What you don't know about L-Carnitine Power?
Overview Information L-carnitine power is taken by mouth to increase L-carnitine levels in people whose natural level of L-carnitine is too low. Some people also use L-carnitine for conditions of the heart and blood vessels, overactive thyroid, inability to become pregnant within a year of trying to conceive (infertility), serious kidney disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Uses & Effectiveness ¡¤ L-carnitine deficiency. The FDA has approved L-carnitine for treating L-carnitine deficiency caused by certain genetic diseases. Possibly Effective for ¡¤ Heart failure and fluid build up in the body (congestive heart failure or CHF). Taking L-carnitine by mouth or intravenously (by IV) seems to improve symptoms and increase exercise ability in people with heart failure. Taking a specific product containing L-carnitine and coenzyme Q10 also appears to improve symptoms of heart failure. ¡¤ Serious kidney disease (end-stage renal disease or ESRD). People in the last stage of long-term, serious kidney disease need to undergo hemodialysis, which can lower L-carnitine levels. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved giving L-carnitine intravenously (by IV) but not by mouth to treat and prevent L-carnitine deficiency in these patients. There is mixed evidence about the effects of L-carnitine in treating disorders caused by low carnitine levels in people with serious kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis. Taking L-carnitine by mouth or giving L-carnitine intravenously might improve markers of anemia and inflammation in people with this condition. But L-carnitine does not seem to improve quality of life, muscle cramping, low blood pressure, breathing function, or exercise performance. ¡¤ Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Taking L-carnitine seems to improve symptoms such as rapid or pounding heartbeat, nervousness, and weakness in people with high thyroid hormone levels. ¡¤ Conditions in a man that prevent him from getting a woman pregnant within a year of trying to conceive (male infertility). Most research shows that taking L-carnitine, alone or in combination with acetyl-L-carnitine, increases sperm count and sperm movement in men with fertility problems. ¡¤ Swelling (inflammation) of the heart (myocarditis). Taking D,L-carnitine by mouth seems to reduce the risk of death from myocarditis. ¡¤ A hormonal disorder that causes enlarged ovaries with cysts (polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS). Clomiphene is a medication used to help with ovulation. However, it doesn't work well in some women with PCOS. In these women, taking L-carnitine increases ovulation and the chance of getting pregnant. Also, taking L-carnitine might help with weight loss and improve blood sugar levels in these women. ¡¤ Toxic side effects caused by the drug valproic acid. Toxicity caused by valproic acid seems to be linked with L-carnitine deficiency. Giving L-carnitine intravenously (by IV) can prevent severe liver toxicity in people who accidentally ingested or took too much valproic acid. |
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