Thalassemia, a blood disorder is characterized by an imbalance in the production of haemoglobin that serves to transport oxygen to all parts of the body. The standard treatments for thalassemia include blood transfusion and stem cell transplantation. L-carnitine supplements alone or in combination with other medication may also help treat your symptoms of thalassemia. Be sure to talk with your doctor, before taking L-carnitine supplements for your thalassemia.
About Carnitine
In the body, L-carnitine transports fatty acids into cell mitochondria where it turns fat into energy. The nutrient is effective in maintaining the normal red blood cell function in your body. In people with thalassemia, L-carnitine may help in preventing red blood cell deterioration, according to a study published in 2006 in "Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation."
Carnitine Levels
A study published in February 2010 in "Indian Pediatrics" monitored L-carnitine levels in regularly blood transfused and chelated beta thalassemia patients. The experiment involved 40 thalassemia patients and 10 age-matched controls. Researchers found that mean L-carnitine levels in thalassemia patients were significantly lower as compared to controls.
Physical Fitness
Thalassemia is also associated with poor physical fitness. A study published in January 2007 in "Annals of Hematology" indicates that L-carnitine at a dosage of 50 mg per kilogram of body weight for six months may increase oxygen consumption, cardiac output, and oxygen pulse at maximal exercise in thalassemic patients. Researchers also note that the younger the patient, the better the improvement in exercise parameters.
Dosage
L-carnitine supplementation at a daily dosage of 50 to 100 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight may protect red blood cells against free radical damage and reduce the need of blood transfusion in people with thalassemia, according to the University of Michigan Health System. However, another study published in January 2010 in the "European Journal of Haematology" indicates that L-carnitine in combination with hydroxyurea may be more even effective in improving haematological parameters in people with thalassemia.
References
- University of Michigan Health System; L-Carnitine; Dec. 2009
- Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center: What is Thalassemia?
- "Indian Pediatrics"; L-Carnitine in Beta Thalassemia; R. Merchant; Feb. 2010
- "Annals of Hematology"; Effect of L-Carnitine on the Physical Fitness of Thalassemic Patients; El. Beshlawy et al.; Jan. 2007
- "European Journal of Haematology"; Effect of Combination Therapy of Hydroxyurea with L-Carnitine and Magnesium Chloride on Haematologic Parameters and Cardiac Function of Patients with Beta-Thalassemia Intermedia; M. Karimi et al.; Jan. 2010
- "Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation"; L-Carnitine Deficiency and Red Blood Cell Mechanical Impairment in Beta-Thalassemia Major; B. Toptas et al.; 2006
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