Interesting note on Recovery

August 200 issue of Lets Live:

A University of Conneticut study has discovered that using an "L-carnatine L-tartrate supplement (2 gm per day)... will decrease plasma indicators of muscle breakdown. Also, the muscle disruption was 41% to 45% less than with the placebo. This means that supplentation somehow protected the muscle tissue from more severe disruption and damage that usually occurs under normal circumstances."

Hmmmm.....any thoughts that it would be worthwhile using?

[cursor]

Sounds interesting IronMan.

I, for one, have always read "scientific studies" with a grain of salt—particularly when someone is reporting on the results of a "scentific study" (always subject to their interpretation). Invariably inadequate information is supplied to make an intelligent evaluation. Who, what, when, where, why, and under what controlled circumstances was the test administered?

[WarPoet]

I'm with you Cursor too many conflicting views that's why I always put experience before science.

So do you think it would be worth a try or just a waste of money?

[cursor]

I'm the wrong guy to respond, since I don't take suppements beyond a daily multivitamin. I'd suggest that you look for corroborating evidence first though.

[biggerdave]

Ironman,

There was a similar study in 2001 using L-carnitine L-tartrate (Carnipure brand from Lonza Group), in Switzerland. That study also used 2 grams per day, for 3 weeks, in human subjects in a double-blind placebo format. That study also showed improved recovery after intense exercise when l-carnitine was taken before the exercise. It caused reduced muscle tissue damage and soreness regarding bodybuilding.

I'm more suspicious of research findings than most, especially when they may be funded by the manufacturers, but in this case there has been so much independant documented research on this vitamin-like compound, that I have to believe there is a positive benefit to l-carnitine supplementation. It also was shown to be successful in weight management at an intake of 1 gram per day. Carnipure, by Lonza is respected as one of the highest biologically available forms of l-carnitine. Yes, they have a full patent on it. L-carnitine has been around a while and may not be as popular because it's not the latest "discovery" out but it has numerous benfits.

IMHO, whether there's enough benefit for the serious bodybuilder regarding muscle development is up to the individual person. But it is good stuff for the body for sure.

[Cougar]

I trust science, I just don't trust science reporting- I only pay any attention to those studies when I can see the research myself: how big a group, how they handled controls, what the dropout rate was, how big a dose, what the other variables were, etcetera.

Amazing how many "findings" are amateurish crap that the media loves but the other scientists tear apart and then ignore.

Thanks Biggerdave. Appreciate the input of another study. Makes it a little more believable.

[WarPoet]

Hey Ironman I don't think you have too much to lose by experimenting, that's where experience comes from