Fibromyalgia is a disease of unknown cause, but it definitely makes its presence known with sometimes-debilitating symptoms that can include body-wide pain and tenderness, fatigue, depression and sleep disorders. There are few drugs available to help treat the condition, one reason many sufferers turn to vitamins and supplements. L-carnitine is one supplement that may provide some pain relief and treat other symptoms like depression in fibromyalgia patients.
Identification
L-carnitine is also known as acetyl-l-carnitine or carnitine. It's a nutrient your body produces in the liver and kidneys that's stored in the muscles, heart, brain and sperm. L-carnitine has an important role in helping convert fat into energy and in reducing oxidative stress, which occurs when harmful free radicals damage cell walls and even the DNA in your cells.
Expert Insight
Although there have been few studies on the benefits of L-carnitine for fibromyalgia, a review published in March 2010 in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" looked at studies using various forms of complementary and alternative treatments. Of the 70 controlled clinical trials included in the review, L-carnitine was one of only three supplements, along with magnesium and SAMe, that was shown as beneficial in treating pain and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. One of the positive studies referenced was published in 2007 in "Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology" and found significantly greater symptom improvements in pain, as well as the general and mental health of patients in the group that took L-carnitine compared to placebo.
Recommendations
The 2007 "Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology" study used 500 mg of L-carnitine taken three times a day to help ease the pain and fatigue from fibromyalgia. In general, L-carnitine appears to be well tolerated; toxic effects related to L-carnitine overdose have not been reported, notes the Linus Pauling Institute. L-carnitine supplementation may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Discuss the appropriate dosage for your fibromyalgia symptoms with your health care provider.
Considerations
Long-term effects of taking L-carnitine aren't known, although side effects from short-term, very high doses of 5 g or more a day can cause diarrhea, rashes and a fishy body odor. Many products on the market combine carnitine with alpha lipoic acid, although that combination hasn't been studied on patients with fibromyalgia, and potential side effects are unknown. Since supplements often interact with medications and foods, check with your doctor before adding L-carnitine to your diet. In rare cases, L-carnitine may be taken in a prescription dose or given intravenously by a doctor.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; L-Carnitine; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; March 20, 2009
- "Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology"; Double-Blind, Multicenter Trial Comparing Acetyl L-Carnitine with Placebo in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia Patients; M. Rossini, et al.; Mar-Apr 2007
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Alternative Medical Interventions Used in the Treatment and Management of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia; N.S. Porter, et al.; March 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University; L-Carnitine; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; Oct. 2002
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