Carnitine fuels muscle recovery

STORRS, Conn.

Supplementing a diet with L-carnitine may support muscle recovery and repair in middle-aged adult, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Connecticut.

The findings, published in the journal Metabolism Clinical and Experimental, (Aug 2010;59(8):1190-99. DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2009.11.012) involved 18 middle-aged men and women who received 2 g/d of L-carnitine (as Carnipure, from Lonza) or placebo for three weeks; after a week-long washout period, they underwent the other treatment. During the crossover period and after the end of the study, the subjects performed an exercise challenge and had blood samples taken.

Researchers found the L-carnitine lowered levels of purine metabolism, free radical formation, muscle tissue disruption and muscle soreness after exercise. Physical performance during exercise was not impacted by L-carnitine supplementation. They concluded L-carnitine could help reduce muscle damage and muscle soreness in middle-aged adults, a growing segment of the U.S. population.

Natural sources carnitine are found in red meat, dairy products, nuts and seeds, legumes, vegetables, fruits, cereals and grains.