L-Carnitine and Increased Hematocrit

[Jda016]

Hello, all.

I have been looking into L-Carnitine for the weight loss benefits and was just about to start using it when I saw a medical study on Healthline revealing potential Hematocrit increases.
( Effects of L-carnitine supplementation on renal anemia in poor responders to erythropoietin - PubMed )

As my hematocrit is already somewhat high after being on TRT for four months, I decided not to use L-Carnitine.

However, I am curious if anyone has had success with L-Carnitine in terms of weight loss and did not have any issues with increased Hematocrit or RBC.

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Vince]

AI Overview
L-carnitine can increase hematocrit (Hct) levels by improving the mechanical stability of red blood cells (RBCs) and the uptake of lipids that form the RBC membrane:

• Stabilizes RBC membrane: L-carnitine improves the uptake of lipids that form the RBC membrane, which stabilizes the membrane.

• Improves RBC deformability: L-carnitine supplementation can improve the deformability of RBCs, which can lead to an increase in Hct.
• Removes toxic acyl residues: L-carnitine may remove toxic acyl residues that can impair erythropoiesis.
  
  L-carnitine is a transport protein that helps produce energy by transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria. It's synthesized in the liver and kidneys and is most concentrated in tissues that use fatty acids as fuel, like skeletal and cardiac muscle.

Studies have shown that L-carnitine supplementation can increase Hct levels in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis.

Full article: EFFECT OF L-CARNITINE SUPPLEMENTATION ON RED BLOOD ...
Jul 7, 2009 — The proposed mechanism by which LC improves Hct levels of hemodialysis patients are the favorable action on membrane phospholipid fatty acid turnover...

Taylor & Francis Online

 

[Jda016]

Thanks. That confirms what I already read about it, so I will lay off of L-Carnitine.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

I have taken it for over 20 years and my hct has been stable (kept stable TRT dose)

 

[Jda016]

That is good to hear, actually. Since I am only 4-5 months into TRT, I think I need to give my body time to stabilize the hematocrit/rbc/etc. However, it is good to know that L-carnitine can help people and not cause blood issues!

 

[Nelson Vergel]

It is an important supplement

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Abstract: L-carnitine transports fatty acids into the mitochondria for oxidation and also buffers excess acetyl-CoA away from the mitochondria. Thus, L-carnitine may play a key role in maintaining liver function, by its effect on lipid metabolism. The importance of L-carnitine in liver health is...

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L-carnitine is concentrated in the epididymis, where sperm mature and acquire their motility (86). Two uncontrolled trials of L-carnitine supplementation in more than 100 men diagnosed with decreased sperm motility found that oral L-carnitine supplementation (3 grams/day) for three to four...

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