7 replies to this topic

[stephen_b]

I've recently had to stop taking carnitine (I've been taking Jarrow CarnitAll) as it has been causing my thyroid to swell. Carnitine has been used to treat hyperthyroidism (LEF article). The l-carnitine form "is a periferal antagonist of thyroid hormone action at least in some tissues" according to PMID 11502782.

Whatever the mechanism, CarnitAll and acetyl-l-carnitine arginate each would cause minor swelling around the thyroid area that wasn't too comfortable. That is too bad, since I really like the effects of acetyl-l-carnitine (the arginate form I find particularly nice for motivation and energy).

[pamojja]

Can't find it now, but recently this thyroid effect was discussed and, if I remember it right, wasn't conclusive about the acetyl form of carnitine. Also the article you linked to isn't really:

There is no doubt that carnitine, a humble molecule used in the basic economics of cellular energy, holds the key to preventing and even reversing muscle damage and weakness from a variety of causes, including hyperthyroidism. Clinical trials investigating L-carnitine in thyroid conditions have utilized doses ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 mg daily. While these studies have focused on L-carnitine, advanced carnitine formulations such as acetyl-L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine arginate, and propionyl-L-carnitine may also offer promise for individuals who suffer from thyroid conditions. More research is needed to determine which carnitine formulations are most beneficial for modulating the adverse effects of hyperthyroidism.

In my own case I used regular l-carnitine for 2 years, and tested thyroid since 1 year regularly, where my TSH, T3 and T4 all went from sub-clinical hypo to worse. Only recently, when I replaced the biggest part of carnitine with some of the other forms (mainly Optimized Carnitine from LEF) my thyroid results went better for the fist time again.

I take about 2g in total, how much you took? Did your swelling recede with stopping the ALCAR?

[stephen_b]

I take about 2g in total, how much you took? Did your swelling recede with stopping the ALCAR?

Yes, it did. It feels much better now that I've stopped. In the past I've taken iodine too, which didn't prevent the reaction I had with ALCAR.

[Lufega]

I was also getting a bad reaction from carnitine. I tried 250 mg of the tartrate and fumarate form and each time it made me feel slow, sluggish, depressed, etc. Much like it was described in this thread. I thought maybe it was the cholinergic effect of carnitine at play but then I remember how carnitine antagonizes thyroid function. The effects of carnitine do seem to resemble a hypothyroid state. On a whim, I took some iodine (about 110 mcg) and noticed that I felt a little better. I could be the kelp in that iodine supplement acting on its own. But I wonder.

I really like the effect of carnitine, specially the tartrate form and it's a real shame I'll probably stop using it. I've tested my thyroid function many times before and it's always in top shape. I took accutane when I was younger and that drug lowers carnitine levels in the body. I really would like to make it work for me.

[RJ23_1989]

Interesting observations. The bio-availability of oral carnitine is pretty low.

I take L-Carnitine in sterile solution IM at 1g EOD. The results have been nothing short of spectacular. The level of muscle stamina and reduced lactic acid build-up I have I never would have thought possible It has also helped decrease my bodyfat quite effectively.

Avoiding the oral route also avoids any possible issues with TMAO. All that said I admit that doing it this way is probably not for everyone, and requires a specialized dosing protocol that involves timing it with insulin spikes - but it sure works. I have quite a few clinical study references that back all this up. I'll see if I can't post a few links tomorrow.

If it affects the thyroid I have nothing to report other than an amazing endurance level and fat burning capacity. It probably all comes down to method of administration and the amount required to see an effect.

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[Lufega]

Interesting observations. The bio-availability of oral carnitine is pretty low.

I take L-Carnitine in sterile solution IM at 1g EOD. The results have been nothing short of spectacular. The level of muscle stamina and reduced lactic acid build-up I have I never would have thought possible It has also helped decrease my bodyfat quite effectively.

Avoiding the oral route also avoids any possible issues with TMAO. All that said I admit that doing it this way is probably not for everyone, and requires a specialized dosing protocol that involves timing it with insulin spikes - but it sure works. I have quite a few clinical study references that back all this up. I'll see if I can't post a few links tomorrow.

If it affects the thyroid I have nothing to report other than an amazing endurance level and fat burning capacity. It probably all comes down to method of administration and the amount required to see an effect.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

Thank you for the feedback. Fat burning is one of the main reasons I was experimenting with it. Where do you source yours ?

[RJ23_1989]

I get mine from a company that only produces it for injection. I'll be glad to PM you the info if you like.

I would say its pretty difficult to obtain the necessary levels with oral dosing based on this study regarding oral bio-availability and the need for insulin referenced below. If you can get good bio-availability and combine it in conjunction with the appropriate insulin threshold it WILL work. Oral administration CAN work, it just takes a long time to load and there's that whole (possible) TMAO issue.


Stephens et al 2007 study demonstrating an insulin threshold must be present for Carnitine to reach effective levels within muscle tissue.

Stephens et al 2013 study which further demonstrates the effectiveness of Carnitine in increasing energy expenditure and preventing fat accumulation. **You'll note they do list a protocol for oral administration of Carnitine, it just takes a long time to achieve proper loading plus the (possible) issues with TMAO levels