7 replies to this topic

[Grandmaster]

Hello So i have read some posts on diffetent forums that ALCAR may act as a jittery free energy booster and stimulant. Can you write what was your experience with this substance? Did it give you energy? What dosages you took and by what brand?

[John250]

Several brands never got an ounce of energy out of it. I use 1g 2x/day for its neuroprotective benefits

[XenMan]

I used to be big time carnitine user until I stumbled across a paper I can’t find at the moment. It links the microbiome generating trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), which has a direct link to atherosclerosis. It had a great graph showing how there is an increase in population in a type of digestive bacteria that feeds on carnitine and choline for regular consumers, which increases TMAO levels. Vegans get a slight short term increase in TMAO, but meat eaters and supplementers have it sustained.

 

So it is WARNING and DANGER for constant long term use. I don’t eat much meat and use carnitine once a week only, and when I run out it won’t be replaced.

 

These papers shows the principle:

 

Oral L-carnitine supplementation increases trimethylamine-N-oxide but reduces markers of vascular injury in hemodialysis patients.     

Fukami K et al

 

“This study demonstrated that although oral L-carnitine supplementation was associated with increased TMAO levels…”

 

Relationship of Serum Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) Levels with early Atherosclerosis in Humans

Elko Randrian arisoa et al

 

“Circulating trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) levels predict cardiovascular disease (CVD), possibly by impacting on cholesterol metabolism and oxidative stress”

 

[John250]

I used to be big time carnitine user until I stumbled across a paper I can’t find at the moment. It links the microbiome generating trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), which has a direct link to atherosclerosis. It had a great graph showing how there is an increase in population in a type of digestive bacteria that feeds on carnitine and choline for regular consumers, which increases TMAO levels. Vegans get a slight short term increase in TMAO, but meat eaters and supplementers have it sustained.

So it is WARNING and DANGER for constant long term use. I don’t eat much meat and use carnitine once a week only, and when I run out it won’t be replaced.

These papers shows the principle:

Oral L-carnitine supplementation increases trimethylamine-N-oxide but reduces markers of vascular injury in hemodialysis patients.
Fukami K et al

“This study demonstrated that although oral L-carnitine supplementation was associated with increased TMAO levels…”

Relationship of Serum Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) Levels with early Atherosclerosis in Humans
Elko Randrian arisoa et al

“Circulating trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) levels predict cardiovascular disease (CVD), possibly by impacting on cholesterol metabolism and oxidative stress”

I wonder if the type of carnitine matters as there are several

[XenMan]

No, powdered death...

[Grandmaster]

So what else you recommend to get jittery free energy? I tried so far (not counting caffeine in pills.coffe, drinks it doesnt work for me) guarana, l-tyrosine, DLPA, hordenine, yohimbine, gotu kola and several more...(only guarana worked good but its still bit jittery since it has caffeine)

Edited by Grandmaster, 17 August 2018 - 10:00 PM.

[pamojja]

No, powdered death...

 

TMAO has been discussed here on Longecity at great lenght with all sides to it exposed. With a side-search for TMAO many hours of reading could be found. An old thread for example here: https://www.longecit...o-heart-disease/ For the various reasons I don't think that much fear mongering is warranted. But responsible evaluation of pro and con by each for oneself.

 

Personally I suffered 10 years ago from a PAD with a 80% stenosis at my abdominal aorta bifurcation giving me a 60% walking-disability. All that after having been vegan for 30 years, and never having been taking any carnitine or choline.

 

After about 6 years of adding in eggs, fish and comprehensive supplementation - including 2 g/d of carnitines and 300 mg/d of choline - I've been in remission, disability revoked. Now for 4 years.

 

Decide wisely. Always check references. Don't believe because just someone said so. Including me.
 

Edited by pamojja, 17 August 2018 - 10:23 PM.

[XenMan]

So what else you recommend to get jittery free energy? I tried so far (not counting caffeine in pills.coffe, drinks it doesnt work for me) guarana, l-tyrosine, DLPA, hordenine, yohimbine, gotu kola and several more...(only guarana worked good but its still bit jittery since it has caffeine)

 

Talking about real homeostasis and not ‘general idea’ orientated, if you try to stimulate your body it will adapt through a variety of mechanisms.

 

You can use stimulants, but as also with illicit drugs, you need to have a reasonable break to reduce tolerance. You also want to be in the position that if you can’t access the drug it is not an issue. Too much caffeine plus a break can be unpleasant.

 

Drugs are fun, but best used sparingly. I love caffeine and nicotine mints; but used occasionally.

 

Your question is more about ‘why do I need more energy?’ That will depend on your age, and I assume you are a male.

 

If you feel like shit and lethargic, fasting may make a difference. The younger you are the more effective it is due to autophagy petering out at around 60. Still, looking at your diet is a good start, consider the ketogenic diet, which is good for killing hunger, and fasting to generally clear out all the rubbish.

 

You also may need to do a review of your lifestyle with regard to exercise, stress, and sleep.

 

As for supplements, what will give you a kick is hormone modulation with anti-aromatase, testosterone boosters, and precursors. Because you aren’t adding T to your system, just modulating it to your benefit, you can set and forget; adjusting every few years as your body reduces its own T level. From 35 I used isoflavones and pregnenolone for 12 years, just upping the pregnenolone as my own T reduced. As below, I use a new routine.

 

NAD+ works for some people, others not so much. COQ10 is also important as you get older.

 

I intermittently fast, and at 50, to get me going through the day my top picks are:

 

NMN, COQ10, Shilajit (Primavie only), PPQ, Ashwagandha (KSM66 only), NAC 1g, Taurine 1g and Mangosteen.

 

No suppression or homeostasis, your body will take out the buzz after a week or so and you will feel normal and not lethargic until your natural levels drop further and more supplementation is required.