[nathanburgess775]

#1059722

Hi everyone,

Does anyone know if taking the amino acid supplement, L-Carnitine, going to be okay if you are on Levothyroxine treating hypothyroidism? I became hypo after receiving the RAI-131 treatment if that makes any difference, I also have Graves’ Disease too.

I was taking 500mg-1000mg daily but stopped soon after I was put on Levothyroxine. I liked taking this supplement because it aids in fitness support, transports fatty acids, and boosts cellular energy. However, if you Google ‘carnitine thyroid’ it gives you some mixed information, saying it can be beneficial for hyperthyroidism but not so much for hypothyroidism.

I’ve read online that Carnitine in all it’s forms (L-Carnitine and Acety-L Carnitine) is very goitrogenic and can be a ‘peripheral antagonist of thyroid hormone action; in particular, L-carnitine inhibits both triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) entry into the cell nuclei.’ This sounded pretty serious so I obviously quit taking since becoming hypothyroid. I asked my doctor if I could take this supplement while being on Levothyroxine and she gave be an alarming “I don’t see why not.”

As much as I would like to take this supplement again during my workouts, something stops me every time. I don’t feel comfortable with all the mixed information. Has anyone had experience or knowledge about this?

Thanks

-Nate

[Kimberly]

#1177052

Hello – There’s not a ton of research on L-Carnitine and thyroid issues, but here is a page from the University of Maryland Medical Center:

(Note on links: if you click directly on the following link, you will need to use your browser’s “back” button to return to the boards after viewing, or you will have to log back in to the forum. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/carnitine-l-000291.htm

This piece notes: “…researchers think carnitine may work by blocking the action of thyroid hormone, which could be dangerous for people with low thyroid levels.”

I’m a fellow patient, not a doc, but I think another major concern would be starting back on this supplement while you are still trying to dial in to the right dose of your levothyroxine. Taking a supplement that is believed to block the action of thyroid hormone could make it even *more* difficult to find that “sweet spot”!

[nathanburgess775]

#1177053

Thanks again for the information Kimberly, that has been what I’ve been reading as well. Definitely not worth risking the sweet spot!)

[Author]

Posts