The recently reactivated thread on creatine made me think to post about another supplement to see if anyone has any input.
Recently I ran across a supplement called Juvenon which is patented by UC Berkeley and marketed by Andrew Weil and others. Its two main ingredients are acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid. The company's website is here: http://www.juvenon.com and an interesting comment by the developer's medical brethren at the UC Berkeley Wellness Newsletter is here: Alpha-Lipoic Acid.
I've tried a bottle, and I have to say that as a fifty-something I've experienced a quite noticeable positive effect on energy -- sort of a "better than caffeine" boost that's pretty even around the day without interfering with sleep. (However, it should be noted that the supplement's own developer, who is in his late 70s, says he doesn't feel any different when he takes it that he can put his finger on, so reactions may be highly individual.)
My reason for posting here is that I was interested in getting a handle on whether it might have any impact on freediving. In a search here I don't see any discussion of carnitine as a supplement, and only brief mention of alpha lipoic acid as a possibly beneficial antioxidant. I do notice that it gives me a dry mouth, so I'm wondering to what degree it affects my hydration. Also if the supplement (presumably the carnitine) has what amounts to a quasi-stimulant effect for me, would that negatively impact breathhold time. It sounds as though it may affect blood glucose levels, which may not be an optimal thing for apnea? If anyone has any thoughts I'd be very interested.
Recently I ran across a supplement called Juvenon which is patented by UC Berkeley and marketed by Andrew Weil and others. Its two main ingredients are acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid. The company's website is here: http://www.juvenon.com and an interesting comment by the developer's medical brethren at the UC Berkeley Wellness Newsletter is here: Alpha-Lipoic Acid.
I've tried a bottle, and I have to say that as a fifty-something I've experienced a quite noticeable positive effect on energy -- sort of a "better than caffeine" boost that's pretty even around the day without interfering with sleep. (However, it should be noted that the supplement's own developer, who is in his late 70s, says he doesn't feel any different when he takes it that he can put his finger on, so reactions may be highly individual.)
My reason for posting here is that I was interested in getting a handle on whether it might have any impact on freediving. In a search here I don't see any discussion of carnitine as a supplement, and only brief mention of alpha lipoic acid as a possibly beneficial antioxidant. I do notice that it gives me a dry mouth, so I'm wondering to what degree it affects my hydration. Also if the supplement (presumably the carnitine) has what amounts to a quasi-stimulant effect for me, would that negatively impact breathhold time. It sounds as though it may affect blood glucose levels, which may not be an optimal thing for apnea? If anyone has any thoughts I'd be very interested.