Pas op met carnitine bij traagwerkende schildklier
Geplaatst: 16 aug 2012, 17:57
Doordat ik na anderhalve week carnitine slikken in enorme problemen ben geraakt wil ik julie volgende info niet onthouden
L-carnitine and thyroid function
In addition to the findings that topping up your carnitine intake with supplements won't really help you lose weight, there's the danger that anyone who has an underactive thyroid may run into problems when taking carnitine to shed weight.
L-carnitine is actually used to counteract hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) by blocking the effects of thyroid hormones. It prevents thyroid hormones (T4) and (T3) from being taken up in body cells.
In a person with an overactive thyroid gland, who produces such large quantities of these thyroid hormones that he/she develops a variety of symptoms (including palpitations, increased body temperature, shakiness, irritability, insomnia and weight loss), the inhibiting effects of L-carnitine can be useful (Benvenga, 2005).
However, in patients who suffer from hypothyroidism or who have had their thyroid glands removed and are using thyroid hormone replacement therapy, having their thyroid hormone activity blocked or inhibited by L-carnitine is the last thing they need.
Consequently, anyone with an underactive thyroid shouldn't take L-carnitine for weight loss or any other purpose.
Avoid L-carnitine if you have thyroid problems
Ironically, people who suffer from hypothyroidism tend to gain weight and often start using a variety of slimming pills and products to help with weight loss. If you're tempted to use such slimming pills, do check on the labels to see if they contain L-carnitine. If they do, don’t take them because you may gain weight instead of losing it.
If you have an underactive thyroid and are taking thyroid hormone supplements, you should stick to taking your thyroid hormones as prescribed by your doctor. You should also try to manage your weight with the aid of a balanced, energy-reduced diet and daily exercise.
Exercise is particularly important, because by doing 30 or more minutes of physical exercise every day, you'll help to stimulate your sluggish metabolism and promote weight loss.
Athletes who use L-carnitine should have their thyroid function checked to ensure that if they happen to have a thyroid problem, they don't gain undesirable amounts of weight when using this supplement.
Slimmers who don't have an underactive thyroid should also keep in mind that there is as yet no hard proof that taking L-carnitine supplements will make any difference to your weight loss. Rather use the money you intend spending on these supplements to join a good gym.
(Dr I.V. van Heerden, DietDoc, July 2009)
Any questions? Ask DietDoc
References:
(Benvenga S, 2005. Effects of L-carnitine on thyroid hormone metabolism & on physical exercise tolerance. Horm Metab Res, 37(9):566-71; Brass EP, 2004. Carnitine & sports medicine: use or abuse? Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1033:67-78; Heinonen OJ, 1996. Carnitine & physical exercise. Sports Med, 22(2):109-32.)
L-carnitine and thyroid function
In addition to the findings that topping up your carnitine intake with supplements won't really help you lose weight, there's the danger that anyone who has an underactive thyroid may run into problems when taking carnitine to shed weight.
L-carnitine is actually used to counteract hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) by blocking the effects of thyroid hormones. It prevents thyroid hormones (T4) and (T3) from being taken up in body cells.
In a person with an overactive thyroid gland, who produces such large quantities of these thyroid hormones that he/she develops a variety of symptoms (including palpitations, increased body temperature, shakiness, irritability, insomnia and weight loss), the inhibiting effects of L-carnitine can be useful (Benvenga, 2005).
However, in patients who suffer from hypothyroidism or who have had their thyroid glands removed and are using thyroid hormone replacement therapy, having their thyroid hormone activity blocked or inhibited by L-carnitine is the last thing they need.
Consequently, anyone with an underactive thyroid shouldn't take L-carnitine for weight loss or any other purpose.
Avoid L-carnitine if you have thyroid problems
Ironically, people who suffer from hypothyroidism tend to gain weight and often start using a variety of slimming pills and products to help with weight loss. If you're tempted to use such slimming pills, do check on the labels to see if they contain L-carnitine. If they do, don’t take them because you may gain weight instead of losing it.
If you have an underactive thyroid and are taking thyroid hormone supplements, you should stick to taking your thyroid hormones as prescribed by your doctor. You should also try to manage your weight with the aid of a balanced, energy-reduced diet and daily exercise.
Exercise is particularly important, because by doing 30 or more minutes of physical exercise every day, you'll help to stimulate your sluggish metabolism and promote weight loss.
Athletes who use L-carnitine should have their thyroid function checked to ensure that if they happen to have a thyroid problem, they don't gain undesirable amounts of weight when using this supplement.
Slimmers who don't have an underactive thyroid should also keep in mind that there is as yet no hard proof that taking L-carnitine supplements will make any difference to your weight loss. Rather use the money you intend spending on these supplements to join a good gym.
(Dr I.V. van Heerden, DietDoc, July 2009)
Any questions? Ask DietDoc
References:
(Benvenga S, 2005. Effects of L-carnitine on thyroid hormone metabolism & on physical exercise tolerance. Horm Metab Res, 37(9):566-71; Brass EP, 2004. Carnitine & sports medicine: use or abuse? Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1033:67-78; Heinonen OJ, 1996. Carnitine & physical exercise. Sports Med, 22(2):109-32.)