L-Carnitine

I read up on this for a long time before I ever decided to try it. I wanted to be sure that it was in fact something that might help me, and not just something that was a remote possibility. Turns out, with my odd combination of muscle problems and diabetes, it was a logical thing to try.

L-Carnitine helps with muscle function, and is often used by bodybuilders. That is not, in my opinion, a reason to use it, since many bodybuilders will ingest anything on the hope of having bulgier muscles, regardless of safety. I wanted to be sure that it would at least do me no harm to try it.

Since I do have problems with muscle function that could indicate a deficiency in L-carnitine or in substances related to it, I decided to try it. The outcome is still pending though, and all I can say so far is that in my research, I felt that it was safe enough to try, and to use while trying to get pregnant.

It has also been shown in preliminary studies to have a positive affect on blood sugar, in addition to being essential for proper muscle function. Since it will only help if a deficiency exists in the first place, it will most likely only be helpful for some diabetics.

Studies usually list things in percentages and averages, so you may be told that the participants experienced a 5% or 7% reduction in blood sugar levels, or that 78% of the participants experienced statistically significant benefits. This means that either way, there are those who will have experienced good results, and those who will have not.

It is possible to have tests done on your muscles, by muscle biopsy, to measure the levels of this component in the muscle tissues. But it is expensive, and may not be a totally accurate predictor of whether use of this supplement will in fact improve your blood sugar control.

L-Carnitine is often bottled as a blend with CoEnzyme Q10, or CLA. Blends should be avoided until you are sure of what each component will do, so you can test for side effects, efficacy, and determine its benefits to you before you use them in blended form.

Caution should be used with this, as with all supplements, and affects should be tracked carefully.

Update: After using this in combination with CLA for about 6 months, I experienced gradual improvement in muscle strength, lower fatigue, and less muscle pain. I ran out of both together, and really noticed the difference after about a week - a significant difference as I felt more tired and my muscles ached more. I began taking them both again, and things improved again. Because I take them together, I cannot tell precisely which, or if both, are responsible for the difference, but they are two things I will not run out of again! I have not been able to measure any difference with blood sugar with them.

Written by Laura Wheeler, Owner of Firelight Business Enterprises, Inc.