petra65
05-04-2008, 08:10 AM
Carnitine
Carnitine’s primary function in the cell is as a carrier molecule. It transports fatty acids into the mitochondria where they can then be used as an energy source. It would therefore make logical sense, that you can only move as much fatty acid, as you have carnitine.
Carnitine is found mostly in meat; more so in red meat. In the average American diet today we consume about 50 mg daily. Estimates of what our stone age ancestors ate are in the 500-2000 mg/day range. The amount recommended for optimal health is 250-500 mg/day. The answer appears to be either to eat more meat or take supplements or both.
The primary source for my information was “The Carnitine Miracle” by Robert Crayhon who is a Nutritionist. He does have references for most of his claims so if anyone wants the references, ask and I’ll give them to you. Additionally, I have a contact at his foundation where I can get additional information if you are interested. This is difficult to summarize, because the book is really about his ideas about how to achieve optimal health through better nutrition and lifestyle and how carnitine fits into that picture. I’m trying to pick pieces out of the book.
Crayhon reports numerous benefits to Carnitine. He recommends specifically the tartrate form. Because I said I would look into the weight loss angle, I’m going to focus on that. He recommends a dosage between 1000-4000 mg daily to promote weight loss. Additionally, he recommends a low carb diet (no more than 50% of calories) and high in omega-3 fatty acids. He outlines a weight loss program that is very similar to PP and utilizes carnitine as a supplement. He also reports that carnitine helps reduce food cravings and maintain steady blood glucose levels. Additionally, he reports that it has benefits in exercise endurance, reduce triglyceride levels and a myriad of other health conditions. He cites a journal article that carnitine increases weight loss eleven fold. However, I looked to see what this journal article is and it is a study in adolescents. I haven’t read the original article but I would be skeptical of that as what works in adolescents may or may not work in adults. We have very different hormonal milieus.
I would recommend this book to anyone who might be interested in this topic or nutritional medicine. Much of the nutritional information is a rehashing of PPLP but he goes into specific medical conditions in detail and makes recommendations about supplements that may be helpful.
Carnitine’s primary function in the cell is as a carrier molecule. It transports fatty acids into the mitochondria where they can then be used as an energy source. It would therefore make logical sense, that you can only move as much fatty acid, as you have carnitine.
Carnitine is found mostly in meat; more so in red meat. In the average American diet today we consume about 50 mg daily. Estimates of what our stone age ancestors ate are in the 500-2000 mg/day range. The amount recommended for optimal health is 250-500 mg/day. The answer appears to be either to eat more meat or take supplements or both.
The primary source for my information was “The Carnitine Miracle” by Robert Crayhon who is a Nutritionist. He does have references for most of his claims so if anyone wants the references, ask and I’ll give them to you. Additionally, I have a contact at his foundation where I can get additional information if you are interested. This is difficult to summarize, because the book is really about his ideas about how to achieve optimal health through better nutrition and lifestyle and how carnitine fits into that picture. I’m trying to pick pieces out of the book.
Crayhon reports numerous benefits to Carnitine. He recommends specifically the tartrate form. Because I said I would look into the weight loss angle, I’m going to focus on that. He recommends a dosage between 1000-4000 mg daily to promote weight loss. Additionally, he recommends a low carb diet (no more than 50% of calories) and high in omega-3 fatty acids. He outlines a weight loss program that is very similar to PP and utilizes carnitine as a supplement. He also reports that carnitine helps reduce food cravings and maintain steady blood glucose levels. Additionally, he reports that it has benefits in exercise endurance, reduce triglyceride levels and a myriad of other health conditions. He cites a journal article that carnitine increases weight loss eleven fold. However, I looked to see what this journal article is and it is a study in adolescents. I haven’t read the original article but I would be skeptical of that as what works in adolescents may or may not work in adults. We have very different hormonal milieus.
I would recommend this book to anyone who might be interested in this topic or nutritional medicine. Much of the nutritional information is a rehashing of PPLP but he goes into specific medical conditions in detail and makes recommendations about supplements that may be helpful.