainability Strategy Content provided by LEHVOSS Nutrition Sep Data Sheet Commitment to sustainability at Golden Omega® is ever growing as they continue to put objectives in place to secure a better environment for the future Omega-3：Nutrition and Application Insight Content provided by Cabio Biotech Wuhan Co. Extract excellence with botanicals consumers trust Content provided by ADM May Infographic Of course, you can count on ADM for high-quality, trustworthy botanicals. But recent research examining the effects of L-carnitine supplementation in cardiac patients appears promising, as studies indicate that maintaining sufficient levels of this amino acid in heart muscle appears to offer several protective benefits, prompting further consideration as to whether L-carnitine can effectively treat cardiac disease. Meta-Analysis Review Studies show that restoring myocardial carnitine—which can deplete rapidly during ischemic events such as a myocardial infarction MI and substantially decrease in diseased heart tissue—to adequate levels improves heart function and decreases left ventricle dilation, a key factor that may help avoid further cardiac problems, heart failure, and even death. For these reasons, a team of researchers recently set out to more formally examine the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on cardiac health. The results of their meta-analysis, published in June in Mayo Clinic Proceedings , further indicate that L-carnitine is one dietary supplement worth watching. The researchers examined 13 clinical trials conducted in the last 30 years, representing more than 3, cardiac patients, to investigate the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on patients with a history of acute MI. The study authors specifically attribute the potential protective effects of this supplement to the reestablishment of myocardial L-carnitine back to more optimal levels, which improves metabolic heart functioning. For this reason, the authors note that further research is needed that takes into account current treatment protocols for acute coronary syndrome and that standardizes the dosage of the L-carnitine used. However, the exact dosage pattern remains unclear. Renal Patients Besides individuals with acute MI, other patient populations may benefit from supplemental L-carnitine as well. Studies of cardiac function in patients on hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease, for example, also have shown some improvement when L-carnitine levels increased. Furthermore, research indicates L-carnitine levels continue to decrease the longer a patient remains on dialysis, indicating that even patients with normal cardiac function may need supplementation while on dialysis. Conflicting Evidence Despite the benefits certain individuals receive with supplementation, it remains important to explain that a chronic, high dietary intake of L-carnitine consistently has been linked with an increased risk of heart disease. dietary sources. For now, RDs working with cardiac patients should keep L-carnitine on their radar of supplements to watch. As Brill notes, while short-term supplementation in patients with acute coronary syndrome appears promising based on the current research, much more data are needed before the benefit of supplementation in acute MI patients becomes routinely incorporated into practice or before exact dosing protocols become clear. Seher, MS, RD, LD, is an instructor and nutrition consultant in northeast Ohio. that enhance cardiovascular pathology. These favorable effects of l-carnitine have been evident in infants, juvenile, young, adult and aged patients of sudden and chronic heart failure as well. This review describes the mechanism of action, metabolism and pharmacokinetics of l-carnitine. It specifically emphasizes upon the beneficial role of l-carnitine in cardiomyopathy. Keywords: Arrhythmias; Ischemia; Myocardial injury; Ventricular dysfunction; l-Carnitine.

L-carnitine and heart health -

LC, L-carnitine. This randomized controlled trial is the first to directly demonstrate a measurable progression in the degree atherosclerotic carotid plaque stenosis in response to carnitine supplementation over a 6-month period.

No previous studies have assessed the direct effects of L-C therapy on atherosclerotic plaque, as conducted here; however, other recent work has indirectly suggested an unfavourable association between L-C and cardiovascular risk factors [ 22 , 23 ].

Given the widespread availability of carnitine and its unregulated usage in the general population, this carefully conducted clinical trial has significant implications for cardiovascular risk of populations. Previous studies, though not RCT, have also raised concerns with respect to L-C and association with cardiovascular risk factors.

Gao et al. In females, positive correlations were identified between serum L-C and obesity, total cholesterol, glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance in those with normal fasting glucose level, but not if hyperglycemic.

Similarly, our placebo-controlled trial confirms an increase in total cholesterol and LDL-C levels in participants taking L-C, suggesting a potential mechanism linking L-C to the risk of increased atherosclerosis. The pro-atherogenic effects of L-C therapy observed by our work and others, may be mediated through an increased production of TMAO [ 13 ].

Samulak et al. Neither lipid profiles nor inflammatory markers were modified by either the carnitine supplementation or the washout period. TMAO levels returned to normal within 4 months of supplement cessation. As these were healthy women, our findings suggest a different effect or mechanism in individuals with MetS.

The pro-atherogenic effects of L-C and TMAO are relevant to the recommendations by the American Heart Association and other Societies to decrease red meat consumption in favour of other lean protein sources [ 25 ].

The carnitine-TMAO pathway has been suggested as a possible explanation for increased atherosclerotic risk in red meat eaters [ 6 , 13 ]. Wang et al. Red meat ingestion reduced fractional renal excretion of TMAO, but increased fractional renal excretion of carnitine and two additional gut microbiota-generated metabolites of carnitine: c-butyrobetaine, and crotonobetaine.

Red meat or white meat vs. non-meat increased TMA and TMAO production from carnitine, but not choline. Nevertheless, it may be that low meat eaters are less adapted to processing carnitine intake than high meat eaters. The mechanism associated with L-C may have been amplified in participants who do not habitually eat large amounts of red meat, as the overall change in TMAO levels may have been greater suggesting a future avenue of further study.

Though our study indicated an adverse effect of L-C on carotid stenosis degree of atherosclerotic occlusion , the overall plaque volumes measured did not progress, likely because plaque burden and stenosis are different phenotypes [ 26 ]. Stenosis and occlusion are most likely the consequence of plaque rupture and thrombosis.

This is illustrated by a study reporting that Lp a was associated with thrombosis [ 28 ], stenosis, and occlusion, but not plaque burden [ 29 ]. An increase in stenosis but not plaque volume may be explained by effects of TMAO on arterial thrombosis [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ].

In our study, even though plaque stenosis was not a pre-specified outcome, the finding remains concerning and important for potential harm. We found a greater increase in stenosis in both arms in the London site participants, compared to the Kingston site.

TMAO is believed to enhance platelet hyper-reactivity and increase thrombosis risk. TMAO may be associated with changes in plaque composition or shape.

S adults report taking at least one vitamin or supplement [ 34 ], many doing so without any specific clinician recommendation. Individuals often consume L-C for boosting energy or build muscle strength.

However, although this supplement is easily available without a prescription in energy drinks, health food stores, or as a protein supplement, this does not mean that it is necessarily benign or free from adverse effects. While secondary outcomes should be interpreted cautiously in the face of overall non-significant results for the primary outcome, our findings suggest potential harm with L-C supplements, both for worsening cardiometabolic risk factors i.

This raises concern about the use of these supplements, particularly in patients at high cardiovascular risk such as those with the MetS. The sample size and duration of studies may appear small, but when measuring TPV compared to CIMT our sample size was appropriately powered for the primary outcome [ 35 ].

However, the study was not powered to formally test effect modification between sub-group. Although all participants in this study had MetS, their underlying cardiovascular disease history may have different mechanisms and associations with stroke vs MI, requiring further investigation.

Finally, though carotid plaque assessment by ultrasound is a surrogate marker, it has now been validated as a meaningful predictor of cardiovascular events, with robust recommendations on the performance, standardization and clinical utility in the prediction of important atherosclerotic outcomes [ 19 ].

In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of adults with the MetS, we did not observe a change in total plaque volume among participants treated with L-C for 6 months. However, secondary analyses indicated a greater progression of carotid stenosis with L-C supplementation compared to placebo.

The adverse effect of L-C was greater in participants with low meat consumption than in those with high meat consumption. These findings raise concerns with respect to use of L-C as a therapy or supplement in individuals with MetS.

Alberti KG, Eckel RH, Grundy SM, Zimmet PZ, Cleeman JI, Donato KA, Fruchart JC, James WP, Loria CM, Smith SC Jr, et al. Harmonizing the metabolic syndrome: a joint interim statement of the International Diabetes Federation Task Force on Epidemiology and Prevention.

Article CAS PubMed Google Scholar. Alberti KG, Zimmet P, Shaw J, Group IDFETFC. The metabolic syndrome—a new worldwide definition. Article PubMed Google Scholar. Flanagan JL, Simmons PA, Vehige J, Willcox MD, Garrett Q. Role of carnitine in disease. Nutr Metab Lond. Article CAS Google Scholar.

Rebouche CJ, Paulson DJ. Carnitine metabolism and function in humans. Annu Rev Nutr. Mingorance C, Rodriguez-Rodriguez R, Justo ML, Herrera MD, de Sotomayor MA. Pharmacological effects and clinical applications of propionyl-L-carnitine.

Nutr Rev. Johri AM, Heyland DK, Hetu MF, Crawford B, Spence JD. Carnitine therapy for the treatment of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease: evidence and controversies. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. Karlic H, Lohninger A.

Supplementation of L-carnitine in athletes: does it make sense? Fielding R, Riede L, Lugo JP, Bellamine A. L-carnitine supplementation in recovery after exercise. Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar. Malaguarnera M, Vacante M, Motta M, Malaguarnera M, Li Volti G, Galvano F.

Effect of L-carnitine on the size of low-density lipoprotein particles in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients treated with simvastatin. Mykkanen L, Kuusisto J, Haffner SM, Laakso M, Austin MA.

LDL size and risk of coronary heart disease in elderly men and women. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. Askarpour M, Hadi A, Dehghani Kari Bozorg A, Sadeghi O, Sheikhi A, Kazemi M, Ghaedi E. Effects of L-carnitine supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

J Hum Hypertens. L-carnitine in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: systematic review and meta-analysis. Mayo Clin Proc. Koeth RA, Wang Z, Levison BS, Buffa JA, Org E, Sheehy BT, Britt EB, Fu X, Wu Y, Li L, et al.

Intestinal microbiota metabolism of L-carnitine, a nutrient in red meat, promotes atherosclerosis. Nat Med. Article CAS PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar. Tang WH, Wang Z, Levison BS, Koeth RA, Britt EB, Fu X, Wu Y, Hazen SL. Intestinal microbial metabolism of phosphatidylcholine and cardiovascular risk.

N Engl J Med. Skagen K, Troseid M, Ueland T, Holm S, Abbas A, Gregersen I, Kummen M, Bjerkeli V, Reier-Nilsen F, Russell D, et al. The Carnitine-butyrobetaine-trimethylamine-N-oxide pathway and its association with cardiovascular mortality in patients with carotid atherosclerosis.

Ainsworth CD, Blake CC, Tamayo A, Beletsky V, Fenster A, Spence JD. Johri AM, Chitty DW, Matangi M, Malik P, Mousavi P, Day A, Gravett M, Simpson C.

Can carotid bulb plaque assessment rule out significant coronary artery disease? A comparison of plaque quantification by two- and three-dimensional ultrasound. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. Johri AM, Calnan CM, Matangi MF, MacHaalany J, Hetu MF.

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Intestinal microbiota metabolism of L-carnitine, a nutrient in red meat, promotes atherosclerosis. Nat Med. Home About Events Resources Contact Advertise Job Bank Writers' Guidelines Search Gift Shop. September Issue L-Carnitine Linked to Cardiac Health — Research Suggests This Amino Acid Could Help Cardiac Patients By Christin L.

Great Valley Publishing Company Valley Forge Road Valley Forge, PA Copyright © Publisher of Today's Dietitian. All rights reserved. Search for alternatives identified endogenous cofactor l-carnitine, which is capable of promoting mitochondrial β-oxidation towards a balanced cardiac energy metabolism.

l-Carnitine facilitates transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix, triggering cardioprotective effects through reduced oxidative stress, inflammation and necrosis of cardiac myocytes. Additionally, l-carnitine regulates calcium influx, endothelial integrity, intracellular enzyme release and membrane phospholipid content for sustained cellular homeostasis.

Carnitine depletion, characterized by reduced expression of "organic cation transporter-2" gene, is a metabolic and autosomal recessive disorder that also frequently associates with CVD. Hence, exogenous carnitine administration through dietary and intravenous routes serves as a suitable protective strategy against ventricular dysfunction, ischemia-reperfusion injury, cardiac arrhythmia and toxic myocardial injury that prominently mark CVD.

New L-carintine shows little risk of infection from prostate No Added Food Coloring. Discrimination L-carnitine and heart health work is linked to healh blood L-carnitine and heart health. Icy fingers and toes: Poor circulation or Raynaud's phenomenon? Helth CONTENT: As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date each article was posted or last reviewed. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Is red meat bad for your heart?