Carnitine

To ensure that you are maximizing energy is to eat well from the food guide pyramid, then consume all the nutrients you need to breakdown food and turn it into energy. B vitamins, iron, magnesium, CoQ10, alpha lipoic acid and many other nutrients play key roles.

Carnitine, also known as L-carnitine is an amino acid byproduct that it crucial to the energy process:

1. Carnitine shuttles fat into the mitochondria of the cell where it is used for energy.
2. Carnitine allows athletes to exercise longer without fatigue. In one study 2 gm/day increased the speed of runners.
3. Carnitine also boosts the immune system.
4. May lower triglycerides levels. Weight loss potential?
5. Neuropathy and myelopathy, repair of damaged nerves and muscles.

Carnitine is found in the diet predominantly in meat and animal products. Carnitine can also be synthesized in the diet from other amino acids. Vegetarians get no carnitine in their diet.

Supplements 500 mg capsules one to three times/day.

Donna Tinnerello MS, RD,, CD/N is registered dietician with more than 10 years experience in HIV and nutrition. She works at Cabrini Medical Center in lower Manhattan,in private practice and the community.Her subspecialties are cardiovascular, renal, and gastrointestinal disease, diabetes and weight loss. Donna is available for private consultation by referral only.