L-carnitine

[Guest guest]

CANCER:  L-Carnitine eases the chemo effects

Cancer patients who are being treated with chemotherapy almost

inevitably suffer fatigue and tiredness.  But the worst effects of the

treatment can be countered if the patient is also taking the supplement

L-Carnitine. 

A new study has discovered that the enzyme can significantly reduce the

fatigue felt by the patient after chemotherapy.

It was tested on 12 patients with an average age of 60, who had advanced

tumours. Each was given six grams of L-Carnitine for four weeks while

they were receiving chemotherapy, and their fatigue levels, and quality

of life were assessed before and during the four weeks.  Not only were

the patients less tired, they put on some much-needed weight and their

desire for food also improved.

The research team believe the positive effects are down to the enzyme's

ability both to promote energy in our cells and to act as a detox.

This is welcome news following earlier studies that had suggested the

enzyme either accelerated cancer growth or interfered with the

chemotherapy.  The researchers could find no evidence for either

claim.

(Source:  Nutrition, 2006; 22: 136-45).