Van's Health Foods

New evidence suggests those with autism don’t have a normal ability to produce cellular energy, which can damage cells and impair cognitive function. L-carnitine works at the cellular level to convert glucose to energy. In this study, 30 children ages 2 to 8 with autism took 45 mg of l-carnitine per pound of body weight, or a placebo. After six months, while the placebo group had not improved, the l-carnitine group had better scores in tests of verbal and non-verbal communication, using objects, fear and nervousness. and interpersonal relations. Doctors said l-carnitine was safe and significantly improved autism symptoms.

Reference: Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders; 2013, Vol. 7, No. 1, 159-66

From the January 2013 newsletter

L-carnitine aided lung function in asthmatic kids

Chronic asthma, which inflames and constricts airways making breathing difficult, is common in children. In this study, 50 children with moderate asthma took a capsule containing 1,050 mg of L-carnitine each morning, or a placebo. After six months, compared to placebo and compared to the start of the study, children in the L-carnitine group had significantly fewer emergency room visits, total hospital admissions, and need for oral steroids.

Doctors also measured immune-system signs of allergic reaction and found that eosinophils-a type if white blood cell that increases when allergies flare-decreased significantly in the L-carnitine group, both compared to placebo and to levels before starting the study. Researchers said lung function significantly improved in those who took L-carnitine compared to those who did not, and that they believe this is the first study to investigate the benefit of L-carnitine supplements in asthmatic children.

Reference: Journal of Allergy; 2012, Article ID 509730, Electronic Prepublication

From the June 2012 newsletter

Omega-3 and blood clotting

When arteries to the heart become narrow or blocked due to plaque build-up, doctors may try to surgically widen the artery in a procedure called balloon angioplasty. After surgery, blood clots are more likely to form, raising chances for heart attacks. To avoid this, doctors give blood-thinning medications, and in this study, wanted to test the anti-clotting capacity of omega-3.

Fifty-four men and women, average age 63, with stable coronary artery disease and a recent successful balloon antioplasty, took the standard anti-clot medications aspirin and clopidogrel, with or without 460 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid plus 380 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (EPA/DHA) per day. Compared to those who did not take omega-3, the omega-3 group had fewer abnormal blood-clotting factors, better blood-clotting traits, and a more balanced and controlled clotting process. Doctors also observed less oxidative stress in the omega-3 group.

L-carnitine, blood clotting, and heart disease

People with chronic kidney failure who are on dialysis have increased chances of blood clots and heart disease. In this study, 36 participants on hemodialysis took 1,000 mg of L-carnitine per day, or a placebo. After 12 weeks, compared to the start of the study, while the placebo group had not improved, the L-carnitine group had lower levels of two key factors in heart disease: 41 percent lower levels of C-reactive protein-a sign of systemic inflammation-and less-elevated, more normal levels of fibrinogen, an inflammation-related blood-clotting agent.

Reference: Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology; 2011, Vol. 31, No. 7, 1696-702.

From the December 2011 newsletter