The body is able to manufacture its own supplies of most amino acids, except for eight.

These eight are known as essential amino acids and must be provided by the food that we eat.

L-Carnitine is a combination of two essential amino acids - lysine and methionine.

As well as being essential for growth, L-Carnitine is a source of energy for the heart muscles. It also plays a role in the metabolism of fat. For example, it reduces the levels of the blood fats know as triglycerides.

L-Carnitine is popularly taken by slimmers and by sports people (because of the energy it provides to heart muscle). Low levels have been found in people who have died from myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Recently there has been a suggestion that it may be of benefit to people with muscular dystrophy.

Men may have a higher requirement than women for this amino acid as higher levels are naturally found in the blood of males.

Supplementation with L-Carnitine is not recommended during pregnancy or when breast feeding, or for people on kidney dialysis. Side effects: none known at the recommended dosage.

It is available as a 250mg capsule. The dose is one or two capsules a day best taken half an hour before a meal.

Co-Enzyme Q10 is also known as ubiquinone (which means "everywhere"). It is found everywhere in the body and is essential for the health of all human tissues and organs.

It is like a vitamin, which is found in some foods, but is also made in the body. It is a normal component of mitochondria, the energy generators inside cells. The highest amount of Co-Enzyme Q10 is found in the cells that do the most work, such as muscle cells, heart cells and the liver. It is thought to be a biochemical spark that releases energy from food. People who are slim have higher levels of CoQ10 than people who are overweight. Coenzyme Q10 is popularly used by people who suffer fatigue

CoQ10 is available as a one-a-day Food State supplement together with Food State antioxidants, or on its own in capsules, made by the people who discovered it. The dose is 1-3 capsules a day. Not recommended in pregnancy or during breast-feeding. Side effects: None known at the recommended dosage.

Different sizes available so please email for prices.