Benefits of L-carnitine

[Stayingstrong]

What is L-carnitine?

L-carnitine is not an amino acid in the strictest definition, however, because it has a chemical structure like an amino acid it is usually put in that category, The main function of L-carnitine in the human body is helping transport long chain fatty acids. These fatty acids are burned inside cells to provide energy. This is a major source of energy for your muscles. Thus carnitine is used in health supplements to boost energy, prevent fatigue, and maintain the body

L-Carnitine and Fat Loss
L-Carnitine acts as a kind of escort service for fat, moving it into the little power centers of the cells (called mitochondria) so that the fat can be burned for energy. Quite simply, without optimal amounts of L-Carnitine, there is not optimal fat burning taking place. L-Carnitine is "the most important nutrient for naturally supporting the weight loss process," according to Robert Crayhon, author of The Carnitine Miracle. According to Crayhon, whose book is meticulously documented with more than 60 published references, L-Carnitine is useful for weight management, fatigue, athletic performance, general energy and well-being.

Why L-carnitine?

L-carnitine is needed to release energy from fat. It transports fatty acids into mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells. L-carnitine is made in the body from the amino acids, lysine and methionine. Therefore, L-carnitine is considered a “conditionally essential” nutrient.

L-carnitine also increases the use of fat as an energy source thus preventing fat build up in the heart, liver, and muscles. L-carnitine has the added benefit that it increases the effects of the anti-oxidants vitamin E and vitamin C.

[Stayingstrong]

I found a little to add to this....
L-Carnitine To Improve Energy Metabolism
L-carnitine shuttles fat. Cells contain organelles called mitochondria, which are factories where fat is burned as fuel. Mitochondria are like the fireplace in your home, with logs representing fat. As long as you shovel the logs into the fireplace, they will be burned to generate heat and energy, but if the logs aren't tossed into the fireplace, there s nothing to burn. L-carnitine grabs the logs and tosses them into your fireplace by attaching itself to fat and transporting this fat into the mitochondria within your cells.

Fat is our longest-acting source of energy, a source that's almost impossible to run out of. Sugar, on the other hand, can be depleted in just a few seconds or minutes of activity -- try running 100 yards as fast as you can and see how much energy you have left. When sufficient L-carnitine is in the bloodstream, fat will consistently be delivered into the mitochondria and used as fuel.

The best time to take L-carnitine is one hour before exercising and immediately thereafter. Once inside your body, L-carnitine will start to recruit fat and begin transporting it into your mitochondria. When exercise ceases, and energy requirements subside, L-carnitine will continue to shuttle fat into your mitochondria where it can be stored for future use.

Benefits of L-Carnitine:

Lose weight
Increase energy
Lower cholesterol and triglycerides
Maximize heart health
Achieve peak sports performance
Increase mental energy and brain health
Treat a wide range or problems, including PMS, chronic fatigue, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, and many other ailments.

[Paula]

oh yeah......i have been using L-carnitine for years.

great info tammy.thats the most (info) i have seen for it in one place ever.

i recently added acetyl L-carnitine to it.it is supposed to accelerate fat loss much better then L-carnitine alone


Acetyl L-Carnitine

Another form of carnitine, called acetyl L-carnitine is available as a suplement.It cannot be derived from food. When scientists add acetyl portion tot he carnitine, it allows the carnitine to pass the blood brain barrier more readily. Acetyl L carnitine is theraputic to brain cells. I have found in my clinical practice that supplememnting diets with acetyl L- carnitine tends to accelerate fat loss much better in my patients then L-carnitine alone

features and benefits
*improves cognitive function, including memory and problem solving ability
*promotes skin health
**the above was taken from the book "the perricone prescription" by Dr nicholas perricone, MD

i thought this was interesting. we recently bought weight control formula kibble for our cats, and guess what they put into it? yep. L-carnitine.

[Stayingstrong]

Thanks Paula. That is pretty intresting that they put it in a weight loss food for cats...so that says something huh? When do you take it? I have been reading so much stuff when the best time to take it and it seems pretty confusing to me. So far the best thing I came across it to take it one hour before exerciseand then immediately afterward. How much do you take a day? Thanks Tammy

[Paula]

i take the acetyl L-carnitine on an empty stomach (per dr pericone recommendation) and i take the l-carnitine with my morning meal, also per perricone's recommendation

i have noticed that too, how there is conflicting advise on when to take a supplement, with food or with out for the same suplement.
right after Perricone says in the book to take the acetyl l carnitine on an empty stomach, he then says a chapter in further, to take it with the morning food..

i think supplements are more accepted in main stream america, by main stream DR's . at least here in CA, i have had DRs say to me in recent years: use this supplement when you take this medicine, studies show it makes it work more effectively...

[ November 25, 2003, 01:06 PM: Message edited by: Paula ]

[Paula]

oops sorry, forgot to answer you about how much i take

when i want to metabolize fat.....(like right now)

i take L-carnitine- 500mg 3 times a day

acetyl L-carnitine- 500-1,000mg a day(take on an emty stomach)


when i am maintaining
L-carnitine- 500-1000mg once a day

[Stayingstrong]

How many mg a day do you take? I have read from 2-6 grams a day. I mean that is alot in the middle how do you know how much to take and is beneficial. I have looked everywhere online and it all says basically the same thing unless you are a body builder and they recommend the higher dosages. Am I because with the higher dosages this stuff isn't cheap. Thanks again you have been so helpful Tammy

[Paula]

bump for tammy

[ November 25, 2003, 01:08 PM: Message edited by: Paula ]

[NClady]

I just went to the GNC store to get the L-Carnitine 500 30 capsules and it was $18.99..Too High...anyway..when do I take it, I mean do I take it when I take the Phen????

[Stayingstrong]

I have read it is best to take them 30 minutes before you exercise. That is what I am going to do. I am taking them along with my phen. I also take glutamine and 5-htp as well. Tammy

[NClady]

What is glutamine and 5-htp??...

[freshh2o]

This leads me to a question as to what supplements are safe to take along with phen? L-carn? or others? What have your doctors recommended?

I don't go to mine again for another two weeks so i can't ask until then and would like to know while I have the chance now to get to a gnc to check out what they have to offer.

Freshh2o(Tiff)

[Stayingstrong]

Hi Tiff to answer your question about whether or not these supplements are safe to take with phen I don't know I am not a Dr. but I am just starting to take these that I have mentioned in this post. They are naturally occuring in the body and can be found in most foods you eat but when on a diet you may not get enough of these to be beneficial in a diet. I have read a lot of good things on these supplements though Tammy NClady I hope this helps:
HTP: What Is It? (taken form a post I made on this topic)

The nutrient 5-HTP (the common name for the compound 5-hydroxytryptophan) is a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan. A mood-enhancing chemical, 5-HTP has attracted a good deal of attention lately because of its ability to increase pain tolerance, induce sleep, and affect how hunger is perceived. Unlike many other supplements (and drugs) that have molecules too large to pass from the bloodstream into the brain, molecules of 5-HTP are small enough to do so. Once in the brain, they're converted into an important nervous system chemical, or neurotransmitter, called serotonin.

The body produces its own supply of 5-HTP from tryptophan, an amino acid found in high-protein foods such as chicken, fish, beef, and dairy products. Any healthy diet should include tryptophan-rich sources such as these. In addition, 5-HTP is available as a supplement; this form of the compound is extracted from the seeds of the African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia.

Concerns about 5-HTP's safety and effectiveness have been raised because of its close chemical association to L-tryptophan, a supplement once embroiled in controversy and now banned from the U.S. market. In the late 1980s, the use of L-tryptophan was linked to thousands of cases of illness and more than 30 deaths. Investigators determined that impurities in the manufacturing of L-tryptophan were the cause of these problems, not the tryptophan itself. In 1994, 5-HTP was introduced in the U.S.; unlike L-tryptophan the newer compound isn't produced with the help of bacteria. Therefore 5-HTP is thought to pose significantly less risk of contamination than L-tryptophan. Still, some experts continue to be concerned about impurities, and suggest avoiding high doses (700 to 900 mg a day) of 5-HTP.

Europeans have been taking 5-HTP for decades to treat insomnia and depression.

Health Benefits

Promising research indicates that 5-HTP may have a beneficial effect on a broad scope of complaints.

Specifically, 5-HTP may help to:


Elevate mood in cases of depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. 5-HTP appears to increase the brain's serotonin levels, positively influencing such disorders as depression that have been linked to low levels of this brain neurotransmitter. A number of small European studies offer examples of people with depression who found little relief from traditional antidepressant drugs yet obtained good results with 5-HTP.

Treat insomnia. Several elements of a good night's sleep appear to be influenced by 5-HTP. In addition to reducing the amount of time it takes to nod off, this compound actually may enhance the quality of sleep itself, increasing both the duration of dream states (REM sleep) and of deep slumber. In studies, most people who tried 5-HTP also reported feeling more rested upon awakening.

Promote weight loss. Some studies indicate that 5-HTP may curb the appetite when taken before meals. In a recent study of dieting women, those given 5-HTP reported feeling fuller than those who were given a placebo. In the end, participants in the 5-HTP group consumed fewer calories overall, and lost more weight than those in the placebo group. Another study reported increased weight loss among obese patients who took 5-HTP versus those who were given a placebo; all, however, had been restricted to a daily diet of 1,200 calories. In addition, because 5-HTP reportedly reduces cravings for sweets and starches, it may also be of use in helping diabetics adhere to a healthy diet.

Ease migraine pain. Migraine headaches have been linked to low serotonin levels. Studies are ongoing to determine if 5-HTP, which may boost the brain's serotonin levels, can help to reduce the intensity, frequency, and duration of this extremely painful type of headache.

Increase tolerance to the pain of fibromyalgia. People who suffer from fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that commonly causes muscle pain and disabling fatigue, may have low serotonin levels. By increasing the level of these neurochemicals, 5-HTP may improve pain tolerance. In a recent Italian study, the 200 fibromylagia sufferers who added 5-HTP to a regimen of conventional antidepressants experienced less pain than those who took the drugs or 5-HTP alone.

Side effects:
Taking 5-HTP doesn't usually result in side effects, but a few mild side effects have been pointed out from a small percentage of users. The side effects from 5-HTP include Nausea, gas, constipation,lowered sex drive and drowsiness. Please note that if nausea arrises when you begin taking 5-HTP, it usually subsides within a few days.

Dosage Information


For depression, anxiety, and panic attacks: Take 50 to 100 mg three times a day.

For insomnia: Take 100 mg 30 minutes before going to bed.

For weight control: Take 100 mg three times a day, 20 to 30 minutes before meals. After two weeks, increase the dose to 200 mg (three times a day).

For migraine prevention: Work gradually up to a dosage that controls migraine pain, starting with 50 mg three times a day but ultimately exceeding no more than 100 mg three times a day. It may take several months to get the full benefit of 5-HTP's migraine-preventive effects.

For fibromyalgia: Take l00 mg three times a day. If drowsiness occurs, reduce the dose to 50 mg three times a day.

Guidelines for Use

In general, to minimize the risk for side effects, begin with a low dose of 5-HTP (50 mg three times a day). Continue for one week and then increase the amount to 50 mg twice a day for one week, and so on by 50 mg increments each week, up to the dose recommended for your condition.

Take 5-HTP on an empty stomach for quickest absorption.

Don't take 5-HTP for more than three consecutive months without consulting your doctor.

The time it takes for an improvement in depression, anxiety, and panic attacks to develop varies among individuals. In general, however, it may take two to four weeks for a clinical response to occur.

If you're already taking a conventional antidepressant, such as Prozac, Wellbutrin, or Effexor, check with your doctor before starting on 5-HTP.

Read ingredient labels carefully; some 5-HTP supplements contain unnecessary herbs or nutrients.

General Interaction

The combination of 5-HTP with conventional antidepressants, such as Prozac, Wellbutrin, or Effexor, may cause such unwanted reactions as anxiety, confusion, increased heart rate, excessive perspiration, and diarrhea.

Don't try 5-HTP within four weeks of using an MAO inhibitor.

Consult your doctor before combining 5-HTP with the herb St. John's wort.

Avoid taking 5-HTP with sedating antihistamines; the combination can lead to drowsiness.

Don't take 5-HTP with over-the-counter cold remedies or any medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, because anxiety, confusion, or other serious side effects may develop.

Muscle relaxants could cause excessive drowsiness when combined with 5-HTP.

Drowsiness may develop if 5-HTP is taken with a narcotic pain reliever such as codeine or morphine.

Consult your doctor before trying 5-HTP if you take levodopa for Parkinson's disease, because anxiety, confusion, or other adverse reactions may occur when the two substances are combined.

Psychiatric medications such as buspirone (to combat anxiety) and lithium (to prevent mania) may combine with 5-HTP in such a way that anxiety, confusion, or other serious side effects develop.

Glutamine: What is it and where does it come from?
The extremely popular amino acid L-Glutamine can be found in protein powders, beans, meats, fish, poultry, dairy products, and of course, L-Glutamine supplements from Bodybuilding.com.

2. What does it do and what scientific studies give evidence to support this?

Glutamine is highly in demand throughout the body. It is used in the gut and immune system extensively to maintain optimal performance. 60% of free-form amino acids floating in skeletal muscles is L-glutamine. L-glutamine plays a very important role in protein metabolism, and it appears to be a very important nutrient for body builders. When supplemented, it may help body builders reduce the amount of muscle deterioration that occurs because other tissues that need glutamine will not rob the glutamine stored in the muscle cells.

Research shows that after intensely working out, glutamine levels in the body are reduced by as much as 50%. Since the body relies on glutamine as cellular fuel for the immune system, scientific studies have shown that glutamine supplementation can minimize the breakdown of muscle tissue and improve protein metabolism. Its effects on replenishing the body after stress or trauma have been shown in Europe where it is commonly given to patients in hospitals. Glutamine's cell-volumizing effects have also been shown in several studies. No conclusive studies have been done to evaluate the effects of L-glutamine supplementation on weight-training adults; however, a recent study showed up to a 400% increase in growth-hormone levels when as little as 2 grams of free-form L-glutamine supplement was consumed!

3. Who needs it and what are some symptoms of eficiency?

Bodybuilders and those who have been under a lot of stress or trauma (such as burn, surgery, and disease victims) can particularly gain from the intake of glutamine. Since bodybuilders use a lot of their glutamine when working out, they are more susceptible to illness, as the immune system relies heavily on this amino acid.

Becoming ill or losing lean muscle mass are signs of deficiency. Catabolism or muscle break down can occur if the body robs muscles of glutamine for use elsewhere such as nitrogen transport or maintaining the immune system. Glutamine supplementation is certainly important in keeping muscles building--not deteriorating.


4. How much should be taken? Are there any side effects?


Bodybuilders can benefit by taking ten grams of L-glutamine per day, although clinical studies have not determined a precise amount for muscle metabolism optimization.

There are no side effects associated with L-glutamine, because it is a nutrient naturally occurring in the body. Reports of an upset stomach are associated with ingesting a great deal of glutamine, using smaller doses is recommended if this occurs.

[EBONY POETESS]

COOL ANOTHER TIFFANY
TIFANY HI FROM TIFFANY
YOU MUST BE A 70'S CHILD
TIFFANY AND KIMBERLY WERE LIKE THE MOST POPULAR NAMES THEN

[freshh2o]

Yep, from the 70s. 75 to be exact. My mother named me after the jewelry store. She had a catalog from the store when she was pregnant with me and thought that it was a pretty name, so that is what I was called.

And Tammy, thank you so much for answering my question. The info really did help a lot.

Freshh2o/Tiff