Table of contents:
- Benefits
- What is carnitine for?
- How does it work?
- Dose
- What is the usual dose for carnitine for adults?
- In what forms is carnitine available?
- Side effects
- What side effects can carnitine cause?
- Security
- What should I know before taking carnitine?
- How safe is carnitine?
- Interaction
- What kinds of interactions might occur when I take carnitine?
Benefits
What is carnitine for?
Carnitine is a compound found in body cells, especially in the skeletal muscle and heart muscle. Carnitine plays an important role in producing energy. People whose natural levels of carnitine are too low due to genetic factors, are taking certain medications (valproic acid for seizures), or because they are undergoing a medical procedure (hemodialysis for kidney disease) need additional carnitine intake in supplement form.
Carnitine is sold over the counter as a dietary supplement with generic names that include L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, and propionyl-L-carnitine.
Carnitine supplements are widely used by people to lose weight and improve performance and endurance for athletes.
In addition, this supplement is also used to help overcome various health problems, such as:
- Congestive heart failure.
- Chest pain related to a heart attack.
- Cardiac complications from diphtheria.
- Leg pain caused by impaired blood flow (intermittent claudication) and high cholesterol.
- Muscle disorders associated with AIDS drugs.
- Male infertility.
- A brain development disorder called Rett's syndrome.
- Anorexia.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Diabetes.
- An overactive thyroid.
- Deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Foot ulcers.
- Lyme disease.
How does it work?
There is not enough research into how this herbal supplement works. Discuss with your herbalist or doctor for more information.
However, there are several studies that show that carnitine helps the body's energy production by bringing long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria to be burned for energy so that the body can use it for activities. Not only that, but carnitine also helps remove toxic waste in the body so that it doesn't accumulate in the mitochondria.
Dose
The information provided below is not a substitute for medical recommendations. Always consult your herbalist or doctor before taking this medicine.
What is the usual dose for carnitine for adults?
Depending on the form of medication you are taking, standard dosages for adults deficient in carnitine are:
- Tablets: 990 mg 1-3 times a day depending on the clinical response of each patient.
- Injections: 50 mg / kg given as a slow bolus infusion (over 2 to 3 minutes) or by infusion once daily. The best way of giving is under a doctor's supervision.
The dosage of the supplement varies from patient to patient. The dose you will need depends on your age, health, and several other conditions. Supplements are not always safe for consumption. Discuss with your herbalist or doctor for a dosage that is suitable for you.
In what forms is carnitine available?
Carnitine supplement forms and dosages are:
- Capsule
- Tablet
- Solution
- Powder
Side effects
What side effects can carnitine cause?
The most common side effects of taking carnitine supplements are:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
- Increased blood pressure
- Fishy smell in urine, breath, and sweat
Rare side effects of taking carnitine supplements are:
- Symptoms such as Myasthenia gravis (DL-carnitine)
- Muscle weakness in uremic patients
- Seizures in people with a seizure disorder (epilepsy)
Not everyone experiences the side effects mentioned above. There may be other side effects which are not listed here. If you have concerns about certain side effects, please consult your herbalist or doctor.
Security
What should I know before taking carnitine?
- Monitor heart status, if you are taking this supplement for angina conditions, post myocardial infarction, or congenital heart failure.
- Monitor mental status if you are taking carnitine for dementia.
- Store carnitine in a cool and dry place, away from excessive light.
- Use levocarnitine with or after food.
- Also, if you are using this herb in liquid form, drink it slowly. These herbs will tend to upset your stomach. The liquid form can be consumed alone or dissolved in drinks or other liquid foods.
The regulations governing the use of herbal supplements are less stringent than those of drugs. Further research is needed to determine its safety. Before using, make sure the benefits of using herbal supplements outweigh the risks. Consult an herbalist or doctor for more information.
How safe is carnitine?
There is no reliable information about the safety of using L-carnitine if you are pregnant. Avoid use to keep it safe.
Use of L-carnitine is POSSIBLY SAFE in breastfeeding women when taken by mouth in recommended amounts. Small amounts of L-carnitine have been given to babies in breast milk and formula with no reported side effects. The effects of large amounts of carnitine used by nursing mothers are unknown.
Interaction
What kinds of interactions might occur when I take carnitine?
- L-carnitine can increase the effectiveness of acenocoumarol (Sintrom) and Warfarin (Coumadin), which are used to slow blood clotting.
- L-carnitine appears to decrease the performance of thyroid hormones in the body.
This herbal supplement can interact with other medications or with any health conditions you have. Consult an herbalist or doctor before use.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
