Dr. Sinatra M.D.

What is L-Carnitine?

It’s a naturally occurring amino acid that is vital in the metabolism of fat. It transports fatty acids into the cell’s mitochondria, which are the metabolic “furnaces” of a cell. The fatty acids are “broken down” and converted into energy in the mitochondria. The physiological importance of L-Carnitine was discovered in the 1960’s. It is made in the liver and kidneys and most of it resides in the body’s muscle tissue. In a well-balanced diet, L-Carnitine is found in red meat, dairy products, avocados and tempeh (an ingredient in soy).

Diet can provide about 75% of the L-Carnitine that a body needs. An all-natural dietary supplement can provide the portion not delivered by diet.

L-Carnitine Benefits

L-Carnitine increases the use of fat as an energy source and it enhances the effectiveness of the antioxidant vitamins C and E. It also plays a very important role in the prevention of fatty buildup in the heart, liver and muscles of the skeleton. Plus, it helps keep cholesterol levels and levels of triglycerides down. L-Carnitine is needed for normal heart function. Additionally, L-Carnitine may be useful to those who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome as well as male infertility, Down’s syndrome, liver disease that is alcohol related and kidney disease.

Taking L-Carnitine supplements may be useful for those who have angina pectoris, congestive heart failure and elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It also can be part of the prescribed regimen for anyone who is recovering from a heart attack. It currently is being used in experiments with sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related memory problems and dementia.

What is Fish Oil?

Fish oil is derived from the processing of fish. It is rich in long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids. At one time, fish oil was contaminated by whatever the fish ingested, or by the water in which it lived, but now fish oil can be rendered into a very pure substance. Omega-3 fatty acids are needed for numerous normal bodily functions such as controlling blood clotting and the building of cell membranes in the brain. The human body cannot make as much Omega-3 fatty acids as it needs, so one can augment diet with nutritional supplements that include fish oil.

Fish Oil Benefits

Fish Oil can enhance mental abilities. Fish oil allows the body to concentrate and helps in mental organization. It also can give a feeling of well-being and help the body deal with stress. It may be useful to those who suffer from heart disease, high cholesterol, anxiety, ADHD, breast cancer, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s Disease, macular degeneration and other disorders. It also is used in weight loss matters, skin care, pregnancy and fertility problems.

Dr. Stephen Sinatra, M.D., of the New England Heart and Longevity Center has developed several dietary supplements that include Fish Oil and L-Carnitine among the ingredients.

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