L-carnitine and congestive heart failure symptoms (CHF):
L-carnitine, important for energy production in cells, supplementation (given daily at 100 mg/kg) showed improvement in the heart failure symptoms in patients (n=14) with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a condition where the heart is weak and enlarged resulting in restricted blood flow. Results show that after L-Carnitine administration average levels of carnitine significantly increased as did effort tolerance (ability to endure exercise and/or maximum work) and shortness of breath decreased. Additionally systolic function in the part of the heart that pumps blood was improved after L-carnitine. In conclusion, L-carnitine administration in patients with DCM may be beneficial. (12)