Human Trial Concludes L-Carnitine Better Than Testosterone in Treating Erectile Dysfunction and Depression in Males Journal of Urology, April, 2004 The April 2004 issue of the journal Urology published the findings of Italian researchers that the amino acid carnitine was more active than testosterone in improving symptoms of aging in men, such as sexual dysfunction and depression, associated with the decline of androgenic hormones. One hundred twenty men between the ages of 60 and 74 with symptoms of low testosterone were randomized to receive 160 milligrams orally administered testosterone undecanoate, 2 grams propionyl-L-carnitine plus 2 grams acetyl-L-carnitine per day, or a placebo for a six month period. Prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume, nocturnal penile tumescence, total and free testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, erectile function scores, depression, fatigue and other parameters were assessed before treatment, at three months, and after the treatment period. Erectile function, sexual desire, sexual satisfaction and nocturnal penile tumescence increased over the course of the study in the group receiving testosterone as well as the group receiving carnitine. In addition, the group receiving carnitine experienced an increase in orgasm and general sexual well-being. Erectile function and nocturnal penile tumescence were significantly more improved in this group than in those receiving testosterone. While both treatments lowered depression scores, carnitine's effect was greater. Predictably, treatment with testosterone increased serum total and free testosterone and decreased luteinizing hormone levels, but carnitine's effect on these hormones was not significant. Treatment with carnitine was not associated with an increase in prostate volume as was testosterone treatment after six months. PSA levels did not increase in any of the groups. Fatigue was likewise improved in both groups. As one negative effect, the men taking testosterone developed enlargement of their prostates, which did not occur in the carnitine-treated group. Although both testosterone and carnitine improved symptoms of male aging, there was overall superior benefit to carnitine with no real side effects. Carnitine is an essential nutrient. It has vitamin-like qualities. It is considered essential in helping to transport fatty acids into mitochondria (the power plants of the cells). A deficiency in carnitine can therefore result in an overall reduction in energy production by the cells. It is well-known that individuals can become carnitine-deficient for a number of reasons. L-carnitine, aside from being an incredible anti-aging nutrient, also has shown benefit for multiple medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease such as angina and congestive heart failure, liver and kidney disease, obstructive lung disease, and many others. L-carnitine has actually even shown benefit in AIDS patients. Although it is unusual to see physicians prescribing vitamins in the hospital, Acetyl l-Carnitine is routinely prescribed by kidney specialists for their patients, since the kidney is a major site of carnitine synthesis. Although tissue carnitine levels have been found to be positively associated with sex hormone levels, the findings of this study show that the compound's action is not strictly linked to sex hormone blood levels. Carnitine's mechanism of action against reactive oxygen species (ROS) is different than conventional anti-ROS compounds tried for conditions associated with male aging, which may help explain its effectiveness. LIFESPAN EXTENSION COMPLEX combines both Acetyl L-Carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid in a proven bioavailable formula that Reader's Digest has called "The Pill That May End Aging." * ECI-PAY - A Secure E-Commerce Gateway * Home | Site Map | All Products | Why buy our vitamins | Men’s Health and Longevity | Women’s Health and Longevity | Vitamins & Supplements | Diet | Sexual Enhancement | Company | Contact us | Guarantee | Resources | Privacy Policy | Free Newsletter Statements on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult a qualified healthcare practitioner for medical advice. THG Enterprises, Inc. P.O. BOX 70069 Staten Island, NY 10307 For any questions about products or customer service, Please contact us via customerservice@healthy-health.com Our phone number is 1-800-381-2307