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L-Carnitine - A vitamin or a supplement

Author: Mike Dawson
by Mike Dawson
Posted: Nov 06, 2015

L-carnitine is an amino acid (a building block for proteins) that's naturally created within the body.

L-carnitine supplements are used to increase L-carnitine levels in individuals whose natural level of L-carnitine is just too low because they have a inherited disorder, are taking certain medication (valproic acid for seizures), or because they are undergoing a process (hemodialysis for kidney disease) that uses up the body's L-carnitine. Its also used as a replacement supplement in strict vegetarians, dieters, and low-weight or premature infants.

L-carnitine is employed for conditions of the heart and blood vessels together with heart-related pain, congestive heart failure (CHF), heart complications of a disease referred to as diphtheria, heart failure, leg pain caused by circulation issues (intermittent claudication), and high cholesterol.

Some individuals use L-carnitine for muscle disorders related to certain AIDS medications, problem fathering a baby (male infertility), a brain development disorder known as Rett syndrome, anorexia, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, hyperactive thyroid, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), leg ulcers, Lyme arthritis, and to boost athletic performance and tolerance.

The body will be converting L-carnitine to alternative amino acids known as acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine. But, nobody is aware of whether or not the advantages of carnitines are interchangeable. till more is understood, do not substitute one type of carnitine for another.

How does it work?

L-carnitine helps the body produce energy. It is important for heart and brain function, muscle movement, and lots of alternative body processes.

Effective for:

Serious kidney disease: Most analysis suggests that taking L-carnitine orally or intravenously (by IV) can improve red corpuscle counts throughout haemodialysis. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved L-carnitine for the treatment and prevention of L-carnitine deficiency in individuals with serious renal disorder who are undergoing haemodialysis.

L-carnitine deficiency: The Food and Drug Administration has approved L-carnitine for treating L-carnitine deficiency caused by sure genetic diseases.

Possibly Effective for:

Chest pain (angina): Taking L-carnitine orally seems to boost exercise tolerance in individuals with chest pain. Taking L-carnitine together with normal treatment also seems to reduce pain and improve exercise ability in people who have chest pain but not blocked arteries.

Heart failure: Taking L-carnitine orally seems to boost symptoms and increase exercise ability in individuals with heart failure. Taking a particular product containing L-carnitine and coenzyme Q-10 (Carni Q-Gel) also seems to boost symptoms of heart failure.

Hyperthyroidism: Taking L-carnitine seems to boost symptoms like fast or pounding heartbeat, nervousness, and weakness in individuals with high thyroid hormone levels.

Male infertility: Most research shows that taking L-carnitine, alone or together with acetyl-L-carnitine, will increase sperm cell count and sperm cell movement in men with fertility issues.

Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis): Taking L-carnitine orally seems to reduce the risk of death from carditis.

Preventing side effects caused by valproic acid (Depacon, Depakene, Depakote, VPA), a seizure medication. Using L-carnitine intravenously (by IV) will stop the side effects of valproic acid.

L-carnitine is likely SAFE for many individuals when taken orally and when used as an injection, with the approval of a healthcare provider. It will cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, heartburn, diarrhea, and seizures. It can also cause the urine, breath, and sweat to have a foul smell.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable data regarding the protection of using L-carnitine if you are pregnant. stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Taking L-carnitine is mostly Safe in breast-feeding ladies when taken orally in the amounts suggested. Little amounts of L-carnitine are given to infants in breast milk and formula with no reported side effects. The consequences of huge amounts taken by a breast-feeding mother are unknown.

Children: L-carnitine is possibly SAFE when used suitably orally or intravenously (by IV), short-term.

Under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism): Taking L-carnitine would possibly build symptoms of hypothyroidism worse.

Kidney failure: Using DL-carnitine has been reported to cause symptoms like weakness of muscles and drooping of eyes when it's administered intravenously (by IV) after dialysis. L-carnitine doesn't seem have this impact.

Seizures: L-carnitine seems to make seizures more likely in those who have had seizures before. If you've had a seizure, don't use L-carnitine.

The following doses for L-carnitine have been studied in scientific research:

Orally:

For L-carnitine deficiencies in adults: 990 mg 2-3 times per day in tablets or as an oral solution.

For preventing side effects of valproic acid (Depacon, Depakene, Depakote, VPA): 50 to 100 mg/kg/day in 3 or 4 divided doses, to a maximum of 3 grams/day.

For chest pain and congestive heart failure (CHF): 1 gram 2 times per day

Following heart attack: 2-6 grams per day.

For symptoms of overactive thyroid: 1-2 grams 2 times per day.

For male infertility: 2 grams of L-carnitine plus 1 gram of L-acetyl-carnitine per day.

Mike Dawson at Buyextracts.com, dedicated to educating customers with expert advice on L-carnitine and herbal extracts care products. Several years of professional expertise.

About the Author

Mike Dawson at Buyextracts.com, dedicated to educating customers with expert advice on the herbal extracts care. Several years of professional expertise,

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Author: Mike Dawson

Mike Dawson

Member since: Oct 29, 2015
Published articles: 6

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