Can you get enough Carnitine from food and dietary sources ?

Carnitine got its name because it was first discovered in meat (carnus). Meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products are the richest dietary sources of carnitine. Fruits, vegetables, and grains contain relatively little L-carnitine, so vegetarians may want to supplement this nutrient. Premature infants may also be at increased risk of L-carnitine deficiency when fed soy-based formulas, so look for formulas that are L-carnitine fortified.

Some people have hereditary conditions that keep them from absorbing L-carnitine. Systemic carnitine deficiency and myopathic carnitine deficiency are genetic disorders that usually present symptoms, such as muscle pain or weakness, or decreased kidney and heart function, in infancy or early childhood. For these people, intravenous L-carnitine is available by prescription only.

Others wishing to supplement with carnitine for its potential benefit to cardiovascular, cognitive, or athletic function have a lot of options available to them. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is available without a prescription as a nutritional supplement. In addition to providing L-carnitine, it provides acetyl groups that help produce the important neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. Acetyl L Carnitine also comes as a powder that can be stirred into water or juice. L-carnitine is also available in supplements without a prescription.












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