Carnitine Supports Optimal Cardiovascular Function

A recently published study investigated the effect of the amino acid L-carnitine on oxidative damage to platelets in vitro. Previous research suggests that L-carnitine supplementation supports cardiovascular health, showing improved heart function and decreased cholesterol levels.

Platelets are cells found in the blood that are responsible for blood clotting. Low levels of platelets cause excessive bleeding while too many platelets or over-activation of platelets can cause excessive clot formation (thrombosis), which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Oxidative damage of platelets alters their ability to function properly.

In this new study, investigators examined the potential protective affect of L-carnitine on platelet activation and aggregation (clumping), oxygen-induced damage, damage caused by peroxynitrite (a strong oxidant), platelet antioxidant (glutathione) levels and the production of damaging free radicals.

The results of the study showed that in vitro treatment with L-carnitine decreased platelet activation by peroxynitrite and reactive oxygen species, and reduced platelet aggregation, which is often excessive in thrombotic cardiovascular diseases. L-carnitine treatment also decreased measurements of platelet oxidative damage, as measured by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS).

The study authors stated, “Thus, carnitine may have some protectory effects against oxidative changes induced in blood platelets.”

Reference:

Saluk-Juszczak J, Olas B, Wachowicz B, Glowacki R, Bald E. L: -carnitine modulates blood platelet oxidative stress. Cell Biol Toxicol. 2010 Jan 13. Published Online Ahead of Print.