:wtf:
This is very possibly the worst advice I've ever read on any forum and that's why I'm compelled to post. I'm no fertility expert but I am a licensed MD and there is ridiculous information being presented as fact.
alvin1, if you really think you'll be receiving effective and safe fertility tips on a body building supplement forum, then please reconsider having children. To your credit, your original post addressed concern about adverse effects to your unborn child. If you really want to have children, stop supplementing and start screwing your gf.
dsade, for you to use that POS abstract as evidence to use DTHC and PLAC to increase male fertility reveals your ignorance on this subject and scientific research in general. please do naive people a favor and limit your posting to what you are 100% certain about. if you're not sure about it, then don't post it especially when some poor sap's unborn child is at stake. just based on that piss-poor abstract you cited, you should not post any research-related topic until you understand the value of peer-reviewed scientific research. Seriously, did you really think you could BS your way through this?:nono:
Ok, Mr. Algorithm...out of all of this rant, YOUR only half-assed useful advice is to stop all supplements and screw? Amazing...I should go to medical school. As far as you very loose insinuation that maybe somehow carnitine and/or DTH will damage future children...do you mind elucidating HOW?
The OP, I took it, is looking for anything he can take to optimize his chances for conception - addressing libido/test levels, sperm quality, semen quality/volume, and sperm motility. While I grant you that the study I posted was flawed, the conclusion is supported by many other studies. While there is no absolute tie-in yet, one of the studies I am about to post is right in line with what I suggested above - the supply of energy/fuel to sperm mitochondria in order to drive motion.
Here's a few more, when if taken as pointers towards a conclusion support exactly what I posted. What exactly IS your problem with it?
1: J Androl. 2004 Sep-Oct;25(5):761-70; discussion 771-2.Click here to read Links
Comment in:
J Androl. 2005 Sep-Oct;26(5):565-6; author reply 566-7.
Cinnoxicam and L-carnitine/acetyl-L-carnitine treatment for idiopathic and varicocele-associated oligoasthenospermia.
Cavallini G, Ferraretti AP, Gianaroli L, Biagiotti G, Vitali G.
Headquarters of Società Italiana di Studi di Medicina della Riproduzione (SISMER), Bologna, Italy.
[email protected]
The objective of this study was to detect a therapy for idiopathic and varicocele-associated oligoasthenospermia (OAT). Idiopathic and varicocele OAT patients were randomized into 3 groups. Each group was composed of varying degrees of left varicoceles (graded into 5 grades with echo-color Doppler) and of idiopathic OATs. Group 1 used a placebo, group 2 used oral L-carnitine (2 g/d) + acetyl-L-carnitine (1 g/d), group 3 used L-carnitine/acetyl-L-carnitine + 1 x 30-mg cinnoxicam suppository every 4 days. Drugs were administered for 6 months. The groups were composed as follows: group 1, 71 varicoceles and 47 idiopathic OATs; group 2, 62 varicoceles and 39 idiopathic OATs; group 3, 62 varicoceles and 44 idiopathic OATs. Sperm concentration, motility, and morphology before during and after treatments were assessed. Pregnancy rates and side effects were recorded. Group 1 did not have modified sperm patterns during treatment. Group 2 had significantly increased sperm patterns at 3 and 6 months into therapy in idiopathic patients and in patients with grades I, II, and III varicocele, but not in grades IV and V. Group 3 had significantly increased sperm parameters in all patients, with the exception of grade V varicocele. Group 3 sperm patterns proved significantly higher during therapy than group 2. All sperm patterns fell to baseline after therapy suspension. Minor side effects occurred. Pregnancy rates were 1.7% (group 1), 21.8% (group 2), and 38.0% (group 3) (P <.01). L-carnitine/acetyl-L-carnitine + cinnoxicam suppositories proved a reliable treatment for low-grade varicoceles and idiopathic OATs.
: Fertil Steril. 2005 Sep;84(3):662-71.Click here to read Links
Placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial on the use of L-carnitine, L-acetylcarnitine, or combined L-carnitine and L-acetylcarnitine in men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia.
Balercia G, Regoli F, Armeni T, Koverech A, Mantero F, Boscaro M.
Department of Internal Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.
[email protected]
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of L-carnitine (LC) or L-acetyl-carnitine (LAC) or combined LC and LAC treatment in improving semen kinetic parameters and the total oxyradical scavenging capacity in semen. DESIGN: Placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial. SETTING: Andrology unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Italy. PATIENT(S): Sixty infertile men, ages 20 to 40 years, with the following baseline sperm selection criteria: concentration > 20 x 10(6)/mL, sperm forward motility < 50%, and normal sperm morphology > 30%; 59 patients completed the study. INTERVENTION(S): Patients underwent a double-blind therapy of LC 3 g/d, LAC 3 g/d, a combination of LC 2 g/d and LAC 1 g/d, or placebo. The study design was 1 month of run in, 6 months of therapy or placebo, and 3 months of follow-up evaluation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Variations in semen parameters used for patient selection, and variations in total oxyradical scavenging capacity of the seminal fluid. RESULT(S): Sperm cell motility (total and forward, including kinetic features determined by computer-assisted sperm analysis) increased in patients to whom LAC was administered both alone or in combination with LC; combined LC + LAC therapy led to a significant improvement of straight progressive velocity after 3 months. The total oxyradical scavenging capacity of the semen toward hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals also increased and was positively correlated with the improvement of kinetic features. Patients with lower baseline values of motility and total oxyradical scavenging capacity of the seminal fluid had a significantly higher probability of responding to the treatment. CONCLUSION(S): The administration of LC and LAC is effective in increasing sperm kinetic features in patients affected by idiopathic asthenozoospemia and improves the total oxyradical scavenging capacity of the seminal fluid in the same population.
1: Drugs R D. 2005;6(1):1-9.Links
Correlation between seminal carnitine and functional spermatozoal characteristics in men with semen dysfunction of various origins.
De Rosa M, Boggia B, Amalfi B, Zarrilli S, Vita A, Colao A, Lombardi G.
Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
[email protected]
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: L-carnitine is an essential molecule involved in mitochondrial metabolism, controlling the transport of acetyl and acyl groups across the mitochondrial inner membrane. Carnitine and acetylated carnitine (L-acetylcarnitine) are found in high concentrations in the epididymis, where they also act as antioxidants, protecting spermatozoa against damage caused by reactive oxygen species. In this open study we investigated the correlation between seminal carnitine levels and spermatozoal function, and the effect of combined L-carnitine + L-acetylcarnitine therapy, in infertile men. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 170 infertile men were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into those with a total sperm motility below the normal WHO range (<50% motility, group 1 [n = 102]) and those with total sperm motility within the normal range (> or =50% motility, group 2 [n = 68]). Patients in group 1 were further divided into two groups: those with primary or secondary azoospermia (1B [n = 36]), and those without (1A [n = 66]). Patients in group 1A received L-carnitine 1 g/day and L-acetylcarnitine 500 mg twice daily for 6 months. Seminal carnitine levels were measured and correlated with sperm count and motility, eosin test, hypo-osmotic swelling test, acridine orange test for sperm nuclear DNA integrity and sperm kinetics evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis in all patients. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between seminal carnitine concentration and sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm total motility, rapid forward progression, live sperm count, membrane function, nuclear DNA integrity, capacity for cervical mucus penetration, linearity of spermatic movement, and amplitude of lateral sperm head movement (all p < 0.0001) in the entire study population. In group 1A, there was a significant increase in total motility, live sperm count, membrane integrity and linearity of spermatic movement after 3 and 6 months of L-carnitine/L-acetylcarnitine treatment, and in capacity for cervical mucus penetration after 6 months of treatment, compared with baseline. CONCLUSION: Seminal carnitine concentration may be an appropriate marker of sperm and epididymal function. L-carnitine/L-acetylcarnitine treatment may be an effective therapy to improve mainly functional seminal parameters.
ONE ON MECHANISM:
1: Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Nov;1033:177-88.Click here to read Links
The role of carnitine in the male reproductive system.
Ng CM, Blackman MR, Wang C, Swerdloff RS.
Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Research and Education Institute, Torrance, CA 90509, USA.
Carnitine is highly concentrated in the epididymis and spermatozoa, where it may serve as an intramitochondrial vehicle for the acyl group, which in the form of acyl CoA acts as a substrate for the oxidation process producing energy for sperm respiration and motility. To date, studies in rodents and humans suggest that sperm count, motility, and maturation are related to epididymal free carnitine concentrations. Moreover, supplementation with carnitine improves sperm quality and/or quantity in testes of mice exposed to physical insults, such as heat and X-irradiation, and in men with idiopathic oligoasthenospermia. These benefits may be due to increased mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation resulting in improvement in motility of epididymal sperm. The antiapoptotic effect(s) of carnitine in the testes may also contribute, but this remains speculative and requires further investigation. Research to uncover the many characteristics and mechanisms of action of carnitine in somatic and germ cells may provide insights into the pathophysiology of germ cell apoptosis, the prevention of germ cell death, and possibly specific therapy of some forms of infertility. Further well-controlled, carefully designed, larger-scale studies are necessary and desirable before widespread clinical use as an infertility therapy can be contemplated.
1: Fertil Steril. 2004 Jun;81(6):1578-84.Click here to read Links
Comment in:
Fertil Steril. 2005 Jul;84(1):264-5; author reply 265-6.
Fertil Steril. 2005 Jul;84(1):266.
A placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial of the use of combined l-carnitine and l-acetyl-carnitine treatment in men with asthenozoospermia.
Lenzi A, Sgrò P, Salacone P, Paoli D, Gilio B, Lombardo F, Santulli M, Agarwal A, Gandini L.
Department of Medical Physiopathology, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy.
[email protected]
OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of combined l-carnitine and l-acetyl-carnitine therapy in infertile males with oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia. DESIGN: Placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial. SETTING: University tertiary referral center. PATIENT(S): Sixty infertile patients (aged 20-40 years) with the following baseline sperm selection criteria: concentration, 10 to 40 x 10(6)/mL; forward motility, <15%; total motility, 10% to 40%; and atypical forms, <80%. Fifty-six patients completed the study. INTERVENTION(S): Patients were submitted to a combined treatment of l-carnitine (2 g/d) and l-acetyl-carnitine (1 g/d) or of placebo; the study design was 2 months' wash-out, 6 months of therapy or of placebo, and 2 months' follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Variation in the semen parameters that were used for patient selection. RESULT(S): Even though increases were seen in all sperm parameters after combined carnitine treatment, the most significant improvement in sperm motility (both forward and total) was present in patients who had lower initial absolute values of motile sperm (<4 x 10(6) forward or <5 x 10(6) total motile spermatozoa per ejaculate). CONCLUSION(S): Combined treatment with l-carnitine and l-acetyl-carnitine in a controlled study of efficacy was effective in increasing sperm motility, especially in groups with lower baseline levels.
1: J Obstet Gynaecol. 2003 Nov;23(6):653-6.Click here to read Links
Relationship between semen quality and seminal plasma total carnitine in infertile men.
Gürbüz B, Yalti S, Fiçicioğlu C, Zehir K.
Zeynep Kamil Women and Children Education and Research Hospital, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility-IVF Department, Istanbul, Turkey.
[email protected]
This study was designed to determine any correlation between infertility and semen quality with concentrations of total carnitine in human seminal plasma. Seminal plasma total carnitine concentrations were determined in 79 men. The seminal plasma of 65 infertile men and 14 men as a control group with proved fertility were investigated. The concentrations of total carnitine were reduced significantly in the infertile group compared to the control group (31.52 +/- 20.77 vs. 45.52 +/- 10.73 mg/l, P<0.05). The 65 infertile men were divided into five groups according to their sperm analysis: normospermia (n=42), oligospermia (n=23), asthenospermia (n=40), teratospermia (n=44) and oligoasthenospermia (n=10). Total seminal plasma carnitine concentration differed significantly between controls and the patient groups (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between seminal plasma total carnitine concentration with total sperm count and the percentage of normal forms (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). Total carnitine concentration was found to be low in the asthenospermia group when compared with the group of patients, whose total motile sperm percentage was 51 (P<0.05). These findings suggest that the determination of seminal carnitine levels may be a useful test in evaluation of male infertility.
1: Fertil Steril. 2003 Feb;79(2):292-300.Click here to read Links
Comment in:
J Urol. 2003 Aug;170(2 Pt 1):677.
Use of carnitine therapy in selected cases of male factor infertility: a double-blind crossover trial.
Lenzi A, Lombardo F, Sgrò P, Salacone P, Caponecchia L, Dondero F, Gandini L.
Outpatient Department and Laboratory of Seminology and Reproductive Immunology at the Training Center in Andrology of the European Academy of Andrology, Rome, Italy.
[email protected]
OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of L-carnitine therapy in selected cases of male factor infertility. DESIGN: Placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial. SETTING: University tertiary referral center. PATIENT(S): One hundred infertile patients (ages 20-40 years) with the following baseline sperm selection criteria: concentration, 10-20 x 10(6)/mL; total motility, 10%-30%; forward motility, <15%; atypical forms, <70%; velocity, 10-30 micro/s; linearity, <4. Eighty-six patients completed the study. INTERVENTION(S): Patients underwent L-carnitine therapy 2 g/day or placebo; the study design was 2 months of washout, 2 months of therapy/placebo, 2 months of washout, and 2 months placebo/therapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Variation in sperm parameters used in the patients selection criteria, in particular, sperm motility.Excluding outliers, a statistically significant improvement in semen quality, greater than after the placebo cycle, was seen after the L-carnitine therapy for sperm concentration and total and forward sperm motility. The increase in forward sperm motility was more significant in those patients with lower initial values, i.e., <5 x 10(6) or <2 x 10(6) of forward motile sperm/ejaculate or sperm/mL. CONCLUSION(S): Based on a controlled study of efficacy, L-carnitine therapy was effective in increasing semen quality, especially in groups with lower baseline levels. However, these results need to be confirmed by larger clinical trials and in vitro studies