Life revolves around one simple premise we need energy to live. And while energy comes from a wealth of sources, the transfer and utilization of long chain fatty acids plays a vital role in this crucial process. Acetyl L-Carnitine (ACL) does exactly that. As we age, our natural production of ACL gradually shows signs of decline. Incorporating this stabilized form of L-Carnitine into our diet is an effective way to ensure that were producing the energy we need to live full and active lives.

L-Carnitine is not an amino acid in the strictest sense, it is actually related to the B vitamins and is known as Vitamin BT. Recent research indicates that carnitine plays an important role in converting stored body fat into energy, its main function in the body is to help transport long-chain fatty acids, which are burned within the cells to provide energy. This is a major source of energy for the muscles. This prevents fatty build-up, especially in the heart, liver and skeletal muscles.

The results associated with L-Carnitine supplementation is controlling hypoglycemia, energizing the heart, reducing angina attacks, and is beneficial to patients having diabetes, liver and or kidney disease. Studies have shown that damage to the heart from cardiac surgery can be reduced by treatment with L-Carnitine. Carnitine also has the ability to lower blood triglyceride levels and aids in weight loss.

It is also an effective supplement for athletes. It utilizes fat as a source of energy, sparing muscle and liver glycogen, also prolongs exercise time, prevents muscle fatigue, increases oxygen uptake, maintains normal energy metabolism, and increases stress tolerance.

Neuromuscular disorders are improved with carnitine, it is believed patients with systemic carnitine deficiency have a severe impairment of the oxidation of oleic and linoloeic acids, skeletal muscle fibres are greatly dependent on fatty acid oxidation for their energy requirement. Carnitine also enhances effectiveness of the antioxidant vitamins E and C.

Benefits and Uses
In addition to helping those with carnitine deficiencies, L-carnitine supplementation may benefit individuals with the following conditions:

Heart Disease
Some studies suggest that people taking an L-carnitine supplement soon after suffering a heart attack may be less likely to suffer a subsequent heart attack, die of heart disease, experience chest pain and abnormal heart rhythms, or develop congestive heart failure.

High Cholesterol
In several studies, L-carnitine significantly lowered total cholesterol and triglycerides, while increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol levels.

Down's Syndrome
In a study of individuals with Down syndrome, L-acetylcarnitine (LAC) supplementation significantly improved visual memory and attention.

Kidney Disease and Hemodialysis
Kidney damage can cause a significant carnitine deficiency. Individuals suffering from kidney disease may benefit from carnitine supplementation.

Male Infertility
Low sperm counts have been linked to low carnitine levels in men. Several studies suggest that L-carnitine supplementation may increase sperm count and mobility.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Some researchers speculate that chronic fatigue syndrome may be caused by deficiencies in a variety of nutrients, including carnitine. L-carnitine has been compared to a medication for fatigue in a study of 30 people with CFS. Those who took L-carnitine did much better than those who took the medication, particularly after receiving the supplement for 4 to 8 weeks.

Shock
Carnitine (administered intravenously in the hospital) may be helpful in treating shock from loss of blood, a sizeable heart attack, or a severe infection of the bloodstream known as sepsis. In one study, acetyl-L-carnitine helped improve the condition of 115 people with septic, cardiac, or traumatic shock.

Shock is a failure of the circulatory system and is a life-threatening medical emergency. Its key feature is inadequate blood flow to vital organs in the body. Therefore, if carnitine were used for this condition, it would, again, be administered in the hospital along with many other essential conventional therapies.

Hyperthyroidism
Some research suggests that L-carnitine may prove useful for preventing or diminishing the symptoms associated with an overactive thyroid. These symptoms include insomnia, nervousness, elevated heart rate, and tremors. In fact, in one study, a small group of people with hyperthyroidism had improvement in these symptoms, as well as normalization of their body temperature, when taking carnitine.