L-Carnitine - A vitamin or a supplement

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.