I went to GNC and picked up bottle of 60 - 500MG pills for $25 with the 20% GNC member discount)… its about a 1 month supply if you take two a day. The brand was Vita Plus acetyl-L-carnitine. You can get the GNC brand for a $10 more or you can get the GNC plain L-carnitine for about $5 more. I was told by the lady in the store that Acetyl is absorbed better than non-acetyl-L-carnitine. I also have another very interesting article below that supports the argument with even more research back-up (see below).
In this issue:
L-carnitine: The Case for Red Meat
It's good to know...
You may assume because I’m known as the ‘nutrition physician’ that I’m against red meat. This couldn’t be any further from the truth. Red meat (lean, organic, and antibiotic-free) can actually benefit your health.
Here’s why…
Red meat contains the highest concentrations of a vital nutrient called L-carnitine. It’s got about 94 mg of L-carnitine in every serving. By comparison, secondary sources like cheese and milk only contain about 3 mg per serving.
Why is L-carnitine important?
The amount of L-carnitine in your body is directly related to your energy level. It’s a key player in helping your body turn fat into energy. According to the late Dr. Brian Liebovitz, a good friend and L-carnitine pioneer, L-carnitine is literally the ‘energy nutrient.’
Most people have the ability to produce their own carnitine. (That’s why it’s not technically called a vitamin.) But—in order to produce it, your body has to have adequate levels of 6 other nutrients: lysine, methionine, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and iron.
If you’re lacking in any one of those areas, guess what? You’re probably not producing enough L-carnitine either.
What happens without enough L-carnitine?
Without this vital nutrient, you can feel lethargic and even gain weight. (Many vegetarians unknowingly are L-carnitine deficient.) You’re also at greater risk for developing heart disease, diabetes, liver disorders, and kidney diseases. Chances are, your immune system’s compromised as well.
The good news is…
A new study out last week proves that L-carnitine can help prevent and even reverse the slowing of your metabolism due to the aging process.
As we get older, we are all prone to a sluggish metabolism. But what scientists in
And here’s proof…
Scientists at the
This lead to a 55% improvement in the oxidative capacity in the muscles of the older rats. (This is a key indicator in how well an animal’s metabolism is working.)
Plus, while no dietary changes were made, the rats experienced a decrease in abdominal fat. In other words, because their muscles were working harder (55% harder), the rats turned the fat into energy instead of keeping it in the form of belly fat.
(As a side note: oxidative muscle capacity also directly relates to how well your body responds to insulin. So diabetics may want to look closely at keeping up adequate L-carnitine levels.)
Well, that’s great news, but what can L-carnitine do for humans?
The truth is, L-carnitine is critically important to humans, especially as we get older.
One study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition looked at the effect of L-carnitine on 66 subjects over 100 years of age. During this study, the patients were either given a placebo or a daily dose of L-carnitine for six months.
Compared to the placebo group, the L-carnitine group experienced across the board improvements, including:
· Greater reductions in fat mass
· Increased total muscle mass
· Reduced fatigue (as measured after a 6 minute walking test)
· Improved cognitive performance
· Less mental fatigue
Now—I’m not saying to start eating hamburgers every night of the week.
Instead, I recommend trying to get 2-3 servings a week of lean, organic, antibiotic-free meat. Even the chain grocery stores have started carrying this type of high quality red meat. Laura’s organic beef is one brand I found at my grocery store.
On the other hand, if you feel better without red meat in your diet, you can always supplement L-carnitine. (As another side note: your body doesn’t need acetyl-l-carnitine. That’s a patented, for-profit supplement you can do without!)
Men usually require more L-carnitine than women, due to their larger body mass. I usually recommend 500-1000 mg for women and 1000-2000 mg for men.
Science catches up to good nutrition
As I mentioned earlier, my friend Dr. Liebovitz was the pioneer advocate of L-carnitine… he was just about the only PhD I knew writing about it 15 years ago. And it’s great to see that the laboratory scientists are actually starting to catch on. It is often the case that so-called laboratory science is behind the curve in ‘proving’ concepts that we nutritionists have been preaching for years!
So the next time you’re out, don’t second guess picking up a nice lean cut of meat (organic and steroid-free, of course!). And tell your neighbors, your nutritionist said it’s good for you!
Until next time,
Allan Spreen, M.D.
NorthStar Nutritionals
At NorthStar Nutritionals, we're committed to providing high quality nutritional products using the latest scientific research available, as well as the best ingredients derived from reliable sources. We believe that equipped with such products, our customers will have the tools to take control of their health naturally.
Our team of knowledgeable experts works specifically for you, developing innovative solutions and products based on your feedback and input. Our dedicated scientists include...
Allan Spreen, M.D. An acclaimed "nutrition physician," is a noted author and special advisor to The Discovery Channel as well as the Chief Advisor to NorthStar Nutritionals.
Judith Eaton, M.S., R.D., CD-N, LD/N., a famed researcher of nutraceutical foods and supplements.
Arnold J. Susser, R.P., Ph.D., N.M.D. Dr. Susser is a renowned biochemist, author and lecturer.
Andrew Halpner, Ph.D., a graduate of Tufts University School of Nutrition Science and Policy.
Hyla Cass, M.D., a psychiatrist, researcher and best-selling auther, Dr. Cass is an oft-quoted expert in the field of integrative medicine and psychiatry.
Tracey Seipel, M.D., BSc, BNt.,Dip H.M., Dip Mst, MANPA., a naturopath, clinical nutritionist, and herbalist, Dr. Seipel combines her experience as a clinician and as an academic into breakthrough natural approaches for managing daily health concerns.
Jenny Thompson, Director, Health Sciences Institute. As Director of today's leading resource on the best and most exciting discoveries in natural health, she represents the voice of the HSI Membership -- which demands only the best -- in product development, quality, and customer service.
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