L-Carnitine plus Acetyl-L-Carnitine aid fertility in men

L-Carnitine is involved in energy production in the mitochondria: the powerhouse of the cell. L-Carnitine and Acetyl-L-Carnitine are found in high concentration in the epididymis (the storage area for sperm) where they act as antioxidants, protecting spermatozoa from free radical damage. In this study 170 infertile men were split into different groups with one group with very low sperm motility receiving L-Carnitine 1,000mg a day, and Acetyl-L-Carnitine 1,000mg a day for 6 months. The results of the study shows a significant connection between Carnitine concentration and sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm motility, rapid forward progression, live sperm count, membrane function, DNA health, ability to penetrate cervical mucous, ability to move in a straight direction, and proper sperm head movement. Carnitine supplementation (L-Carnitine plus Acetyl-L-Carnitine) improved the live sperm count, health and motility, in infertile men after 6 months. The study is published in the June 2005 issue of the Alternative Medicine Review.

Commentary by Jerry Hickey, R.Ph.

We recently reported a study where pomegranate polyphenols decreased thickening of the carotid artery intima- media thickening by up to 30% after one year in patients with carotid artery stenosis (narrowing) whereas the intima-media of the control group increased by 9% during the same time period. The study was published in the June 2004 issue of the journal Clinical Nutrition.

Omega-3 fatty acids decrease the incidence of racing heart in pacemaker patients

Fish oil type omega-3 fatty acids have been reported to decrease the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids on heart cells and stabilization of the membranes of these cells is well known. In this study researchers examined 40 patients with atrial tachyarrhythmia recorded at the periodic pacemaker controls. All patients received omega-3 fatty acids 1 gram per day. At the end of 4 months supplementation was discontinued and the incidence of arrhythmias was noted. The incidence of tachyarrhythmia decreased by about 58% with omega-3 fatty acid supplementation with a significantly decreased burden on the heart. The study is published in the June 2005 issue of Alternative Medicine Review.