• Welcome to Phoenix Rising!

    Created in 2008, Phoenix Rising is the largest and oldest forum dedicated to furthering the understanding of and finding treatments for complex chronic illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia (FM), long COVID, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and allied diseases.

    To become a member, simply click the Register button at the top right.

Carnitine + lipoic acid

sillysocks84

Senior Member
Messages
445
Many of us know carnitine helps produce energy in the mitochondria, this article took it a step further and discussed the significance of adding lipoic acid.

"Dynamic Duo: Carnitine and Lipoic Acid


There is no question that supplementing with any carnitine formulation enhances the mitochondrial use of fatty acids, thus making more energy available to cells and tissues, enhancing their various functions,5 and slowing the mitochondrial damage that leads to aging.2,6,7

However, the very increase of electron flow associated with this more efficient use of fatty acid energy may itself lead to increased formation of reactive oxygen species.2 The solution to this dilemma, according to a research review released in 2002, is co-supplementation with lipoic acid.

Lipoic acid is a natural cofactor for a mitochondrial enzyme that is critical in breaking down fatty acids, which may further enhance cellular energy efficiency. In addition, lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant that increases intracellular levels of vitamin C and glutathione, which are powerful antioxidants in their own right.8,9

By adding lipoic acid to carnitine, scientists have reversed age-related decline in laboratory animals while further reducing oxidative stress.2 This "one-two punch" of carnitine and lipoic acid helps to knock out the oxidative stress that occurs with high energy utilization."

I wonder who here takes these together regularly, and does it help significantly?

Link below.
 

halcyon

Senior Member
Messages
2,482
There is at least one study showing ME patients are deficient in carnitine. I've been meaning to try it again but I've found it too stimulating in the past.
 

sillysocks84

Senior Member
Messages
445
There is at least one study showing ME patients are deficient in carnitine. I've been meaning to try it again but I've found it too stimulating in the past.
Interesting. By stimulating do you mean you felt wired? Do you remember if you started on a low or normal dose?
 

trails

Senior Member
Messages
114
Location
New Hampshire
I use Nature's Bounty Acetyl L-Carnitine (400mg) which also contains Alpha Lipoic Acid (200mg). It is the most effective supplement I take. Benefits to both brain fog and energy. Not a cure-all, but I definitely do worse without it. I take 3 capsules per day spaced about 4 hours apart.
 
Messages
55
Location
Auckland, NZ
I took 500mg daily of Acetyl L-Carnitine for a week or so, before I realised it was completely messing with my thyroid!

I still have no idea why my thyroid is underactive, but I wish I had read the below before buying ALC:

http://cfstreatment.blogspot.co.nz/p/supplements.html

CONS. Carnitine is not recommended for patients with low thyroid function, as it interferes with thyroid hormones. Excess amounts of carnitine can cause diarrhea and stomach upset, so start with low doses.

My stomach was fine, but my skin was flaking off me, and I was beyond cold - wearing heavy winter clothes in close to 30°C heat!
 
Messages
54
I take 1000mg of acetyl L carnitine, twice a day. I also take 300mg x 2 daily. It's one of the only supplements I've found to be noticeably effective in energy/motivation. It's not long lasting, but it helps enough for me to be able to cope with university studies.
 

Jammy88

Senior Member
Messages
163
Location
Italy
I use Nature's Bounty Acetyl L-Carnitine (400mg) which also contains Alpha Lipoic Acid (200mg). It is the most effective supplement I take. Benefits to both brain fog and energy. Not a cure-all, but I definitely do worse without it. I take 3 capsules per day spaced about 4 hours apart.
I use the same supplement, too. :)
 

Bansaw

Senior Member
Messages
521
I have spent thousands of $ on supplements but only about two I can say, hand on heart, have had a noticeable affect: Zypan, and Aceytl-L-Carnitine.
I get my ALCAR from Bulk Supplements and dissolve it in water. It helps rid me of brain fog and sharpens me mentally.
I might look at adding Lipoic. I suppose there is no difference between Lipoic and Alpha Lipoic Acid?
 

dannybex

Senior Member
Messages
3,561
Location
Seattle
I use Nature's Bounty Acetyl L-Carnitine (400mg) which also contains Alpha Lipoic Acid (200mg). It is the most effective supplement I take. Benefits to both brain fog and energy. Not a cure-all, but I definitely do worse without it. I take 3 capsules per day spaced about 4 hours apart.

I'm curious if you have any amalgam fillings @trails ?

Some 'experts' out there contend that ALA chelates mercury and other heavy metals and is dangerous to take, yet there have been folks here who have done fine w/ALA even with fillings in their mouth.
 

Sam7777

Senior Member
Messages
115
It's not worth the risk to take ALA wrong if you suspect you might have metals. It is a pain to take it 8 times a day. . but safer than sorry. Of course a lot of people here don't have metals, but a good chunk do and may not know.

I didn't have 'chronic fatigue' per say until after I took ALA incorrectly.

People w/o metal issues would do better with pure RLA too.
 

trails

Senior Member
Messages
114
Location
New Hampshire
I'm curious if you have any amalgam fillings @trails ?

Some 'experts' out there contend that ALA chelates mercury and other heavy metals and is dangerous to take, yet there have been folks here who have done fine w/ALA even with fillings in their mouth.

@dannybex, I do have my share of amalgam fillings. Apparently the ALA hasn't caused me a problem with respect to mercury since I still find the supplement among the most effective I take.
 

MeSci

ME/CFS since 1995; activity level 6?
Messages
8,231
Location
Cornwall, UK
I take this UK supplement of Alpha lipoic acid 200mg and Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl 250mg (one a day). After the first dose I had a dramatic reduction in leg ache and fatigue plus lightening of mood, but it didn't last. It was a good kind of energy, and I got really excited, thinking that it was a breakthrough. I then had a mild headache for part of a few days, and now I don't notice anything when I take it. It may help, but I don't know!
 

trails

Senior Member
Messages
114
Location
New Hampshire
Thanks @trails. Very interesting. Also curious how long you've been taking the supp?

I've been taking it since about April of this year. At this point, the daily benefits are less discernible,,,probably because it has become my new "normal". However, my symptoms deteriorate pretty quickly (and significantly) if I stop taking it, then improve again upon re-start.