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Post by harleydales on May 10, 2011 10:36:50 GMT -1
Or full name Acetyl L Carnitine? Athletes use it for tissue/muscle function and fat busting, it's also good for mental stimulation and for minimising tissue damage, and as an anit-aging thing.
A lot of people with EPSM horses like Harley use it, so I've started him on it as he's not so keen on the oil now that the grass is here - you can see his point really! Some folk manage to get their horses totally off the oil when they use ALCAR - which would be great for the summer at least!
It's difficult to say how he's doing really - he's not put on much muscle and is much narrower in the chest than he used to be (used to have BULGING pecs!), but is happy in his head, and enjoying hacking out, though he's no stamina. I had him out in company the other day and he was moderately bolshy, as opposed to his previous VERY bolshy - but I was happy he was even slightly bolshy!
3 things I have noticed on the new diet though - he's nowhere near as 'footie' as he was - he's always barefoot in the winter and used to grumble a bit about hard stony tracks, but doesn't bat an eye now.
The other thing is his canter has become much bouncier and upright - he used to lumber along in canter with his head down but not any more!
And his skin/coat/mane and tail are glorious with all the oil!!
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Post by DalesLady on May 10, 2011 11:23:50 GMT -1
No. Is it expensive and widely available?
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Post by heathera on May 10, 2011 12:04:04 GMT -1
I've come across it as one of the gazillion and one things rumoured to help CFS people. I've not tried it though as there's just too many things to even start trying to afford them all. Mind you, if it's helping Harley I may well revisit the idea. I think it sounds as if you've reached a good balance with him, he may never muscle up properly again but he sounds healthy and happy and able to go out and enjoy himself. I know exactly what you mean about being pleased to see the bolshy side again  |
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Post by harleydales on May 10, 2011 14:03:14 GMT -1
You can get it from healthfood shops and online - £31 for 500g! But Harley only has 13g (half ounce) per day so it does last. And he eats it - the oil was ending up in the soil!
It smells quite vinegary, he seems to quite like it!
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Post by DalesLady on May 10, 2011 15:41:10 GMT -1
thanks Jane  |
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Post by cutemangurdi1 on May 10, 2011 17:46:02 GMT -1
Yes, I've heard good things about it. I was thinking of trying it on Sigurd given he has metabolic syndrome and the issues that go with that as he gets older.
I'm glad Harley is happy in himself again.
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Post by Debbie on May 16, 2011 12:32:52 GMT -1
I use L Carnitine for m'self when I can think of it.  Kinda like Heather, I have so many supplements I can take that its a juggling act to see which one works the best for the least amount of intake. How lovely to hear of his good side effects He may never have the same muscling as before, but so long as he's happy, that's what matters. |
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Post by valerie n scout on May 16, 2011 14:45:32 GMT -1
no I havnt heard if it Jane.. tho am pleased Harley is feeling better in himself X
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Post by harveydales on Aug 30, 2011 5:16:11 GMT -1
Are you still feed this to Harley, Jane? I've been reading about it and wondered - sounds like it might be good for both Harvey AND me.
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Post by harleydales on Aug 30, 2011 13:58:33 GMT -1
I gave up with it! I wasn't seeing any change or improvement with it and at £33 a go for a month it was quite a lot of money.
I've still got 3/4 of a bvag though if you want it Pam?
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Post by wdf on Jun 10, 2013 6:28:41 GMT -1
Someone on the Yahoo site suggested we try this as, even tho the oil HAS made a difference he just seems to be missing that last push for "normality". From reading bits, it seems to be a powdered feed that you give spring & autumn to help the system deal with high sugar/carbs. not a long term fix?
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Post by harleydales on Jun 10, 2013 19:17:29 GMT -1
It is a powder and you feed it for several weeks then have a break then go again.
It didn't work for Harley but I've heard other people have had good results so give it a try and see how it goes.
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Post by flintfootfilly on Jun 11, 2013 7:56:28 GMT -1
There's quite a useful and relatively brief summary of what acetyl L carnitine (ALCAR)is on the free EPSM yahoo group's files. It's just a one page summary of what it is, how it works and suggested dose.
I tried it on Max (who has muscle problems resulting in his blood CK levels being 10X higher than normal, but who tested negative for type 1 EPSM on a hair sample, and whose biopsy did not reveal any abnormal glycogen deposits - my suspicion is still that it was a long term selenium deficiency). I used it for about a month and noticed no difference at all, so discontinued it as others on the EPSM group seem to notice a difference within a few days if there's going to be a difference.
Sarah
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Post by harleydales on Jun 11, 2013 14:07:21 GMT -1
It was the cost too - £1 a day! On top of everything else!!
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Post by wdf on Jun 12, 2013 6:28:23 GMT -1
I read that they have to be OFF the oil before starting this; is that right? How long after stopping the oil did you 1st try the Alcar?
I'm having difficulty with Doc at the moment after he's had turnout (10hrs muzzled), he's coming in with hind end spasms, locking stifle, fidgety, doesn't want to be touched then stabled overnight & he's fine. I'm now experimenting with stabled 24hrs & worked 2x a day.
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Kinda like Heather, I have so many supplements I can take that its a juggling act to see which one works the best for the least amount of intake. 
