The research on nutrients in medical areas, tends to vacillate.

for example the recent alarming news item about carnitine supplements causing heart attacks, was interpreted in a way that was not entirely accurate.

Here is an explanation and rebuttal from Linus Pauling institute:

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/files/pdf...s13.pdf#page=2

My impression is that the carnitine used in the chemo studies may have been the wrong dose. And selection of the study patients may have somehow skewed the results...this is common with nutrient studies.

Some studies used up to 3 grams a day...and perhaps that is just too much?

So I am on the fence with this for chemo patients. I know carnitine really helps with recovery of muscle after working out, as I used it when I was more active and it worked to prevent stiffness and soreness for me.

Carnitine has been used in the medical community for a long time. For AIDs patients, heart failure, and hyperthyroidism.

I just don't think there is a definitive answer yet.