L-carnitine is an amazing amino acid that is synthesized in part by the liver. It is formed from other amino acids such as lysine and methionine, as well as niacin, B6, Vitamin C and iron.
Unfortunately, up to 2/3 of our daily requirement comes from the foods we eat, and most of us are deficient.

In Chronic fatigue Syndrome, the patients’ diet and liver are often compromised. A deficiency can cause symptoms such as extreme fatigue, muscle pain, and depression. Japanese researchers have even looked at the possibility that low levels of L-Carnitine are a factor in the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a more readily bioavailable form of L-Carnitine and has been tested at the Osaka University Medical School where they compared blood levels of patients with low natural killer cell syndrome (the Japanese term for chronic fatigue) and healthy patients. Their findings showed that Acetyl-L-Carnitine was lower in patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.

L-Carnitine has been found to be helpful in improving mental fatigue and mood, fibromyalgia symptoms, liver and kidney disorders, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and Alzheimer’s disease. It also increases endurance and aerobic performance in athletes.

Foods that are rich in L-Carnitine include meats, especially beef, milk, cheese, and yogurt. Vegetarians should be wary of low levels since this amino acid is primarily found in animal proteins. Soy products (especially tempeh) can increase Carnitine levels in vegetarians, but supplementation is recommended at a dose of 500mg daily. Therapeutic doses for chronic fatigue syndrome range from 500-1000mg three times per day.

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