Carnitine, also referred to as levocarnitine is a natural substance that has an essential function in the human body, particularly for cell metabolism. Being a transport molecule for fatty acids, carnitine can metaphorically be compared with a waiter in a restaurant delivering 'food' into the cells and removing 'residues’ from the cells. Carnitine is present in the heart and in the muscles in high concentration, and also in the most other tissues and organs, yet in much lower concentration. One part of our daily required dosage of carnitine is produced in a healthy human body. However, for appropriate carnitine supply additional amounts of carnitine must be taken up with our food, particularly through (red) meat. Healthy individuals that live on a balanced mixed diet get sufficient supply with levocarnitine.    

Carnitine carries out various functions in cell metabolism. Cell metabolism strongly depends on the digestion of lipids and carbohydrates as energy carriers. Carnitine is required for burning the lipids. Constant muscular activity, such as the beating of our heart that accompanies us for our whole life, or other continuous processes of movement, such as walking, running or rowing are facilitated or significantly made easier through this substance. In specific situations, e.g. during increased effort or with pathological disorders of the muscular tissue, carnitine will improve the conditions for the digestion and processing of carbohydrates. In this way, the impacts on the metabolism caused through stress peaks are reduced and generation of substances that are detrimental for the cells is prevented. In addition, carnitine can bind substances that may be detrimental to the cell. In this way, the fine structures of the heart and the muscles are protected.  

There are two types of carnitine deficiency. Primary carnitine deficiency has underlying genetic causes and already occurs in babies and infants. The source of this rare disease is non-available admission and distribution of carnitine in the body. If the disease remains untreated severe complications and health risks may occur. Secondary, also referred to as acquired, carnitine deficiency is by far more frequent and is described below:

Carnitine deficiency may occur as a consequence of diseases and therapy thereof or due to specific lifestyle habits. A deficiency occurs in such situations when the consumption or loss of carnitine is higher than the supply, and if this condition is maintained over a longer period.  

An increased risk of deficiency may be present due to e.g.  :

• Chronic diseases/disorders and circulatory disturbance of the cardiac and other muscles  ,
• dialysis (blood lavage) for chronic diseases of the kidneys  ,
• Specific, genetically caused diseases/disorders of the fatty acid and amino acid metabolism  ,
• Strictly vegetarian diet; chronic intestinal diseases  ,
• dTreatment with specific drugs, such as valproic acid or some cytostatics  ,
• Diabetes mellitus,
• Frequent extreme physical stress, such as serious sport  

If the cardiac and other muscles are not appropriately supplied with carnitine, physical performance and endurance will be reduce on the one hand, and weakness and fatigue will increase on the other hand. As there is not sufficient carnitine present to bind those substances with detrimental effects for the cells, in the long run these substances will attack the delicate structures of the cardiac and other muscles. Other organs that also required carnitine for their correct functioning, such as the liver or the blood, will also undergo functional impairment and disorder if carnitine deficiency occurs. Central disorders of the metabolism, immunodeficiency and anaemia may be the consequences.   

Carnitine deficiency may be balanced and cured through targeted and regular administration of high-dosage carnitine preparations. Supply via an adapted diet often is not enough. Users of these preparations experience the benefits of increased performance and endurance, of a better quality of life and of health protection.  

The following groups of persons experience particular advantage from taking carnitine preparations  :

• People who constantly feel tired and exhausted (both at work or due to an illness); These people report a decrease of their afflictions  ;
• For people with cardiac diseases the cardiac function is improved; overall physical abilities is increased and cardiac dysrhythmia is reduced  ;
• People with muscular diseases feel fit and experience less pain  
• Babies and infants who are particularly sensitive to carnitine deficiency  
• People with inappropriate carnitine supply through their diet (e.g. vegetarians/vegans, people with disorders of their intestinal tract, elderly people)  ;