Last Updated on October 9, 2022 by theworldofsleepstaff
L-Carnitine and CLA are both derivatives of amino acids and fatty acids and have numerous health benefits. Individually, these nutrients can help your body thrive and maintain optimal wellness.
As essential as L-Carnitine and CLA are, would it be safe to take them together as supplements at night? And what are the effects attached to taking L-Carnitine and CLA before bed? This article will give answers to your questions.
Before we delve into that, it is important to understand what exactly L-Carnitine and CLA are.
Note: You must always consult your doctor before including a new supplement into your daily routine as only your doctor can explain any pros or cons that are specific to you. Some supplements may interfere with medications too.
What is L-Carnitine?
L-Carnitine is produced by the liver and kidney from two amino acids, lysine and methionine. A large quantity of L-Carnitine is stored in the muscle, while a smaller portion can be found in the blood and liver.
L-Carnitine serves a wide range of functions in the body, from transporting fats to the mitochondria for energy to its nutritional supplements, as well as an antidote to some types of poisoning.
It is also an important nutrient in weight management and overall health care, and is popularity used as a supplement to encourage weight loss.
What is CLA?
CLA, an acronym for Conjugated Linoleic Acid, is a polyunsaturated fatty acid essential for good health. The prefix “conjugated” indicates the different arrangement of the double bond in each fatty acid molecule which serves as the only difference between other forms.
CLA is naturally found in foods like meat, vegetable oil, and milk and contains antioxidant properties which actually makes it an important element in cancer treatment. It also helps lower the risk of certain types of cancer in women who get a lot of it via diets and supplements.
It has other functions too, including improving immune function, reducing body weight, boosting metabolism, and many more.
Effects of taking L-Carnitine and CLA before bed
1. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a side effect experienced when L-Carnitine and CLA are taken in high doses before bed.
Experiencing frequent trips to the toilet at night will disrupt your sleep, while diarrhea can be accompanied by cramping, dehydration, and lightheadedness. All of these will keep you awake and uncomfortable throughout the night.
2. Headache
This is another effect that could be experienced when taking L-Carnitine and CLA before bed.
Whilst headaches are experienced by almost everyone, painful ones such as migraines – which extend to the neck and shoulders – can keep you awake all through the night.
3. Nausea
High doses of L-Carnitine and CLA before bed could lead to nausea which can induce vomiting. Stomach discomfort will of course hinder your sleep and leave you uneasy for the rest of the night.
4. Abdominal Pain
L-Carnitine and CLA before bed is also not advisable because they might lead to abdominal pain. Abdominal pain includes pain between the chest and the groin region of your body which causes discomfort to the whole body, and with that, you’ll likely be up all through the night as well.
5. Indigestion
Indigestion often goes in hand with heartburn, abdominal pain, a burning sensation in the stomach, and vomiting. Taking high doses of L-Carnitine and CLA before bed will lead to experiencing the symptoms mentioned above.
6. Fatigue
This is also a side effect of taking L-Carnitine and CLA before bed. The feeling of fatigue leaves you restless, weak, and tired through the night. It may also prevent you from having a healthy night’s rest.
The Benefits of taking L-Carnitine, and CLA
While we don’t advise taking L-Carnitine and CLA before bed, in normal doses taken at other parts of the day it can have benefits. These include:
1. Weight Loss
One of the benefits of taking L – Carnitine and CLA is weight loss. They boost your metabolism to help increase the number of calories you burn.
They also help in decreasing the amount of fat your body stores. L – Carnitine and CLA are essential nutrients in the weight loss process.
2. Immune System
Apart from their weight loss benefits, taking L-Carnitine and CLA can help in strengthening the immune system.
They help the body fight off infections because of their anti-inflammatory properties. They also help in improving the body’s immune responses.
3. Blood Sugar
L-Carnitine and CLA help in controlling blood sugar levels. They help increase insulin sensitivity, especially in patients with Type 2 diabetes and increase glucose oxidation.
4. Heart Health
L-Carnitine and CLA help reduce damage and complications of the heart. They increase energy production, which is essential for the normal functioning of the heart.
5. Bone Strength
Healthy bones reduce the risk of fractures and injuries. L-Carnitine and CLA help strengthen the bone and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
They also increase the ability of the body to absorb calcium and decrease the activities of cells that break down bones.
6. Blood Circulation
L-Carnitine and CLA help improve blood circulation and blood flow to the heart and muscles, and this helps in improving exercise performance and recovery. It also increases nutrient and oxygen circulation to all cells in the body.
7. Brain Function
They boost memory improvement and enhance brain capacity by increasing synaptic nerve transmission in the brain. They also increase blood flow to the brain and protect brain cells from death.
Potential Side Effects Of Taking CLA And L-Carnitine
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn, vomiting and nausea
- Fatigue, headache
- Abdominal pain, indigestion and so on
Taking L-Carnitine and CLA Before Bed: Our Final Thoughts
Both have numerous benefits but it’s likely taking L-Carnitine and CLA before bed won’t be beneficial for sleeping.
Most people, especially athletes, take L-Carnitine and CLA supplements because of their potential benefits, including strengthening the bone and immune system. Also, people with L-Carnitine and CLA deficiencies might also depend on their diets.
However, to experience the benefits of taking L-Carnitine and CLA, it is advisable to take them in normal doses to prevent any side effects.