MEDICAL CHECK UP

My medical check up recently went fantastic! the check up was at Damansara Specialist Centre and i was charged Rm114 for it all! My liver is still bad on the other hand. However! the nurses and the counter girls were checking me out, lol. Though this may sound very vain and some may say self praise is no praise but it is the fact. I'm going to make a comeback after a few month of rest due to unexpected event.

BACK 27/2/2010

I'm hopping around all the gym lately just to get the feel of new environment. Today I'm training at Celebrity Lot 10. How I can describe about the gym, it's BIG ans spacious, tons of equipment for almost every part of the body. The gym located @ the top most floor but there's a thing about the shower room that I dislike.

SETS x REPS x WEIGHT

PULL UP

3 x 15 x BW

DEAD LIFT

1 x 15 x 90lb
1 x 12 x 180lb
1 x 8 x 270lb
1 x 3 x 360lb

REVERSE ARM PULL DOWN

1 x 15 x 50kg
1 x 12 x 60kg
1 x 10 x 70kg

DB ROW

1 x 12 x 70lb
1 x 10 x 80lb
1 x 08 x 90lb

SITED CABLE ROW

1 x 12 x 50kg
1 x 12 x 60kg
1 x 10 x 70kg

CABLE UP RIGHT ROW

3 x 15 x 15kg

Shoulder 24/2/10

I'm back on my training regime,no more stupid event or drama will stop me now !! Due to the past incident and thank you GOD it is over, I may concentrate 110% more towards my training & diet. Today I'm heading to Celebrity Sunway to train with our Junior competitive bodybuilder, Joseph. Training start mid day, while waiting for him I bump into my ex-manager " WHAT A SMALL WORLD", and so the training begin.



SET x REPS x POUNDAGE

DB OVERHEAD PRESS

1 x 15 x 50lb
1 x 12 x 70lb
2 x 10 x 80lb


DB LATERAL RAISE

1 x 12 x 15lb (EACH SIDE)
1 x 12 x 20lb (EACH SIDE)
1 x 12 x 25lb (EACH SIDE)
1 x 10 x 30lb (EACH SIDE)

DB FRONT RAISE

1 x 12 x 20lb (EACH SIDE)
1 x 12 x 25lb (EACH SIDE)
2 x 10 x 30lb (EACH SIDE)

DB INCLINE REVERSE FLY

1 x 15 x 15lb (EACH SIDE)
1 x 12 x 20lb (EACH SIDE)
1 x 12 x 25lb (EACH SIDE)
1 x 10 x 25lb (EACH SIDE)

BB BEHIND SHRUG

1 x 15 x 25lb (EACH SIDE)
1 x 15 x 35lb (EACH SIDE)
2 x 12 x 45lb (EACH SIDE)

Meal of the Day

Try to maintain my weight below 75kg, my diet is still home cook. Simple, cheap and yet it taste AWESOME !!

Breakfast : 2 whole Egg + onion with Arab Bread

Lunch : 120grm of Beef steak with mix vegetable.

T/Break : 120grm of Beef Steak with mix vegetable.

Snack : Almond + cashew nut

Dinner : 120grm of Beef Steak with mix vegetable.

Supper : 1 Chicken Tandoori

Nutrabolic Isobolic

Currently I at the beginning of my dieting phase and due to that I'm consuming low calories from carbs and fats. My protein intake is almost the same amount as before but this time I'm using blended Protein. Fast and slow acting protein to promote build lean muscle at the same time also to help feeding my body with quality protein up to 4hrs or so. One of the protein stack that I'm using now is Nutrabolic Isobolic.

Why I choose Nutrabolic Isobolic ?

Cross-Flow Micro-Filtered Whey Protein Isolate – Cross-Flow Micro-Filtered Whey Protein Isolate supplies the highest levels of di-, tri-, and oligo-whey peptides, including over 10% immunoglobulins (vital antibodies that support a balanced, healthy immune response). This process offers the purest, fastest acting and most digestible whey protein available. Native Micellar Casein – In several studies, IsoBolic’s major protein component, Micellar Casein, has proven to maximize net nitrogen retention, absorption efficiency, and protein synthesisiii, iv, v, vi, vii. Micellar Casein behaves like tissue protein (chicken, beef, etc.), because it congeals in the stomach and the breakdown process elicits a time-release effect on protein synthesis. Egg Protein Isolate (Egg Albumin) – Egg Protein Isolate is a rich source of sulphur-bearing amino acids critical to numerous pathways that enhance cell repair. Effectiveness ? I don't feel any bloated feeling like other Blended Protein. Gain some lean muscle without gaining any weight and the best part is I decrease a few percentage of my body fat due to the effect of (EFA's) Essential Fatty Acids including CLA and Flax seed Powder. Rate IT !! I like Isobolic for its 220calories, 45grm of Protein with only 1 grm of sugar per serving. I can accept the taste but that does not mean it taste good. To pricey for every $$$ per serving.

Malaysia Animal Barbell Club (ABC)

A'ite, at last I able to upload this gathering picture. It was taken around mid July 2009 @ Anabolic Gym and it was the first ever gathering. We begin with some introduction given by me. We have a numbers of Malaysian junior competitive bodybuilder such as :

a. Lokman Hakim (MR.KL Junior Champion >70kg 2008)
b. Syed Iqbal (MR.KL Junior Champion >70kg 2009)
(MR.Malaysia runner up Junior >70kg 2009)
c. Edmon Lew (MR.KL Junior runner up above >70kg 2009)
(MR.Selangor Champion >70kg 2009)

On top of that, we invited IFBB Pro Wong Hong to join us. Our gathering last not more than two hours but it was great to meet some of our young Malaysian's athlete. I do also hope in future more members of Lowyat.net will join us again for the next ABC gathering.

Shoulder 24/11/09

DB Shoulder Press

2 x 80lb x 15reps (warm up)
1 x 100lb x 15reps(warm up)

1 x 120lb x 12reps

2 x 140lb x 10reps

1 x 160lb x 06reps

Sited DB Lateral Raise

2 x 40lb x 15reps

1 x 50lb z 12reps

1 x 60lb x 08reps

BB Front Raise

1 x 50lb x 10reps

1 x 70lb x 09reps

1 x 90lb x 06reps

DB Reverse Fly

3 x 40lb x 12reps

BB Behind Shrug

3 x 90lb x 15reps

Chest Day

23/11/09 - 1220p.m @ Anabolic Gym "The Sanctuary" of body builder

Here's how my program look like. I begin with

Pull up

3 x body weight (B.W) x 12

Decline Fly

3 x 20lb x 12 each side (E.S)

Barbell Bench Press

2 x 90lb x 20

1 x 180lb x 15

1 x 200lb x 20

1 x 250lb x 5

1 x 180lb x 10

Incline Barbell Press

1 x 45lb x 15 ES
2 x 90lb x 12 ES
1 x 100lb x 08 ES

Sited Cable Fly

4 x 50lb x 10 ES

DB Pull Over

3 x 50lb x 12

END

Daily Meal

Currently I'm still trying to gain more weight will a minimal fat of course, so my daily meal would be home cook. The main reason that I'm cooking from home is

1. It's cheaper than buying outside yet contain larger portion of meat.
2. Very economical
3. I get the right amount of protein, fat and carbs
4. Do not need to think what to eat when the time comes

So today is Salmon day.

Ajuga Turkestancia

Ajuga Turkestancia contains the compound Turkesterone, and is a popular natural anabolic product in the former USSR. Taken with Rhaponticum Carthamoides has been shown to increase strength.

Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine is chemically related to, and derived from vincamine which easily crosses the blood brain barrier to dilate blood vessels, enhance circulation in the brain, improve oxygen utilization, make red blood cells more pliable and increasing neuronal ATP bio-energy production. Levels peak in the bloodstream within an hour and a half after ingestion.

Guanidino Propionic Acid (GPA)

Guanidino Propionic Acid (GPA) as shown to mimic the action of Insulin without the need for high glycemic carbohydrates. This insulin mimicking action efficiently transports nutrients throughout the body, supports glucose reuptake into the muscle and efficiently shuttles creatine into the muscle cell.

Markus Ruhl in Malaysia

Insanely big and thick !! I'm just speechless, another word to describe big is Ruhllll

ON 100% Whey Gold Standard

1. ON 100% Whey Gold Standard provides more whey protein isolates (WPI) - the purest and most expensive source of whey protein available.

2. Higher protein percentage. ON's 100% Whey Gold Standard has always been a leader in this respect. Now with 24 grams of protein in just slightly over one-ounce serving, it's nearly 79% protein by weight!

3. We've included more HydroWhey strategically hydrolyzed, low molecular weight whey peptides to make ON's 100% Whey Gold Standard even faster acting!

4. ON's 100% Whey Gold Standard now contains lactase and Aminogen digestive enzymes to further enhance absorption and make this product even more friendly to lactose intolerant individuals.

5. ON's 100% Whey Gold Standard is instantized to mix easily and completely with just a few twirls of a spoon.

6. Every serving supplies even more low, moderate, and high molecular weight, biologically active whey protein microfractions including Alpha-lactalbumin, Glycomacropeptides, Beta-lactoglobulin, Immunoglobulin G (IgG), Lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, and various growth factors.

7. Over 4 grams of glutamine and glutamine precursors as well as 5 grams of BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) in each scoop!

REVIEW

1. It is so pure, you can just mix it with a spoon without using a shaker.
2. Excellent taste for most of its flavor
3. Good product for dieter because it only contain low in calories and whey concentrate
4. Very very low in lactose
   

SMASH FULLY LOADED

Product Description


SMASH Fully Loaded: Anabolic Triggering Workout Intensifier


THE SMASH ADVANTAGE

SMASH Fully Loaded is the most complete pre-workout formula ever designed to help you experience the most intense workouts of your life through increased PUMP, STRENGTH, ENDURANCE, ENERGY and HYDRATION. SMASH Fully Loaded is a comprehensive blend of only the most effective ingredients designed for bigger, longer more intense workouts by covering all the essentials. SMASH your way through the gym, onto the playing field or any intense activity for explosive workouts that result in explosive gains.


SMASH Fully Loaded Highlights:
- Take only Pre-Workout, Not Daily
- Skin Bursting Cell Volumizing Pump
- Ramps Up Intramuscular Strength
- Expands Blood Plasma Volume
- Enhances Vascularity for Roadmap like Veins
- Stimulates Carnosine Production to Reduce Fatigue
- Increases Mental Alertness and Focus to Get you Zoned
- Amplifies Energy Levels and Feelings of Well-being
- Decreases Lactic Acid and Ammonia Burn
- Increases Endurance, Perfect for Any Athlete
- Precision Formulated for an Outstanding Taste
- Flavored with Sucralose, not Aspartame
- Low in Carbohydrates


Highly Active Pre-workout Intensifier
SMASH Fully Loaded is designed to be so powerful that you only need to take it before you train. This is a huge advantage to you in terms of ease-of-use and the longevity per container. Find out for yourself why the world most complete pre-workout formula out performs the competition in 1/3rd less the servings.


Time to Lock and Load
Persistent deep muscle stimulation and energized workouts are the key to unlocking body true potential. Don't hold yourself back any more. Get Zoned, Get Pumped and Get Ready to SMASH!


Component Breakdown


SLINGSHOT Plasma Endurance Infusion
This infusion is designed with one goal in mind; Pure unadulterated endurance. SMASH is formulated with Citrulline Malate, shown to reduce lactic acid and ammonia burn. The added Beta-Alanine stimulates Carnosine production which reduces muscle fatigue while training. Additionally SMASH is spiked with PlasmaFlo which pulls water out of extracellular (outside the muscle) space into the blood, thus enhancing the thickness and visibility of blood vessels and hydration.


Size and Strength Infusion
Creatine increases ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body source of intramuscular energy and strength. SMASH is powered with the world most powerful creatine, Creatine Ethyl Ester. Creatine Ethyl Ester HCl is an exceptionally soluble creatine resulting in advanced absorption, increased bioavailability and stability.


N.O. Pump and Vascularity Infusion
Intramuscular stimulation is best ignited through Nitric Oxide Pump. SMASH is formulated with a powerful infusion of muscle volumizing ingredients designed to take your workouts to the next level. The Nitric Oxide Pump SMASH delivers stimulates deep muscle tissue and shuttles muscle building nutrients right where you need them.


PHIRE Energy and Focus Infusion
Training exhaustion occurs with every avid athlete. SMASH keeps this serious problem in mind. Within the first 15 minutes of taking SMASH you will start to feel its powerful energizing effects. Bust through training fatigue and be energized before even getting to the gym. Solid energy is key to keeping a persistent heart pumping pace. In addition, the Energy Infusion keeps you mentally focused and alert during training.


Hydrating Electrolyte Infusion
To assist in ATP production, SMASH has been fortified with the Hydrating Electrolyte Infusion, containing key electrolytes essential for the production of creatine phosphate. These Electrolytes are also involved in the regulation of muscle force. The proper balance of the electrolytes is essential for normal function of your cells and organs which is why SMASH is the perfect, systematically engineered formula.

Review

1. Great taste
2. It has 50/50 effect that is explosive strength and long lasting endurance
3. Not a cheap product but worth of money to buy

Scivation Vasocharge

Formula

1. Creatine + Citrulline Malate - Synergistically increases performance.
2. Creatine + Beta-Alanine - Synergistically increases performance and lean mass gains.
3. Citrulline Malate + Arginine - Increases blood flow and amino acid deliver to skeletal muscle, leading to increased protein synthesis (muscle growth).
4. Tyrosine + ALCAR + Caffeine - Increases energy and mental focus while delaying fatigue, allowing you to workout harder and longer.


Review

1. Excellent taste for both of the flavour
2. They are not s**ting about the effect, I do feel tingling on each every reps.
3. Absorb easily in the water, not like other pre-workout
4. No much for explosive workout, more for endurance but they do give good strength tho.
5. Doesn't feel much pump

5 passes to Give away

Get this 5 passes worth RM250 each for FREE. Whats the catch, instead of paying RM250 you have to own it. This passes is only for the first 5 ABC Team ED Animal. ED stand for "Extreme Development". Register yourself at animalpak.com than search for ED Animal at http://forum.animalpak.com/forumdisplay.php?f=71 I will organize a training gathering around PJ and Subang gym's. Bring your Animal out at the first session of the training gathering and only the lucky one will received the pass at the second gathering.

Waxy Maize

Waxy Maize has a much higher molecular weight and a much lower osmolarity rate compared to dextrose or maltodextrin, so what does this mean. Mainly, Waxy Maize bypasses the stomach, is absorbed by the intestines and immediately is assimilated; this is all done at a much faster rate than dextrose or maltodextrin, almost double.

Waxy Maize can help the absorption rates of many of your favorite supplements like creatine monohydrate, creatine ethyl ester, cell volumization and nitric oxide type supplements, etc. Nutrients like this often times are left in the stomachs harsh acidic environment and degrade absorption rates. Waxy Maize helps shuttle these nutrients to bypass the stomach and allow the body to assimilate these nutrients at a much higher rate.

Waxy Maize has the ability to replenish the body's glycogen stores much faster than a mix of maltodextrin or dextrose. This is accomplished again by Waxy Maize's ability to bypass the stomach and go to the intestines for immediate absorption. Waxy Maize's ability to shuttle all these nutrients and starch gives the body an immediate "pump" you can physically feel in your muscles post workout. You will see a much larger, fuller and rounder muscle belly.

While all this sounds great, there is one thing that really matters, does it work ? Despite the relatively short time in the spotlight, numerous studies have investigated the benefits of WMS. When supplemented before exercise, WMS resulted in an increase of carbohydrate oxidation. In addition to this, researchers noted that WMS had an ergogenic effect, with athletes showing an ability to perform more work during a performance exercise.

But pre-workout isn’t the only time when Waxy Maize Starch has proven effective as an alternative to other, more traditional carbohydrate sources. As one might expect, the post-workout period, where many place an emphasis on the quickness of nutrient delivery to potentially depleted muscles, is a great window of opportunity for the advantages of WMS. In one study, researchers compared a variety of types of carbohydrates on their abilities to provide glycogen resynthesis after exercise. Even when pitted against classic bodybuilding favorites such as maltodextrin and resistant starch, Waxy Maize Starch stole the show. WMS outperformed both of those alternatives, providing nearly double the muscle gylogen concentration of resistant starch.

And thanks to the lack of fat and sugars, Waxy Maize Starch delivers everything you want and nothing you don’t, ensuring that you can create your ideal post-workout recovery nutrition.

L- Arginine

L-arginine is an amino acid that has numerous functions in the body. It helps the body get rid of ammonia (a waste product), is used to make compounds in the body such creatine, L-glutamate, and L-proline, and can be converted to glucose and glycogen if needed.

L-arginine is used to make the nitric oxide, a compound in the body that relaxes blood vessels. Preliminary studies have found that L-arginine may help with conditions that improve when blood vessels are relaxed (called vasodilation), such as atherosclerosis, erectile dysfunction, and intermittent claudication.
L-arginine is also involved in protein formation. In larger amounts, L-arginine stimulates the release of hormones growth hormone and prolactin.


Why Do People Use L-Arginine ?

Heart disease

In the body, L-arginine is used to make nitric oxide, which reduces blood vessel stiffness, increases blood flow, and improves blood vessel function.
Erectile Dysfunction
L-arginine has been used for erectile dysfunction. Like the drug sildenafil citrate (Viagra), L-arginine is thought to enhance the action of nitric oxide, which relaxes muscles surrounding blood vessels supplying the penis. As a result, blood vessels in the penis dilate, increasing blood flow, which helps maintain an erection. The difference in how they work is that Viagra blocks an enzyme called PDE5 which destroys nitric oxide and L-arginine is used to make nitric oxide.
In one study, 50 men with erectile dysfunction took either 5 grams of L-arginine per day or a placebo. After six weeks, more men in the L-arginine group had an improvement compared to those taking the placebo.
Unlike Viagra, L-arginine must be taken daily.

Wound healing

L-arginine's possible activity in wound repair may be due to its role in the formation of L-proline, an important amino acid that is essential for the synthesis of collagen.

Other Conditions

L-arginine is also used for high blood pressure, migraines, sexual dysfunction in women, intermittent claudication, and interstitial cystitis.

Sources of L-Arginine

L-arginine is conditionally essential, which means that the body normally has enough. It's produced in the kidney and to a lesser extent, in the liver.
Food sources of L-arginine include plant and animal proteins, such as dairy products, meat, poultry, fish, and nuts. The ratio of L-arginine to lysine is also important - soy and other plant proteins have more L-arginine than animal sources of protein. Severe burns, infections, and injuries can deplete the body's supply of arginine. Under these conditions, L-arginine becomes essential and it is necessary to ensure proper intake to meet the increased demands.
L-arginine is also essential for children with rare genetic disorders that impair the formation of L-arginine.

Side Effects of L-Arginine

L-arginine may lower blood pressure because it is involved in the formation of nitric oxide. It may also result in indigestion, nausea, and headache.
L-arginine should not be used following a heart attack. If you have a history of heart disease, consult your doctor before taking L-arginine.
Higher doses of arginine can increase stomach acid, so it may worsen heartburn, ulcers, or digestive upset cause by medications. Arginine appears to increase stomach acid by stimulating the production of gastrin, a hormone that increases stomach acid. L-arginine may also alter potassium levels, especially in people with liver disease. People with kidney disease and those who take ACE inhibitors or potassium sparing diuretics should not use supplemental L-arginine unless they are under professional supervision. It may also alter the levels of other chemicals and electrolytes in the body, such as chloride, sodium, and phosphate.
Arginine may increase blood sugar levels, so it shouldn't be used by people with diabetes unless under a doctor's supervision.
Pregnant and nursing women and children should not use supplemental L-arginine, as it's safety has not been established.
People with genital herpes should not take L-arginine because it may aggravate their symptoms.

Possible Drug Interactions

L-arginine may counteract the benefits of lysine to treat herpes
NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) or other drugs that are hard on the stomach should not be combined with L-arginine.
Drugs that alter potassium levels in the body, such as ACE inhibitors and potassium sparing diuretics.

L- Carnitine

What is it and where does it come from?

L-carnitine is very similar to the nonessential amino acid carnitine. It performs some of the same functions, such as helping metabolize food into energy.*

L-carnitine is synthesized in the body from the amino acids lysine and methionine. L-Carnitine is available as a high quality supplement from Bodybuilding.com, as well as from natural and synthetic sources. It is also found in avocados, dairy products, and red meats (especially lamb and beef).

What does it do and what scientific studies
give evidence to support this?

L-carnitine transfers long-chain fatty acids, such as triglycerides into mitochondria a cell energy powerhouse, where they may be oxidized to produce energy. L-carnitine is a very popular supplement that promotes growth and development. It is also used for fat-burning, increasing energy, and improving resistance to muscle fatigue. L-carnitine also helps to build muscle.* It is also great in dieting, as it reduces feelings of hunger and weakness.

Studies have been conducted on L-carnitine since as early as 1937. Those studies yielded positive results suggesting that the body's cardiovascular system can greatly benefit from its intake. There are a variety of published studies that suggest L-carnitine is useful in increasing the heart's output and improving it's functioning, as well as stimulating the heart's energy supply and supporting cardiac performance.

Carnitine is a nutrient that helps the body turn fat into energy. It is produced by the body in the liver and kidneys and stored in the skeletal muscles, heart, brain, and sperm.

Usually, the body can make all the carnitine it needs. Some people, however, may be deficient in carnitine because their bodies cannot make enough carnitine or transport it into tissues so it can be used. Some other conditions, such as angina or intermittent claudication, can also cause insufficient carnitine in the body, as can some medications.

Carnitine has been proposed as a treatment for many conditions. Some of the conditions carnitine may help treat are serious, and in those cases the supplement should be taken under the supervision of your doctor, as an adjunct therapy to conventional medicine. For other conditions, such as fatigue or improving exercise performance, carnitine appears safe but seems to have little effect.

Heart Conditions

• Angina -- The best evidence for carnitine's use for heart disease is as an addition to conventional treatment for stable angina. Several clinical trials indicate that L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine can help reduce symptoms of angina and improve the ability of those with angina to exercise without chest pain. You should not self-treat chest pain with carnitine, however; see your doctor for diagnosis and conventional treatment, and take carnitine only under your doctor's supervision.
• Heart attack -- There is little evidence for using carnitine after a heart attack due to a lack of well-designed studies. Some small studies suggest that people who take L-carnitine supplements soon after a heart attack may be less likely to suffer a subsequent heart attack, die of heart disease, experience chest pain and abnormal heart rhythms, or develop heart failure. However, other studies have found no benefit. Carnitine should be used along with conventional medication under your doctor's supervision.
• Heart Failure -- A few small studies have suggested that carnitine (usually propionyl-L-carnitine) can help reduce symptoms of heart failure and improve exercise capacity in people with heart failure. However, more and larger studies are needed to confirm any benefit.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Decreased blood flow to the legs from atherosclerosis (plaque build up) often causes an aching or cramping pain in the legs while walking or exercising. This pain is called intermittent claudication, and the diminished blood flow to the legs is called peripheral vascular disease (PVD). A number of studies show that carnitine can help reduce symptoms and increase the distance that people with intermittent claudication can walk. Most studies have used propionyl-L-carnitine; it isn't known whether L-carnitine would have the same effect.

Diabetic Neuropathy

When high blood sugar levels damage nerves in the body, especially the arms, legs, and feet, the condition is called diabetic neuropathy. Some small preliminary studies suggest acetyl-L-carnitine may help reduce pain and increase normal feeling in affected nerves. It is also possible that carnitine can help nerves regenerate; however, more and better studies are needed to say for sure.

Exercise Performance

Although carnitine is often taken to improve exercise performance, there is no evidence it works.

Weight Loss

Although L-carnitine has been marketed as a weight loss supplement, there is no scientific evidence to show that it improves weight loss.

Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Impairment

The evidence is mixed as to whether carnitine is useful in treating Alzheimer's disease. Several early studies showed that acetyl-L- carnitine, might help delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease, relieve depression related to senility and other forms of dementia, and improve memory in the elderly. Unfortunately, larger and better-designed studies found no benefit. Taking carnitine for Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia should only be done under the supervision of your doctor.

Kidney Disease and Dialysis

Because the kidneys produce carnitine, kidney disease could lead to a deficiency of carnitine in the body. If you have kidney disease, your doctor may prescribe carnitine; however, do not take it without medical supervision.

Male Infertility

Low sperm counts have been linked to low carnitine levels in men. Several studies suggest that L-carnitine supplementation may increase sperm count and mobility.

Erectile Dysfunction

Preliminary studies suggest propionyl-L-carnitine may help improve male sexual function. One study found that carnitine significantly improved the effectiveness of sidenafil (Viagra) in men with diabetes who had not previously responded to Viagra. More studies are needed, however.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Some researchers speculate that chronic fatigue syndrome may be caused by deficiencies in a variety of nutrients, including carnitine. L-carnitine has been compared to a medication for fatigue in a study of 30 people with CFS. Those who took L-carnitine did much better than those who took the medication, particularly after receiving the supplement for 4 - 8 weeks. However, the study was not well-designed, and many of those who took the prescription medication dropped out of the study. More research is needed to determine whether carnitine has any true benefit for CFS.

Peyronie's Disease

Peyronie's disease is characterized by a curvature of the penis that leads to pain during an erection because of blocked blood flow. One promising study compared acetyl-L-carnitine to tamoxifen in 48 men with this condition. Acetyl-L-carnitine worked better than the medication at reducing pain during intercourse and minimizing the curve of the penis. Acetyl-L-carnitine also had fewer side effects than tamoxifen. Although the study results are encouraging, more research is needed.

Hyperthyroidism

Some research suggests that L-carnitine may prove useful for preventing or reducing symptoms of an overactive thyroid, such as insomnia, nervousness, elevated heart rate, and tremors. In fact, in one study, a small group of people with hyperthyroidism had improvement in these symptoms, as well as normalization of their body temperature, when taking carnitine. But a larger, well-designed clinical trial is needed before carnitine can be recommended for hyperthyroidism.

Dietary Sources:

Red meat (particularly lamb) and dairy products are the primary sources of carnitine. It can also be found in fish, poultry, tempeh, wheat, asparagus, avocados, and peanut butter.

Precautions:

Because supplements may have side effects or interact with medications, they should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.

Side effects are generally mild. High doses (5 or more grams per day) may cause diarrhea. Other rare side effects include increased appetite, body odor, and rash.

People with the following conditions should talk to their doctor before taking carnitine:

• Peripheral vascular disease
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Alcohol-induced liver disease (cirrhosis)
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease

Supporting Research

Arsenian, MA. Carnitine and its derivatives in cardiovascular disease. Progr Cardiovasc Dis. 1997;40:3:265-286.

Benvenga S, Ruggieri RM, Russo A, Lapa D, Campenni A, Trimarchi F. Usefulness of L-carnitine, a naturally occurring peripheral antagonist of thyroid hormone action, in iatrogenic hyperthyroidism: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001;86(8):3579-3594.

Biagiotti G, Cavallini G. Acetyl-L-carnitine vs tamoxifen in the oral therapy of Peyronie's disease: a preliminary report. BJU Int. 2001;88(1):63-67.

Brass EP, Hiatt WR. The role of carnitine and carnitine supplementation during exercise in man and in individuals with special needs. J Am Coll Nutr. 1998;17:207-215.

Bowman B. Acetyl-carnitine and Alzheimer's disease. Nutr Reviews. 1992;50:142-144.

Carrero JJ, Grimble RF. Does nutrition have a role in peripheral vascular disease? Br J Nutr. 2006 Feb;95(2):217-29. Review.

Carta A, Calvani M, Bravi D. Acetyl-L-carnitine and Alzheimer's disease. Pharmacologic considerations beyond the cholinergic sphere. Ann NY Acad Sci. 1993;695:324-326.

Chung S, Cho J, Hyun T, et al. Alterations in the carnitine metabolism in epileptic children treated with valproic acid. J Korean Med Soc. 1997;12:553-558.

Corbucci GG, Loche F. L-carnitine in cardiogenic shock therapy: pharmacodynamic aspects and clinical data. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1993;13(2):87-91.

Cruciani RA, Dvorkin E, Homel P, Malamud S, Culliney B, Lapin J, Portenoy RK, Esteban-Cruciani N. Safety, tolerability and symptom outcomes associated with L-carnitine supplementation in patients with cancer, fatigue, and carnitine deficiency: a phase I/II study. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2006 Dec;32(6):551-9.

De Vivo DC, Bohan TP, Coulter DL, et al. L-Carnitine supplementation in childhood epilepsy: current perspectives. Epilepsia. 1998;39:1216-1225.

Dyck DJ. Dietary fat intake, supplements, and weight loss. Can J Appl Physiol. 2000;25(6):495-523.

Elisaf M, Bairaaktari E, Katopodis K, et al. Effect of L-carnitine supplementation on lipid parameters in hemodialysis patients. Am J Nephrol. 1998;18:416-421.

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