(Integrative Medicine) - L-carnitine, a supplement commonly used by bodybuilders to boost muscle mass, may also help prevent and treat hyperthyroidism, according to a new study by Italian researchers. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, resulting in increased heart rate, weight loss, depression, and cognitive decline. In the 6-month study, fifty women with hyperthyroidism were randomly assigned to receive placebo or L-carnitine. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism worsened for those taking placebo and tended to improve for those taking L-carnitine. Noting that L-carnitine has no adverse side effects, the researchers suggest that L-carnitine may be useful for both the prevention and treatment of hyperthyroidism.

References

Benvenga S, Ruggeri RM, Russo A, Lapa D, Campenni A, Trimarchi F. Usefulness of L-carnitine, a naturally occurring peripheral antagonist of thyroid hormone action, in iatrogenic hyperthyroidism: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001;86(8):3579-3594.