The Potential Benefits of L-Carnitine for Reproductive Health
L-Carnitine For Reproductive Health
Research suggests that l-carnitine can improve sperm concentration and motility. It also improves sperm DNA integrity. Its anti-oxidant properties can help mitigate oxidative stress, which is an important factor in male infertility.
In one study, De Rosa and colleagues found that LC/ALC supplementation improved sperm parameters in men with low total motility. This was attributed to an increase in fatty acid oxidation and decrease in the concentration of MDA, a marker of lipid peroxidation.
Propionyl-L-carnitine
Propionyl-L-carnitine is an amino acid that can be converted to acetyl-L-carnitine in the body. It is found in high concentrations in the skeletal muscles and liver, as well as in the epididymis of men. It plays an important role in the energy metabolism of the spermatozoa. Moreover, it has also been shown to improve the quality of semen in men with a history of teratozoospermia (Lenzi et al., 2004).
Oral propionyl-L-carnitine has been shown to improve the maximum walking distance (MWD) in patients with peripheral arterial disease. Its improvement is correlated with increased mitochondrial oxidative adenosine triphosphate synthesis and carnitine acetyltransferase activity. It also has anti-oxidative properties and exhibits free radical scavenging activity.
Acetyl-L-carnitine
Carnitine is a natural substance that helps the body use fat for energy. The body makes it in the liver and kidneys, and stores it in skeletal muscles, the brain, and the heart. Some conditions can affect carnitine levels.
Carnitine supplements can increase muscle and burn fat in some people. But it’s not clear whether they help with other conditions. For example, studies in older adults have shown that taking 3 g of acetyl-L-carnitine daily improves cardiac function and exercise performance. But studies of younger adults haven’t found this benefit.
Taking acetyl-L-carnitine by mouth seems to improve nerve pain caused by diabetes (diabetic neuropathy). It might also increase sperm movement and count in men with fertility problems. But more research is needed. It isn’t known if it is safe to take acetyl-L-carnitine while pregnant or breastfeeding.
L-carnitine L-tartrate
Carnitine is a small, water-soluble amino acid that plays an enormous role in normal physiology. It is involved in a number of important biological functions, including the transport of fats, especially cholesterol and triglycerides, and the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Dietary carnitine is derived from the amino acids lysine and methionine and is produced in the body by a series of reactions catalyzed by enzymes. These enzymes convert S-adenosylmethionine to e-N-trimethyllysine, which is then converted into carnitine by hydrolysis. Carnitine is a natural nutrient found in animal products, dairy foods, fish and poultry, and some vegetables.
In a study of 19 female subjects, L-carnitine tartrate supplementation was shown to improve serum carnitine levels during the menstrual cycle. Serum carnitine levels were significantly greater in the CAR group than in the PLA group (males: mean diff = 18, 95% CI = 11 to 26 uM, p
L-carnitine HCl
Carnitine is a water-soluble vitamin-like substance that is essential for human physiology. It is present in red meat, poultry, dairy, fish and fruits. It is also available as a dietary supplement and is easily absorbed in the body. The benefits of supplemental carnitine include improved energy levels, better mood, and improved muscle endurance. It can also help improve blood nitrate levels and increase sperm quality.
In some studies, l-carnitine has been shown to reduce lactate and pyruvate levels and decrease soreness during exercise. However, the effect on performance has been mixed. It may also help with intermittent claudication, a condition characterized by reduced blood flow to the legs, which can affect mobility and physical function.
In a randomized controlled trial, women with PCOS who took 3 g of l-carnitine per day had improved menstrual cycle regularity and higher ovulation rates. However, it did not increase pregnancy rates. It is not clear whether this benefit is due to carnitine’s acetyl group or its effect on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.
