• Fatigue
• Angina
• Muscle weakness
• Confusion

• Alcohol abuse
• Angina pectoris
• Atherosclerosis
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Diabetes
• Elevated cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels
• General fatigue
• Hypothyroidism
• Immune problems
• Immune suppression
• Ischemic heart disease
• Kidney dialysis
• Low HDL cholesterol
• Male infertility
• Muscle diseases
• Muscle weakness
• Obesity
• Poor endurance
• Pregnancy

Vitamin C, CoQ10, lipoic acid, B vitamins, and chromium all increase the effectiveness of L-carnitine.

Carnitine is known as a nutrient that protects us from cardiovascular disease. It has been shown to reduce blood triglycerides and cholesterol levels by increasing fat utilization. At the same time, carnitine can raise the HDL, which reduces cardiovascular disease.¹⁰

Several reports indicate that systemic carnitine deficiency may be a problem in patients with AIDS. Reduced levels of carnitine are often found in the blood and blood cells of AIDS patients. Increasing the carnitine content of the white blood cells has strongly improved their function, stressing the importance of carnitine to the immune system. Studies show that carnitine can improve immune function and reduce the level of HIV-induced immune suppression.¹

L-Carnitine plays an important role in fat metabolism. It helps physically active people optimize their performance level, aids in energy, promotes muscle building endurance, postpones the onset of fatigue and helps muscles recover more quickly after a workout.

Autism Research Review International. 1999, V.19, No. 2, p.7

A new study supports earlier evidence that the amino acid L-carnitine is of some benefit for individuals with Rett syndrome. The progressive disorder, which almost exclusively affects girls, often mimics autism in its early stages.

C. Ellaway and colleagues recently conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover trial of L-carnitine on 35 girls with Rett syndrome. The researchers say that both parents and medical personnel noted improvements in the L-carnitine-treated subjects' well-being, and say, “In addition, medical review showed an improvement on the Hand Apraxia Scale for a higher proportion of girls on L-carnitine." (A prominent symptom of Rett syndrome is the loss of purposeful use of the hands.)

The researchers conclude, "While L-carnitine did not lead to major functional changes in ability, the type of changes reported could still have a substantial impact on the girls and their families."

This study's findings are similar to those of a 1996 case study (see ARRI 10/3), in which E. Plochl and colleagues reported significant improvements in activity, steep, and communication in a five-year-old Rett syndrome patient treated with L-carnitine.¹⁸

“Rett syndrome: randomized controlled trial of L-carnitine,” C. Ellaway, K. Williams, H. Leonard, G. Higgins, B. Wilcken, and J. Christodoulou, Journal of Child Neurology, Vol. 14, No. 3, March 1999, pp. 162-167.