High levels of L-CARNITINE are present in the heart and muscles of horses. L-carnitine plays a vital role in muscle metabolism during exercise. L-Carnitine forms the transport sysem that moves fatty acid molecules into the mitochondria (furnaces) of the cells for energy production. L-Carnitine also inhibits the build up of lactic acid in muscles, which helps delay the onset of fatigue. In addition, L-Carnitine prevents the build up of fatty acid complexes within cells, which can damage muscle cell membranes. The level of L-Carnitine in muscles plays a major role in determining the exercise capacity of muscles in an individual animal athlete. L-Carnitine is essential for normal heart function, and L-Carnitine supplementation is recommended for patients with heart failure. During exercise there is extensive loss of L-Carnitine. Regular strenuous, daily exercise may result in a loss of Carnitine that cannot be replaced by the diet, or the diet may be deficient in Carnitine and its precursors. This can result in low muscle levels of L-Carnitine, which results in an inability to use fats for energy. Fatty acids are an essential energy source for both sprint and endurance performance. L-Carnitine deficiency leads to muscle weakness and dysfunction due to the failure to utilise fatty acids for energy production. In addition L-Carnitine deficiency causes heart enlargement, heart failure, rhythm disturbances, and liver dysfunction.
L-CARNITINE supplementation has been shown to enhance both sprint and endurance performance. It increases endurance ability, as fat is the main energy source for endurance work. During sprinting L-Carnitine plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism by buffering lactic acid and thus delaying the onset of fatigue. Supplementation with L-Carnitine has been shown to increase maximal work output and VO2 max during sprint exercise.
L-Carnitine also helps to improve the muscle metabolism in horses prone to “tying up”, and dogs prone to “cramping”. L-CARNITINE is a very safe supplement – the chemical is found in nature and is considered non-toxic.
Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid which inhibits the breakdown of opiate-like substances called encephalins in the brain. Reduced breakdown results in increased levels of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are released in response to pain, and act as natural pain killers to enable the body to cope with pain.
L-Isoleucine and D-Leucine are also involved in the production of endorphins.
An increase in brain endorphin levels can assist exercise performance by reducing pain associated with fatigue or injury.

Horse: 15-25mL three times weekly by intramuscular injection. Supplement 3-4 hours before hard exercise periods or racing for maximum benefit.