I use carnitine to help with the fatigue I experience as a result of the late effects of polio. A search of pubmed for acetyl l-carnitine fatigueshows comments like "ALC may reduce both physical and mental fatigue in elderly and improves both the cognitive status and physical functions." for many other conditions particularly MS, CFS.

Men taking carnitine need to be aware that it also has a role in improving erectile dysfunction so it's best to take it EARLY in the day otherwise you may experience nocturnal tumescence which could disturb your sleep quality.

Like Vitamin D3 it helps improve muscle function.

Post edited by: Ted_Hutchinson, at: 09/13/2007 05:13

what form is it in?

where can i get it?

is it expensive?

how much do i take to get the benefits from it?

thanks bunches!

Karen

are you taking it now? for how long?

also what is the RDA for of D3 foir an adult male?

this Acetyl I-Carnitine, what form is it in?

Acetyl-L-Carnitine 500mg white tablets not too big.

where can i get it?

I get it from one of the UK Cheapo mail order suppliers ZIPVT but I expect there are equivalent suppliers in USA like Vitacost. Please don't regard this as advertising I've never used Vitacost so it isn't a personal recommendation just the first company that came up when I searched.

is it expensive? In the UK £7.45 x 90 x 500mg

I see Vitacost are $29.99 for 300 x 500mg so it may be worth my while buying in the USA

how much do i take to get the benefits from it? I don't have fibromyalgia but Post Polio Syndrome an entirely different condition but one which also has inflammation, pain, fatigue as the major symptoms. I found out about carnitine from this I usually take about 3 tablets and that is fine for me. I've never tried taking it until I got the runs and then drop down to a "non-run" dose but I gather this is a safe way to find your maximum tolerance level. If I am begining to flag and I've got to go out in the evening I have taken an extra batch to see me through.

I've pointed out that it is also used to improve the libido and erectile performance in aging men. I know it works because I had an indwelling catheter for a while and if I took carnitine later in the day it was a nuisance having unwanted powerful erections. I'd be interested to hear if it has this side effect if ladies use it? I have heard ladies may benefit from Viagra and this is a lot cheaper than viagra.

are you taking it now? ?I take carnitine if I'm a bit tired and fatigued. I sometimes don't take it at all. If I have to go out at night I will take some as an insurance against running out of energy.

for how long?I just take it when I feel the need for it. I reckon you can tell if it's helping you and as in the USA you can get 10x 500mg for $1 it's only going to be $0.33 for 3 so it's not a big deal and if it gives you a boost, it's not a lot of money down the drain.

what is the RDA for of D3 for an adult male?The RDA of Vitamin D is totally ludicrous and completely irrelevant. It was fixed 25yrs ago when no one knew the importance of it throughout the body.

Recent studies suggest that the current RDA/DV of vitamin D (200 IU for individuals under age 50, 400 IU for those between 50 and 70 and 600 for those over age 70) may be inadequate and that optimal daily levels should be closer to 1,000 IU.

However a lot depends on how often you get outside and lay naked (or as near to as possible) in direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm (when UVB is available)

If you've been sunning yourself every day throughout the summer then 1000iu extra will be fine.

But if you are like the average UK adult you will now have a vitamin D status of 70nmol/L and optimal (for maximum athletic performance and to get the very best from your FMS muscles) you need around 125nmol/L - 137.5nmol/L so around another 60nmol/l

400iu/d3/daily raises nmol/l status by 9points approx.

So 7 x 9= 63 and 7x 400= 2800iu/daily EXTRA is needed

In the Winter (for those above latitude 37) status usually dips to 40nmol/l so from October to March most UK adults (and particularly those with MS or FMS) the raise needs to be around 90nmol/l so that requires 10x 400iu daily = 4000iu/daily/ d3.

I use the links page of the Vitamin D Council where there are several suppliers listed who sell EFFECTIVE strength D3.

I use a 5000iu/d3/daily every day I cannot lay naked in the sunshine (I've a discreet summerhouse in the furthest corner of the garden so don't shock the neighbours)

Risk assessment for vitamin Dshows this is half the amount they propose as a Safe Upper Limit.

It takes around 60-90 days at 5000iu/d to raise your circulating Vit d status to equilibrium.

It will take longer, maybe up to a year, before every cell in your body has been fully supplied and your stores replenished. Only then will you realise your pain threshold is totally different.

You can hear Vieth talking about the safety of Vitamin D here.

Post edited by: Ted_Hutchinson, at: 09/14/2007 11:20

Post edited by: Ted_Hutchinson, at: 09/14/2007 11:21

anything is worth a try!!!

have a good day!

Karen