With reports surfacing regarding the safety of carnitine, Gaspari Nutrition speaks out in support of the popular sports nutrition ingredient.

(PRWEB) April 10, 2013

We proudly use Lonza Carnipure in Richs product line because of the impeccable body of research they have developed supporting its efficacy as a sports nutrition ingredient and outstanding safety record. Its unfortunate that some of the negative sentiment trends in the media regarding energy drinks are fueling this sensationalism. Carnipures purity and safety record is without question. said Vice President of Brand Strategy & Product Development, Daniel Pierce.

Lonza, a leading supplier in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and nutraceuticals has provided the following guidance.

A recent study by the Cleveland Clinic (US) has been published in Nature Medicine regarding the role of intestinal microbiota and cardiovascular risk factors. The publication is a compilation of human, in vivo and in vitro studies designed to look at the impact of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) on cardiovascular disease risk.

The study authors identified L-carnitine in red meat as a potential source of TMAO. Dietary L-carnitine that is not absorbed is metabolized by gut microbes to trimethylamine (TMA) or gamma butyrobetaine. TMA is subsequently absorbed and oxidized in the liver to form TMAO1.

TMA is an amine that obtained through dietary intake of high TMA containing foods, such as marine fish, or through degradation of dietary precursors by the intestinal microflora. Other dietary precursors include choline and phosphatdiylcholine. TMAO is efficiently excreted from the body by the kidneys and individuals with normal liver and kidney function may excrete up to 40 mg of TMAO per day2.

More than 2000 scientific articles have been published in the last 50 years on carnitine and heart health3. L-carnitine has been shown to support healthy cholesterol levels, increase exercise tolerance in peripheral artery disease and congestive heart failure patients, and may help increase blood flow and decrease instances of ischemia in patients with angina4.

Lonza is confident that the safety and quality of Carnipure is not compromised. The safety of L-carnitine has been evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The Scientific Committee on Food from EFSA concluded that the use of L-carnitine in foods poses no safety risk to consumers5. An independent expert committee has also determined that L-carnitine is GRAS (generally recognized as safe). Lonza believes Carnipure is a safe and efficacious product to support optimum health and we continue to monitor and evaluate the latest scientific developments.

1. Reuter SE and Evans AM. (2012) Carnitine and Acylcarnitines: Pharmacokinetic, pharmacological and clinical aspects. Clin Pharmacokinet 51()9):553-572

Originally posted here:
Gaspari Nutrition Staunchly Supports the Use of Carnitine in Sports Nutrition Products Amidst Media Sensationalism