L- Carnitine use - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[kettlebell king]

Does anyone know if there are any adverse side effects associated with L-Carnitine use? What do people think of its efficiacy>

[Joe Cannon MS CSCS]

L carnitine is usually used for fat/ weight loss and for helping aerobic exercise performance. as I wrote about in my book, "Nutritional Supplements, What Works and Why", the evidence for it helping each issue is mixed with studies both supporting it and not supporting its use. there was a recent study published on this supplement in the international journal of sports nutrition and exercise metabolism (vol 18, 1, feb 2008, let me know if you want me to email you the study) that found it did not help aerobic or anaerobic exercise performance when used at a dosage of 3 g/ day for eight weeks.

as for weight loss, I personally always thought it was an "iffy" product - might help an athlete drop a few lbs but for people trying to lose lots (20 or more lbs), Id say forget it.

As for side effects, there is speculation that it might over stress the liver if people had liver problems. there is also some evidence that the supplement may inhibit thyroid hormone so those with thyroid issues should probably avoid it.

I also suggest you read my book which you can get at my website www.Joe-Cannon.com I am one of the few investigators who specializes in highlighting supplement side effects. Trust me you WILL be the expert on supplements after reading it.
I hope that helps!
Joe

[kettlebell king]

cheers joe- yet again a good knowlegable source to turn too!