Carnitine Treatment For Peyronie's Disease

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Many recommend Carnitine treatment for Peyronie's disease. This article explains what Carnitine is, the benefits of using it as a treatment for Peyronie's, possible side effects of using it, all supported with references to scientific studies.

But in order to understand how Peyronie's treatment with Carnitine works, it is essential to know what Carnitine is, so let's start with...

What Is Carnitine?

Carnitine is an amino acid (protein building block), found in most cells of the body. Carnitine is made in the liver and kidneys and stored in the heart, brain, sperm and skeletal muscles.

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Carnitine is an essential element in breaking down fat within the body. It also acts as an antioxidant and as such is used to treat many varied conditions.

It is used for serious conditions like cardiovascular diseases and kidney problems. Carnitine is also used to improve athletic performance and male fertility, as well as being used as weight loss supplement.

Carnitine is the generic phrase for number of compounds, including L-Carnitine, Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Propionyl-L-Carnitine.

Acetyl L Carnitine is the one normally considered most effective for treating Peyronie's disease.

How Does Carnitine Treatment For Peyronie's Work?

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC / ALCAR) acts as antioxidant and as such may help restore cells damaged by inflammation and help with the Peyronie's healing process.

Carnitine Benefits For Peyronie's Patients

Carnitine treatment for Peyronie's disease is convenient, just swallowing two tablets daily. Acetyl L Carnitine is also available over-the-counter (OTC), meaning you don´t have to see your doctor for prescription.

As supplement, it is relatively low cost treatment option. However, bear in mind that the cost of taking supplements over long period does add up quickly.

Acetyl L Carnitine dangers and side effects are also considered minimal. Carnitine is generally considered safe supplement in the recommended doses.

Dr. Levine, one of the best known Peyronie's specialists in the world today recommends Acetyl-L-Carnitine as part of what he calls his three-arm protocal for Peyronie's disease.

What Are The Carnitine Side Effects?

Carnitine side effects are relatively rare and then rather mild, like increased appetite, body odor and rash. High dosage (over 5 grams per day) can cause stomach upset and diarrhea.

Is There Risk Involved In Taking Carnitine?

High doses of supplements can interact with other medications, so always seek your doctor advice if you are taking any other medication.

Being aware of possible Acetyl L Carnitine dangers is especially relevant for those that suffer from any of the following conditions: high blood pressure, seizures, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, kidney or liver disease.

The Results Of Carnitine Treatment For Peyronie's Disease

We know that some Peyronie's Treatments Work well for some men but not for others. It therefore comes as no surprise that reported result of using Carnitine to treat Peyronie's disease is inconsistent.

Some men with Peyronie's have reported various benefits, especially in the early phase of the disease, e.g. reduce in penile curvature, penis pain and plaque size. While other men have reported worsened symptoms (which might be related to normal progression of the disease… or not).

Furthermore, there are some reports that taking Acetyl-L-Carnitine with Verapamil injections may reduce penis curvature and plaque size.

There are studies available on Carnitine and Peyronie's that support possible positive result of using Acetyl-L-Carnitine for some men with Peyronie's.

Scientific Support
For Carnitine Treatment For Peyronie's Disease

Some studies have been performed on Carnitine and Peyronie's disease. The most famous and widely reported Acetyl L Carnitine study compares the results of using Tamoxifen and Carnitine to treat Peyronie's.

The study showed that Acetyl-L-Carnitine notably outperformed Tamoxifen in treating Peyronie's disease:

“Acetyl-L-carnitine was significantly more effective than tamoxifen in reducing pain and in inhibiting disease progression. Acetyl-L-carnitine reduced penile curvature significantly, while tamoxifen did not; both drugs significantly reduced plaque size. Tamoxifen induced significantly more side-effects than acetyl-L-carnitine” (PubMed Acetyl L Carnitine Study)

The study conclusion was therefore:

“These results suggest that acetyl-L-carnitine is significantly more effective and safe than tamoxifen in the therapy of acute and early chronic Peyronie's disease”

Another less known study compared using Vitamin E and Propionyl-L-Carnitine for treating Peyronie's. Their conclusion was:

“This study did not show significant improvement in pain, curvature or plaque size in patients with PD treated with vitamin E, propionyl-L-carnitine, or vitamin E plus propionyl-L-carnitine compared with those treated with placebo” (Propionyl-L-Carnitine)

Though not scientific, feels worth mentioning that WebMD reviewers consider Acetyl-L-Carnitine as possible effective supplement for Peyronie's disease.

My Personal Experience
And Opinion Of Carnitine For Peyronie's

I have no personal experience of using Carnitine for treating Peyronie's disease.

Based on my research I would not use it on its own to treat my Peyronie's but I would consider using it with other treatment options, like Verapamil injections or if using stretching devices, like penile extender or vacuum pump.

Where Can I Buy Carnitine?

You buy the Acetyl L-Carnitine from Amazon. I recommend buying 500mg capsule. Why? Capsule containing more that 500mg can be difficult to swallow due to their size. That means, taking 4 capsules each day.

 

Have you used Carnitine treatment for Peyronie's disease or experience of using this treatment?

If so, please use the form below and leave your Comments, or relevant practical advice to other Peyronie's sufferers.