Hyperthyroidism is a disease that affects around 1 percent of the U.S. population, according to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service. Some studies have suggested that L-carnitine, a nutrient that your body produces naturally, may be effective in treating this disorder. This could be welcome news for those suffering from the effects of an overactive thyroid gland, which include weight loss, sleep disturbance, mood swings, fatigue and muscle weakness.
What is L-carnitine?
Carnitine or L-carnitine is an organic compound that allows your body to convert fat into usable energy, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. It is normally produced in your kidneys and liver, and is stored in your muscles, brain and heart. Without enough L-carnitine, affected individuals are at risk for liver problems, heart failure and coma. Infants and young children with primary carnitine deficiency may experience severe brain dysfunction, low blood sugar, muscle weakness, vomiting and confusion, though others may not exhibit any symptoms.
What is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid gland, the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service explains. This disease causes an overproduction of the thyroid hormone that normally regulates several critical functions such as brain development, breathing, metabolism, body temperature, menstrual cycles, heart and nervous system operation, weight and cholesterol levels. Hyperthyroidism can be caused by a number of factors, such as consumption of too much iodine, thyroid nodules or lumps, thyroid inflammation, Graves' disease or overuse of synthetic hormones to treat an underactive thyroid.
Treatment of Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is commonly treated using one of three methods, each with its own advantages and drawbacks -- beta-blocker medications, radioiodine therapy and thyroid surgery, according to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service. Beta-blocker drugs prevent the effects of thyroid hormones, though they do not stop actual production. Radioiodine therapy, on the other hand, destroys the thyroid cells and impedes hormone production. However, it inevitably causes hypothyroidism. Finally, thyroid surgery involves removal of a large part of the gland itself, but it carries a small risk of damage to your parathyroid glands.
L-carnitine's Effect on Hyperthyroidism
Using L-carnitine to alleviate hyperthyroidism is a promising avenue for treatment, according to medical studies. A 2004 study published in the "Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences," found that daily oral L-carnitine supplementation was effective in reversing and preventing symptoms of hyperthyroidism. The alleviated symptoms include insomnia, tremors, nervousness and elevated heart rate. These results still need further confirmation from larger-scale studies, however, before a clear recommendation to use L-carnitine supplements can be given.
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