acetyl-l-carnitine thyroid question - to CS

Hi CS,

As you know your regimen calls for 3000mg of ALC per day. I originally took 3 x 1000mg but after awhile it seemed I had increased hair shedding (overall shedding, not temple, etc), so I moved down to 1000mg per day. Of course I would like to do the 3g per day along with the 300mg ALA etc. I have read that ALC above 2g per day blocks action of T3/T4 at thyroid target tissues, other readings suggest ALC only reduces hyperthyroid conditions, but will not affect regular individuals. In my case I take Amrour thyoid 1&1/2 grains for years, am considering after iodine test to do Iodoral. So perhaps I am more sensitive to ALC blocking actions of T3/T4?? Any thoughts ?? and of course, thank you.

2560 - Great point. Yes, actually you can take just 1,000 and that would be A-OK.

CS-How does taking ALC affect people with hypothyroid? I read that it's harmful? How? I'm taking the combo by the way. 2 pills each meal. 2 meals a day. No breakfast. I haven't notice any side affects. So i don't know. Maybe if you can give me a heads up on what to look for. That'll be great. Here's the quote.

"Carnitine is thought to affect thyroid hormone by blocking its action in cells. This suggests a potential concern: Carnitine might be harmful for people who have low or borderline thyroid levels to begin with. This possibility has not been well explored as yet."

GoodThings - Acetyl-L-carnitine increases the activity of cytochrome oxidase in the mitochondria. An anti-aging effect that does also work in a hypothyroid state.

I don't believe there is any negative effect. It's been suggested that at high doses, which exceed 4 grams would help reduce hyperthryoid. Based on observation only, ALC appears to have a regulatory effect, helping both hypo and hyperthyroid conditions.

Thanks CS.

The only negative thing I noted about ACL was that it seemed to drop my blood sugar too much. But then again... EVERYTHING does that to me. So I might just be hypersensitive.

a little besides the subject, but then again i dont need to create a post;

I've only access to regular ALA in 250mg units along with the usual ALC of 500mgs. Been doing the R-ALA until now, but ran out, so how many regular ALA 250's do I take with each ALC of 500 per meal and day? Im pretty slim with a high metabolism, should I be taking it alittle easy with the stated doses? Im loosing weight while I should be gaining some.

Thanks

epdaman - The weight loss effects do not last forever--it's usually a result of getting rid of built up waste products that have accumulated over time.

150 mg to 250 mg per meal of regular ALA is good.

Is there anyone on the forum taking L-Carnitine or maybe someone who has taken that supplement before?

frow - I've used plain L-Carnitine before, what would you like to know?