The quality of the supplements you use are of prime importance to get the results you need.  At the Polio Clinic we are sourcing the most effective powders for you at the most cost-effective price. All amino acids are (L-form).  All powders (except magnesium) can be dissolved together in a little water and drunk in one swallow.  ALL nutritional supplements absorbed better if taken on an empty stomach, with something acidic like lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. (All costs in Australian Dollars)
 

CARNITINE – an amino acid essential to transport fatty acids through the cell membrane to produce muscle energy in long-endurance muscle.  More energy is provided this way than with carbohydrate/insulin metabolism.  Symptoms include fatigue, lack of endurance, muscle weakness and muscle pain on exertion. Our carnitine is the best quality pure L-carnitine powder obtainable by our supplier in Victoria.  This  is further prepared for us to increase the quality.  It is available in powder form (cheapest) or in 250mg capsules.  Measure by supplied flat 1ml scoop = 500mg.  Best taken as a single dose on rising in the morning.  Dissolve in a little water and drink.  Find optimum dose by increasing slowly - 250mg every 3 days until diarrhoea point is reached.  Optimal dose is 250mg below that point.  Some people benefit from an additional small top-up dose mid-afternoon.  Do not take at night as it gives you energy and you will have trouble getting to sleep.  Carnitine (at optimal dose) is effective within 20 minutes of taking. It is advisable to ring the Polio Office for a Path slip to be sent out to you to get carnitine blood levels checked before taking ANY carnitine so the pre-carnitine levels can be established ie the level that you DON’T manage at, and repeat levels again after at least 1 month at optimal dose to show required blood level that YOU need to achieve to enable you to manage daily tasks better.  Blood analysis for carnitine can only be done at PMH but any local Path Lab can collect the blood from you and forward to PMH.   Testing through the Polio Clinic for polio survivors and relatives with symptoms of fatigue, muscle weakness and/or pain, is covered by Medicare.  Results will be analysed by the Polio Clinic and sent out to you with a covering letter so that you can show them to your GP.   Increasing numbers of children and grandchildren of polio survivors with these symptoms are recording low carnitine levels and experience improvement on good quality supplements. Usual Dose - 250mg - 4,000mg Overdose - diarrhoea or gastric upset - lessen dose Cost:  Carnitine powder in 50G - $62,  100G - $110,  200G - $200 , Carnitine capsules 250mg - $52.

GLUTAMINE – an amino acid essential as main neuro-transmitter for the brain.  Can also be used as a powerful detox agent by the liver, helps you deal with stress, helps to heal gut lining and can be converted to provide fuel for muscle energy.  Main symptoms are brain fog, lack of mental alertness, problems coping with stress. Fluffy powder that dissolves in water.  A flat 1 ml scoop = 1,000mg.   Usual dose 500mg – 2,500mg.  Cost: Glutamine powder in 50g - $14, 100g - $25.

MAGNESIUM – 20% Chelated mineral essential for muscle relaxation and needed for over 300 body enzyme reactions.   Main symptoms are cramps, backache, headache, restlessness, muscle aches; in fact anywhere a muscle is tight or in spasm. Our very cheap, concentrated, magnesium powder is sandy, does not dissolve in water and is best taken twice a day by placing measured dose directly on tongue to wash down in a drink or suspended in something like yoghurt.  Take to bowel tolerance – ie too much will give diarrhoea and gastric disturbance. Absorbed in acid environment soon after leaving stomach.  Effective within 2 minutes.   Usual dose - ¼ of 1 ml scoop - 2 scoops twice a day.  Increase dose by 500mg.  1 scoop = 2000mg. Cost: Magnesium powder in 100g - $16, 200g - $30.

MANGANESE – available only as chelated manganese tablets.  Works primarily on tendon function, twinges in joints, stiffness and balance centre in ear.  Can help with diabetes, tinnitus. Main Symptoms are initial stiffness after not moving for a while, twinges and restricted movements eg frozen shoulder, clumsiness, bumping into doorways/furniture, tinnitus, deafness, droopy eyelids. Can be taken as one single dose, morning or night.  Available in 200mg tablets (elemental 20 mg).  Usual dose - 1 - 6 tablets per day depends on severity eg injury like torn or pulled tendons, RSI

TAURINE - helps liver & eyes to work better.   Helps convert cholesterol to bile to digest fats in diet.  Treat & prevent gall stones.  Helps liver to store & convert. Take as single dose in the morning. Flat scoop = 1000mg  Usual dose - 500mg - 1,500mg Cost: Taurine powder in 50g - $16, 100g - $30.

GELATINE - essential precursor to cartilage formation in body.   Cartilage buffers and protects bone.  Spinal disks need gelatine.  Does same job as glucosamine in the body.  Effect noted in 3 weeks. Main symptoms are joint pain and stiffness. Take as powder - 1 - 3 teaspoons per day in hot drink (tea, coffee, cocoa, soup or add to jellies) Cost:  1 kg bags for $22 at Polio Office.