Discussion Forums > Diet, Nutrition and Supplements
Apoptosis & L-Carnitine
Andy Battaglia:
A big part of the problem facing transfusing thals is the rapid deterioration of the transfused RBC's. L-carnitine has been shown to slow the deterioration of RBC's.
From http://grande.nal.usda.gov/ibids/index.php?mode2=detail&origin=ibids_references&therow=800548
--- Quote ---After one month supplementation of L-carnitine lipid peroxidation and intracellular calcium concentrations were found to be decreased and RBC deformability was improved, accompanying the significantly increased plasma L-carnitine concentrations. These results suggest that L-carnitine can be used as a supplement in beta-thalassemic patients, to prevent RBC deterioration.
--- End quote ---
The significance of this would be that L-carnitine could slow the destruction of red blood cells and increase the time between transfusions. It seems it would also be helpful in both intermedia and minor to help protect the normal RBC's their own bodies produce.
How is it supplied? From http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/lca_0060.shtml
--- Quote ---L-carnitine is available in a few forms. Oral L-carnitine is available as a nutritional supplement and as a prescribed treatment for primary and secondary L-carnitine deficiencies. Intravenous L-carnitine is available as a prescription drug for the treatment of primary and secondary L-carnitine deficiencies. Acetyl-L-carnitine is available as a nutritional supplement. Propionyl-L-carnitine is available in Europe but not currently in the United States. DL-carnitine should be avoided. The available salts of L-carnitine are L-carnitine HC1, L-carnitine tartrate and L-carnitine fumarate.
Those who take supplemental L-carnitine for cardiovascular health (and most other possible indications) take 500 milligrams to 2 grams daily. The higher amounts are taken in divided doses. The doses are taken with or without food.
See Physician's Desk Reference for dosage and administration of levocarnitine in the treatment of primary and secondary L-carnitine deficiencies. See Acetyl-L-carnitine for dosage of this supplement.
HOW SUPPLIED
Capsules — 250 mg, 300 mg, 500 mg
Injection — 200 mg/mL
Liquid
Solution — 100 mg/mL
Tablets — 250 mg, 330 mg, 500 mg, 1000 mg
Wafer — 500 mg
--- End quote ---
From Natural sources http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnitine
--- Quote ---The highest concentrations of carnitine are found in red meat and dairy products. Other natural sources of carnitine include nuts and seeds (e.g. pumpkin, sunflower, sesame), legumes or pulses (beans, peas, lentils, peanuts), vegetables (artichokes, asparagus, beet greens, broccoli, brussels sprouts, collard greens, garlic, mustard greens, okra, parsley), fruits (apricots, bananas), cereals (buckwheat, corn, millet, oatmeal, rice bran, rye, whole wheat, wheat bran, wheat germ) and other 'health' foods (bee pollen, brewer's yeast, carob, and kale).
Product Quantity Carnitine
Beef Steak 3.5 oz 95 mg
Ground Beef 3.5 oz 94 mg
Pork 3.5 oz 27.7 mg
Bacon 3.5 oz 23.3 mg
Cod Fish 3.5 oz 5.6 mg
Chicken Breast 3.5 oz 3.9 mg
American Cheese 3.5 oz 3.7 mg
Ice Cream 3.5 fl oz 3.7 mg
Whole Milk 3.5 fl oz 3.3 mg
Cottage Cheese 3.5 fl oz 1.1 mg
Whole Wheat Bread 3.5 oz .36 mg
Asparagus 3.5 oz .195 mg
White Bread 3.5 oz .147 mg
Macaroni 3.5 oz .126 mg
Peanut Butter 3.5 oz .083 mg
Rice (cooked) 3.5 oz .0449 mg
Eggs 3.5 oz .0121 mg
Orange Juice 3.5 fl oz .0019 mg
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poo gill:
Dear Manal
I hv just found out about this L Carnitine from your post after harminder mentioned it on this as well. My Son is 8 years old and is on hydrea and wheatgrass, folic acid.This year has been a bit tough on him. he was miantaining his hb avg on 7.5 but due to viral infection this year , he went down to 5. Therefore his Haemotologist is suggesting splelenectomy. I am thinking wether I shud listen to him or wait for some more time.
I would like your advice on L Carnitine, how do u take it. Are there any side effects. Can it be taken with Hydrea. Is your child also on hydrea.
Pls advise.
Tk care
puja
Manal:
Hi Puja
Yes he is on hydra and he started it last May but i will be stopping it in the next 10 days as i will start a new treatment.
Concerning the spleenectomy, i think it all depends on the size of the spleen. By the way we expierenced the same situation of viral infection this year and Ahmad Hb reached 5.8 but he was able to catch up again without transfusions and i remember that the hemeo at that time increased the dose of vitamin E to help him up.So i guess you should give it more thought.
Concerning L-carnitine, Ahmad is taking it from the first day he was diagnoised. First he took it twice daily for a month then twice daily 6 days/week and then finally he is taking it twice daily 5 days in a week. They are in the form of drops and the dose is one full dropper.
L-carnitine is a natural substance that is originally found in the human cells and it has no side effect at all except that the child can be a little more active :biggrin. It can be taken with hydrea
Please Puja if you have any more questions feel free to ask
Manal
anae:
I got my L-carnitene prescription through my homeopatic doctor, instead of my heamotologists. In fact I believe that they never heard of it. So I found this topic very interesting. Am I allowed to share this whit to my Homeopatic doctor and my local GP and nurse practioner?
I use L-carnitene 2 a day 5ml I don't know if this is enough. Amongst other physical problems caused by iron-overload I also have a sever heart condition my ferritin level is 19134 µ/L
greetz from Holland, anae
Manal:
Hi Anae
Definetly you can share this study with who ever you want and although your ferritin is high but i read ( can not remember where exactly, but i wll try ) about the expierence of a lady who stopped chelating ( thal major ) when she was 21years and after 8 years, her ferritin reached 28,000
But after suffering from iron overload problems and with a STRONG WILL she was able to lower her ferritin to 5000 in two years and she continuedl owering it down. So what i mean is that though your ferritin is high, you can lower it down. So you just start and we are all here behind you :wink
Manal
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