acetyl l carnitine

Whats your thoughts on this supplement?

Have you tried it

Did it work

side effects

any other tid bits on this one

Thanks

[Lulu54]

I have not tried it.  In fact I am not familiar with it.  Would you want to tell us more about it and how it might help with MS?

As with all supplements, be sure to discuss this with your medical team and make sure it does not harm with your current treatment.

best, Lulu

[Guitar_grrrl]

Acetyl L-Carnitine is an amino acid that acts in the mitochondria (the powerhouse) within the cells.  It gives the mitochondria something more than glucose and fructose to chew on to provide a little more "kick" in the energy the mitochondria provides to the cell.  My MS neuro prescribed me these a year ago.  I take 1500 mg in the morning, and another 1500 mg late in the afternoon when I take my 2nd dose of Baclofen.

Mayo did a study, recently, putting Acetyl L-Carnitine up against Amatadine to study effectiveness in MS fatigue.  The Acetyl L-Carnitine came out ahead.

Does it work for me?  I don't notice a HUGE difference.  I've also tried Nuvigil, and it didn't work for me either.  Go figure :-/

Cheers,
Lisa

[twopack]

What are your thoughts on acetyl l carnitine?
   Could have some benefit in improving energy.
   Could support improved heart, brain and nervous system function.

Have you tried it?  
   I've been taking it for about two years (after physician approved).

Did it work?
  I think it has been worth continuing but I may need to re-evaluate soon.

side effects?
   May interact with Coumadin or thyroid medications.
   Do not take if you are hypothyroid or have had seizures.

any other tidbits on this one?
   There are other forms of L-carnitine.  Don't substitute one for another.  
  
   Acetyl L-carnitine may be more effective when taken with alpha lipoic acid, an antioxidant that is thought to improve mitochondrial energy and has been used (in Europe) to treat diabetic (type 2) nerve pain.  (I added alpha lipotic acid to my supplement regimen about three months ago.  I'm still in the process of titrating the dose and evaluating effectiveness.)



As Lulu said, you should investigate EVERYTHING you consider taking and talk to your doctor -- this includes prescriptions, OTC pharmaceuticals, herbs, and supplements.  Too many of these items interact or duplicate actions.  Unfortunately, doctors can’t keep up with the Rx drugs let alone all the “dietary supplements” so be prepared to educate them about why you want to use a particular supplement.

Herbals and "natural" supplements can help us immensely.  They are called natural because they come from the environment (nature) NOT because they are harmless.  Some are, in fact, so powerful that their use was once restricted to medicine men with years of experience but no license, office or script pad (although people did sometimes believe they had magical powers).  Anything with enough power to heal also has potential to harm.  

I believe that’s why most hospitals will now ask you to list all your supplements and herbals along with your prescriptions.  It makes my personal list long enough to cause some nurses and doctors to cringe so I keep an updated list with current dosages in a Word file on the computer.  I print a keep-it-for-your-records copy to take along on every health care related appointment.  The more complicated my health history gets the more helpful and appreciated my prepared list has become.

Of course, it would be nice if we could feel confident someone is reviewing and understanding the information they ask for and we give.  Experience doesn’t let me believe that.  Therefore, the disclaimers here far exceed the information you originally asked for.

Research, ask professionals, self-evaluate, and research some more.  I trust your question here is part of that process for you.  I hope you find a combination of medical care and self care that works to help you be the healthiest person you can be.

Mary

[heljell]

Thanks for all the input.

I dont know that it will interact with any of my treatment.........I have none!

Im just so desperate with my fatigue and mental decline I have to do something.

I did do some reading up on this and found some conflicting and limited info.

I had started vitamin b12, and D suggested by my primary, and added a multi and fish oil.  

The rhuemy thats part of the sjogrens study mentioned that they were a good foundation with any autoimmune.

Im trying it out of desperation, I fear that if it gets any worse I wont be able to work. a singl mom at 32 what would I do?

Thanks all, you have no idea how valueable this all is to me