Carnitine (L- carnitine) . Your body makes it in the liver and kidneys and stores it in the skeletal muscles, heart, brain, and sperm. Usually, your body can make all the carnitine it needs. T3 is one of the two major hormones released from the thyroid. It is also the more important one because it is more potent than T4. Therefore, T3 level is crucial to. Bodybuilding.com Foundation Series L-Carnitine Promotes Fat Loss By Encouraging The Conversion Of Fatty Acids Into Fuel! Get the Lowest Price on L-Carnitine at. Carnitine is a substance that helps the body turn fat into energy. Your body makes it in the liver and kidneys and stores it in the skeletal muscles, heart, brain. Some people, however, may not have enough carnitine because their bodies cannot make enough or cannot transport it into tissues so it can be used. Other conditions, such as angina or intermittent claudication, can also cause low levels of carnitine in the body, as can some medications. Carnitine has been proposed as a treatment for many conditions because it acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants fight harmful particles in the body known as free radicals, which damage cells and tamper with DNA. Supplements and energy drinks that contain l-carnitine claim to be metabolism boosters that can help you shed weight and increase your athletic performance. ![]() Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or help prevent some of the damage they cause. Carnitine may help treat are certain conditions. Serious diseases require conventional medical treatment, and you should talk to your health care provider before taking carnitine. For other conditions, such as fatigue or improving athletic performance, carnitine seems safe but may not help much. Heart Conditions. Angina. Research suggests that carnitine can be used along with conventional treatment for stable angina. Several clinical trials show that L- carnitine and propionyl- L- carnitine can help reduce symptoms of angina and improve the ability of people with angina to exercise without chest pain. DO NOT self treat chest pain with carnitine, however. See your health care provider for diagnosis and conventional treatment, and take carnitine only under your provider's supervision. Heart attack. A few studies suggest that carnitine may help when used with conventional medicines after a heart attack, but not all studies agree. Some small studies suggest that people who take L- carnitine supplements soon after a heart attack may be less likely to have another heart attack, die of heart disease, have chest pain and abnormal heart rhythms, or develop heart failure. However, other studies show no benefit. Treatment with oral carnitine may also improve muscle weakness. Carnitine should be used along with conventional medication under your provider's supervision. Heart failure. A few small studies have suggested that carnitine (usually propionyl- L- carnitine) can help reduce symptoms of heart failure and improve exercise capacity in people with heart failure. However, more research is needed. Peripheral Vascular Disease. ![]()
Reduced blood flow to the legs from atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, where plaque builds up in the arteries, often causes an aching or cramping pain in the legs while walking or exercising. This pain is called intermittent claudication, and the reduced blood flow to the legs is called peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Several studies show that carnitine can help reduce symptoms and improve mobility among people with intermittent claudication. Most studies have used propionyl- L- carnitine. Scientists do not know whether L- carnitine would work the same. Diabetic Neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy happens when high blood sugar levels damage nerves in the body, especially the arms, legs, and feet, causing pain and numbness. Preliminary studies suggest acetyl- L- carnitine may help reduce pain and increase feeling in affected nerves. It is also possible that carnitine can help nerves regenerate. More research is needed. Exercise Performance. Although carnitine is often taken to boost exercise performance, more research is needed. Weight Loss. Although L- carnitine has been marketed as a weight loss supplement, scientific evidence is lacking. Some studies show that oral carnitine may help reduce fat mass, increase muscle mass, and reduce fatigue, which may contribute to weight loss in some people. Alzheimer Disease and Memory Impairment. Evidence is mixed as to whether carnitine is useful in treating Alzheimer disease. Several early studies showed that acetyl- L- carnitine, might help slow down the progression of Alzheimer disease, relieve depression related to senility and other forms of dementia, and improve memory in the elderly. But larger and better- designed studies found it did not help at all. People should take carnitine for Alzheimer disease and other forms of dementia only under the supervision of their provider. Kidney Disease and Dialysis. Because the kidneys make carnitine, kidney disease could lead to low levels of carnitine in the body. If you have kidney disease, your provider may prescribe carnitine. DO NOT take carnitine without medical supervision. Male Infertility. Low sperm counts have been linked to low carnitine levels in men. Several studies suggest that L- carnitine supplements may increase sperm count and motility. Erectile Dysfunction. N-Acetyl Carnitine Review, Side Effects and Benefits. Do N-ALCAR tablets Work for Weight Loss, Increased Energy & Mental Focus/Memory? International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 2, Issue 9, September 2012 4 ISSN 2250-3153 www.ijsrp.org. ![]() Preliminary studies suggest propionyl- L- carnitine may help improve male sexual function. One study found that carnitine improved the effectiveness of sidenafil (Viagra) in men with diabetes who had not previously responded to Viagra. In another study, a combination of propionyl- L- carnitine and acetyl- L- carnitine improved the effectiveness of Viagra in men who had erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery. More studies are needed. Peyronie Disease. Peyronie disease is characterized by a curvature of the penis that leads to pain during an erection. One promising study compared acetyl- L- carnitine to the medication tamoxifen in 4. Acetyl- L- carnitine worked better than tamoxifen at reducing pain during sex and reducing the curve of the penis. Acetyl- L- carnitine also had fewer side effects than tamoxifen. More research is needed. Hyperthyroidism. Some research suggests that L- carnitine may help prevent or reduce symptoms of an overactive thyroid, such as insomnia, nervousness, heart palpitations, and tremors. In fact, in one study, a small group of people with hyperthyroidism saw these symptoms improve, and their body temperature become normal, when taking carnitine. But a larger, better- designed clinical trial is needed to see if carnitine really works. In addition, researchers think carnitine may work by blocking the action of thyroid hormone, which could be dangerous for people with low thyroid levels. DO NOT take carnitine for hyperthyroidism without your doctor's supervision. Dietary Sources. Red meat (particularly lamb) and dairy products are the main food sources of carnitine. It can also be found in fish, poultry, tempeh, wheat, asparagus, avocados, and peanut butter. Available Forms. Carnitine is available as a supplement in a variety of forms, such as: L- carnitine: the most widely available and least expensive. Acetyl- L- carnitine: Often used in studies for Alzheimer disease and other brain disorders. Propionyl- L- carnitine: Often used in studies for heart disease and peripheral vascular disease Avoid D- carnitine supplements. They interfere with the natural form of L- carnitine and may produce unwanted side effects. In some cases, L- carnitine may be taken by prescription or given intravenously by a health care provider. How to Take It. Pediatric. DO NOT give carnitine supplements to a child without your child's health care provider's supervision. Your child's provider should first make sure that the child has a carnitine deficiency. Adult. Recommended doses of L- carnitine vary depending on the health condition being treated. The usual dose is between 1 to 3 g per day. Precautions. Because supplements may have side effects or interact with medications, you should take them only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider. Side effects are generally mild. High doses (5 or more grams per day) may cause diarrhea. Other rare side effects include increased appetite, body odor, and rash. People with the following conditions should talk to their provider before taking carnitine: Peripheral vascular disease. High blood pressure. Liver disease from alcoholism (cirrhosis)Diabetes. Kidney disease. History of seizures Possible Interactions. If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use carnitine without first talking to your health care provider. AZT: In a laboratory study, L- carnitine supplements protected muscle tissue against toxic side effects from AZT, a medication used to treat HIV and AIDS. More studies are needed to know whether L- carnitine would have the same effect in people. Doxorubicin: Treatment with L- carnitine may protect heart cells against the toxic side effects of doxorubicin, a chemotherapy medication used to treat cancer, without making the medication any less effective. Always talk to your oncologist before using complementary or alternative (CAM) therapies with chemotherapy. Isotretinoin (Accutane): Accutane, a strong medication used for severe acne, can cause liver problems, as measured by a blood test, as well as high cholesterol, and muscle pain and weakness. These symptoms are like those seen with carnitine deficiency. Researchers in Greece showed that a large group of people who had side effects from Accutane got better when taking L- carnitine compared to those who took a placebo. Thyroid hormone: Carnitine may stop thyroid hormone from getting into cells, and theoretically may make thyroid hormone replacement less effective. If you take thyroid replacement hormone, talk to your provider before taking carnitine. Valproic acid (Depakote): The antiseizure medication valproic acid may lower blood levels of carnitine. Taking L- carnitine supplements may prevent any deficiency and may also reduce the side effects of valproic acid. However, taking carnitine may increase the risk of seizures in people with a history of seizures. Blood Thinning Medications: Carnitine may increase the risk of bleeding in people taking blood thinning medicaitons. Supporting Research. Benvenga S, Ruggieri RM, Russo A, Lapa D, Campenni A, Trimarchi F. Usefulness of L- carnitine, a naturally occurring peripheral antagonist of thyroid hormone action, in iatrogenic hyperthyroidism: a randomized, double- blind placebo- controlled clinical trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Does it Work for Weight Loss? Written by C. Fookes. What is Garcinia cambogia? Garcinia cambogia is an extract obtained from the dried fruit of the Garcinia cambogia (GC) tree, a native plant species of South India and South Asia. The fruit looks like a small green pumpkin, and is used extensively in Asian- style cooking for its sour flavor. What is the active ingredient and how does it work? The skin, or rind of Garcinia cambogia fruit contains large amounts of hydroxycitric acid (HCA). HCA is a derivative of citric acid, and is marketed as a weight loss supplement, either alone or in combination with other supplements. How HCA works to promote weight loss is not precisely known, but several theories exist. Some experts believe it works by inhibiting an enzyme called citrate lyase, interfering with the conversion of unused carbohydrates into fat. Although HCA does have this effect on carbohydrates in a laboratory petri dish, it is unproven whether it does this once inside the body. Other experts suggest HCA affects other enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, such as pancreatic alpha amylase and intestinal alpha glucosidase. A few postulate that it increases the release or availability of serotonin in the brain, promoting appetite suppression. Nobody knows for sure just how HCA works. Some of these trials are of better quality than others, and reviews that group trials together to look for an overall effect give us a better “bigger picture” than just looking at the results of a single trial. An analysis in 2. Onakpoya et al. 1 found 1. Garcinia cambogia for weight loss that matched their strict quality criteria. Although they found evidence that Garcinia cambogia did promote weight loss in the short term, the effect was small and barely significant. The same conclusion was reached in another review by Fassina et al. Interestingly, in one of the largest individual trials of 1. GC) and the control group (the group taking a placebo – or an inactive supplement) lost a significant amount of weight over a 1. As many other previous trials have suggested, it is often the support and encouragement people receive to lose weight that makes more of a difference than any diet or supplement. In summary, evidence so far does not suggest Garcinia cambogia is effective as a weight loss supplement; although larger scale trails conducted over a longer period of time may shed more light on the subject. For now, increasing physical activity levels, avoiding alcohol, and eating a healthier diet with more vegetables, whole grains, and less red meat is more likely to make you shed weight long- term than Garcinia cambogia supplements. Is there any harm in taking Garcinia cambogia supplements? It is important to remember that ANY product labeled as “natural” or “herbal” is not unquestionably safe. Herbal remedies classified as dietary supplements in the United States are regulated as food products. This means they have not been subjected to the same requirements for safety or efficacy as medicines. Garcinia cambogia has been implicated in causing liver damage, both when used in combination with other ingredients (for example, in the original formulation of the product Hydroxycut) and when used by itself. Two severe cases are documented. The first was a 5. Garcinia cambogia for 1. GC. 4 The second lady recovered without incident several days after Garcinia cambogia was discontinued. Interestingly, the manufacturer of Hydroxycut temporarily withdrew the product, but it has since returned a reformulated version that lacks Garcinia cambogia to the market. Other reported adverse effects are generally mild when Garcinia cambogia is taken at the recommended dosage and include stomach upset, dry mouth, headaches, dizziness, and diarrhea. Herbal remedies should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and anybody with heart disease or other medical conditions should consult their doctor before use. Some studies have suggested that Garcinia cambogia can lower blood sugar or interfere with diabetes control, so it is particularly important if you have diabetes that you talk with your doctor. On the positive side, unlike stimulants such as phentermine, Garcinia cambogia does not act on the central nervous system, so does not cause sleeplessness, anxiety, affect the heart or blood pressure, and its efficiency does not decrease with time. Does Garcinia cambogia have any effect on blood sugars? There have been several contradictory claims about the effects Garcinia cambogia has on blood glucose control with some celebrity endorsements even suggesting it may be beneficial for people with diabetes. While studies in rats have shown a reduction in the amount of glucose absorbed and less of a spike in blood glucose levels following a meal, rats are not humans so studies were needed to determine if this also applied to humans. Thazhath et al. 8 took 1. Garcinia cambogia) plus glucose to water plus glucose in a cross- over type trial. Although some reduction in blood sugar levels were seen in healthy people, there was no reduction in the blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Other markers, such as insulin response, were not affected. Other human studies have also failed to support use of Garcinia cambogia for blood sugar control. Yonei et al. 9 tested the effects of daily supplementation with Garcinia cambogia extract (5. L- carnitine (6. 00 mg/day) on 3. BMI of 2. 4 or higher. After 8 weeks’ supplementation, the group receiving Garcinia cambogia had an increase of 4. Hb. A1c (provides a reflection of long- term glucose control). Conversely, a 2. 00. LDL- cholesterol when Garcinia cambogia extract was combined with Amorphophallus konjac (also known for its weight loss properties). However, no effect was seen on triglyceride or glucose levels. Generally speaking, most trials. Garcinia cambogia to have an effect on blood sugars or insulin control; one trial reported a lowering in healthy non- diabetic subjects while another reported an increase in fasting blood sugar levels in overweight individuals. Even though laboratory studies on human cells and animal studies suggested Garcinia cambogia reduced cell synthesis of lipids and increased degradation of cholesterol, human trials have been contradictory. No effects on triglycerides have been reported. Based on the evidence available, Garcinia cambogia is unlikely to have an effect on blood glucose or cholesterol levels, and does not appear beneficial for people with diabetes. Does Garcinia cambogia interact with any medications? Garcinia cambogia may interact with the following: Diabetes medications, including insulin – variable effects reported, always consult a doctor before use if you have diabetes. Other possible, but unsubstantiated, interactions include: Iron supplements – several informative sites state Garcinia cambogia contains iron. Garcinia cambogia, which is unlikely to contain high amounts of iron. Several other fruits (such as prunes, persimmons, and passion fruit) also contain iron but are not reported as interacting with iron supplements. Serotonin- stimulating antidepressants (such as Celexa, Paxil, Zoloft) or pain medications (such as tramadol) – one mouse study. Garcinia cambogia had a serotonin- enhancing effect; however, this has not been verified in humans. Asthma medications (including montelukast) – one documented case study. Garcinia cambogia) for two weeks on top of her usual asthma medications, including montelukast. Statins – this is based on the fact that statins can cause rhabdomyolysis (a destruction of muscle cells). One case study. 18 reported rhabdomyolosis in a women taking a combination weight loss supplement (of which one of the ingredients was garcinia cambogia); so some experts are concerned about a theorectical additive effect with statins (she was not taking a statin at the time)Warfarin – A man taking warfarin together with a combination herbal product that included Garcinia cambogia, reported a change in his INR (a measure of the clotting ability of the blood) that returned to normal after discontinuation of the supplement. In addition, supplements of Garcinia cambogia may contain other nutrients such as calcium and potassium which may cause additive effects in people already supplementing their diet with these nutrients. Always read the label to see what ingredients are actually contained in your supplement, and always seek your doctor’s advice before taking any dietary supplements particularly if you take other medications. Related Q& AReferences. Onakpoya I, Kang Hung S, Perry R et al. The Use of Garcinia Extract (Hydroxycitric Acid) as a Weight Loss Supplement: A Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis of Randomised Clinical Trials. PMCID: PMC3. 01. 06. The effect of garcinia cambogia as coadjuvant in the weight loss process. Dec 1; 3. 2(6): 2. Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid) as a potential antiobesity agent: a randomized controlled trial. Nov 1. 1; 2. 80(1. Garc. Hepatotoxicity by Dietary Supplements: A Tabular Listing and Clinical Characteristics. International Journal of Molecular Sciences Int. Byrne S. Garcinia cambogia weight- loss pill is no miracle. The claims make this supplement tempting, but they're untrue. Aug 1. 0, 2. 01. 5 Consumer reports. Drugs. com www. drugs. Prescription Weight Loss / Diet Pills: What Are the Options? Drugs. com www. drugs. Thazhath SS, Wu T, Bound MJ, et al. Effects of intraduodenal hydroxycitrate on glucose absorption, incretin release, and glycemia in response to intraduodenal glucose infusion in health and type 2 diabetes: A randomised controlled trial. May; 3. 2(5): 5. 53- 9. Epub 2. 01. 5 Dec 7. Yonei Y, Takahashi Y, Hibino S, Watanabe M, Yoshioka T. Effects on the Human Body of a Dietary Supplement Containing L- Carnitine and Garcinia cambogia Extract: A Study using Double- blind Tests. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition. Evaluation of the pharmacotherapeutic efficacy of Garcinia cambogia plus Amorphophallus konjac for the treatment of obesity. Phytother Res. 2.
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