L-Carnitine for Heart Health
L-Carnitine is a non-essential amino acid that plays a vital role in cardiovascular health and the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Its primary function is to shuttle fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they are used for ATP synthesis via beta-oxidation (Song et al, 2017). Since the heart requires substantial energy to function properly, it relies heavily on beta-oxidation, which involves burning fat for energy. In cases of heart failure, the heart may be described as "an engine out of fuel" or experiencing "energy starvation," leading to impaired contraction. This is where L-Carnitine becomes significant, as it helps restore fuel to the heart through fatty acid metabolism (2).
Following a cardiovascular event, myocardial carnitine levels have been observed to decrease, but supplementing with carnitine has shown to replenish these lost levels. A meta-analysis of 13 controlled trials involving 3629 patients revealed that L-Carnitine supplementation was associated with a significant 27% reduction in all-cause mortality, a 65% reduction in arrhythmias, and a 40% reduction in angina. This amino acid has positive effects on left ventricular function, which is an important predictor of heart health (1).
Despite its clear role in metabolism and the demonstrated benefits of L-Carnitine in aiding cardiac function and preventing cardiovascular diseases, it is not yet widely administered for CVD. The evidence strongly suggests that L-Carnitine could be a valuable adjunct in promoting heart health and addressing CVD, the leading cause of death worldwide (2).
References:
1. DiNicolantonio, J. J., Lavie, C. J., Fares, H., Menezes, A. R., & O’Keefe, J. H. (2013). L-Carnitine in the Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 88(6), 544–551. https://uws.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edselp&AN=S0025619613001274&site=eds-live&scope=site
2. Song, X., Qu, H., Yang, Z., Rong, J., Cai, W., & Zhou, H. (2017). Efficacy and Safety of L-Carnitine Treatment for Chronic Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. BioMed research international, 2017, 6274854. https://uws.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=mdc&AN=28497060&site=eds-live&scope=site
