Acetyl-L carnitine
Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Acetylcarnitine Benefits and Side Effects
updated on August 2, 2008
Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Acetylcarnitine Benefits and Side Effects
updated on August 2, 2008
| L-Carnitine is a derivative of lysine. Its name is derived when its was first isolated from carnus in 1905. L-Carnitine is produced in the liver and kidneys. It is most concentrated in skeletal and heart muscle. L-carnitine may play an important role in energy production. Under certain conditions, L-carnitine synthesis can not fulfill the body demand for L-carnitine, making L-carnitine a conditionally essential nutrient. [16] |
Introduction
L-Carnitine is produced in the body from the nutrients lysine, methionine, vitamin C,
vitamin B3, vitamin B6, and iron. Carnitine is classified as an amino acid, it is
primarily used to facilitate the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria
of cells for energy production. This process provides muscular energy by burning fat,
and also prevents fatty build-up around vital organs. Natural Carnitine is found
primarily in red meats, so vegetarians may need to supplement to ensure healthy
levels in their bodies.
Acetyl-L-carnitine is similar in form to L-carnitine and also has some similar
functions, such as being involved in the metabolism of food into energy. It occurs
naturally in the brain, liver, and kidney. Its levels may decrease with advancing age.
However, because it is not an essential nutrient, true deficiencies do not occur.
RESEARCH FINDINGS - HEALTH BENEFITS
L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring compound and a cofactor for the oxidation of fatty
acids in mitochondria. It participates in the control of the mitochondrial acyl-CoA/CoA
ratio, peroxisomal oxidation of fatty acids, and the production of ketone bodies. It plays
an important role in diseases associated with metabolic compromise, especially
mitochondrial-related disorders. A deficiency of carnitine may have major deleterious
effects on the CNS. Consequently, L-Carnitine and its esters such as
acetyl-L-carnitine poses unique neuroprotective, neuromodulatory, and neurotrophic
properties. [6]
It is also used as a dietary supplement. Acetyl-L-carnitine has been studied with
age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, degenerative, cerebellar ataxia,
depression (for elderly people) and male infertility,
The acetyl group that is part of acetyl-L-carnitine contributes to the production of the
neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is required for mental function. Clinical trials
demonstrate that acetyl-L-carnitine may delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease
[1 ,2 ] and enhances overall performance in some people with Alzheimer's disease
[3]. Alzheimer's research has been done with the acetyl-L-carnitine form, rather than
the L-carnitine form, of this nutrient.
One trial [4] has found that acetyl-L-carnitine may be helpful for people with
degenerative cerebellar ataxia, a loss of muscular coordination caused by disease in
the cerebellum (the hind part of the brain that controls muscle tone and balance).
Most research involving acetyl-L-carnitine has used 500 mg three times per day,
though some research has used double this amount [5].
NeuroProtection
Virmani A et al, Sigma-tau HealthScience, Italy, investigated the role of mitochondrial
dysfunction in neurotoxicity of MPP:+ and found Acetyl-l-Carnitine's partial protection
on PC12 Cells [7]
Napoleone P et al, Universita La Sapienza, Italy, found that long term acetyl-l-carnitine
treatment may be effective in slowing down the age-related nerve cell loss in some rat
brain areas. [8]
Petruzzella V et al, Universita di Bari, Italy, studied in vivo effect of acetyl-l-carnitine on
succinate oxidation, adenine nucleotide pool and lipid composition of synaptic and
non-synaptic mitochondria from cerebral hemispheres of senescent rats and
concluded that acetyl-l-carnitine is able to reverse age-related deficits of brain
mitochondria. [9]
Stillman P and Cata JP at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation pointed out that each
chemo-agent exhibits a spectrum of toxic effects unique to its mechanism of toxic
injury. In their review article, they said, "Preliminary studies have shown promise for
some agents including acetyl-L-carnitine..". [17]
Application in HIV
Hart AM et al, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Britain, found that
Acetyl-l-carnitine treatment improved symptoms, caused peripheral nerve
regeneration and was proposed as a pathogenesis-based treatment for distal
symmetrical polyneuropathy. Note: Nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase
inhibitors (NRTI) disrupt neuronal mitochondrial DNA synthesis, impairing energy
metabolism and resulting in a distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSP), an
antiretroviral toxic neuropathy (ATN) that causes significant morbidity in HIV disease.
[10]
Treatment in men with asthenozoospermia
Lenzi A et al, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy, discovered that combined
treatment with l-carnitine and l-acetyl-carnitine in a controlled study of efficacy was
effective in increasing sperm motility. [11]
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Adriani W et al, Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Italy, assessed the ability of chronic acetyl-
l-carnitine (ALC, saline or 100 mg/kg SC, plus 50 mg/kg orally) to reduce impulsivity in
a validated animal model for ADHD. Their data suggested that ALC, a drug devoid of
psychostimulant properties, might have some beneficial effects in the treatment of
ADHD children. [12]
Male aging symptoms
Cavallini G et al, Headquarters of Societa Italiana di Studi di Medicina della
Riproduzione, Italy, compared testosterone undecanoate versus propionyl-L-carnitine
plus acetyl-L-carnitine and placebo in the treatment of male aging symptoms. They
found that testosterone and carnitines significantly improved the peak systolic velocity,
end-diastolic velocity, resistive index, nocturnal penile tumescence, International
Index of Erectile Function score, Depression Melancholia Scale score, and fatigue
scale score. Carnitines proved significantly more active than testosterone in
improving nocturnal penile tumescence and International Index of Erectile Function
score. [13]
Cholesterol-lowering
Ruggiero FM et al, University of Bari, Italy, studied the effect of aging and treatment
with acetyl-L-carnitine on the lipid composition of rat plasma and erythrocytes. They
found that aging increases the levels of free and esterified cholesterol. This study
provides the first proof that acetyl-L-carnitine probably acts by lowering free and
esterified cholesterol and arachidonic acid (20:4) levels in the plasma. [14]
Nevertheless, Bell FP et al concluded that there was no significant correlation
between plasma carnitine (total, free, or esterified) and body mass, plasma
triglycerides, or plasma cholesterol long time ago. [15]
This article was updated on
March 1, 2009
References
1. Pettegrew JW, Klunk WE, Panchalingam K, et al. Clinical and neurochemical effects of
acetyl-L-carnitine in Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 1995;16:1-4. 2. Sano M, Bell K, Cote L,
et al. Double-blind parallel design pilot study of acetyl levocarnitine in patients with Alzheimer's
disease. Arch Neurol 1992;49:1137-41. 3. Cucinotta D, Passeri M, Ventura S, et al. Multicenter
clinical placebo-controlled study with acetyl-L-carnitine (LAC) in the treatment of mildly demented
elderly patients. Drug Development Res 1988;14:213-6. 4. Sorbi S, Forleo P, Fani C, Piacentini S.
Double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled clinical trial with L-acetylcarnitine in patients with
degenerative cerebellar ataxia. Clin Neuropharmacol 2000;23:114-8. 5. No authors listed.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine. Altern Med Rev 1999;4:438-41 [review]. [6] Virmani A and Binienda Z
(Sigma-tau HealthScience, Italy), carnitine esters' role in brain neuropathology, Mol Aspects Med.
2004 Oct-Dec;25(5 to 6):533 to 549].[7] Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Nov;1025:267-73]. [8] Arch
Gerontol Geriatr. 1990 Mar-Apr;10(2):173-85].[9] Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 1992
Mar-Apr;14(2):131-44]. [10] AIDS. 2004 Jul 23;18(11):1549-60.][11] Fertil Steril. 2004
Jun;81(6):1578-84.] [12]Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2004 Nov;176(3-4):296-304. Epub 2004 May
8]. [13] Urology. 2004 Apr;63(4):641-6]. [14] Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1990 Jul
31;170(2):621-6]. [15] Can J Biochem Cell Biol. 1983 Jun;61(6):328-32] [16] Seim H. et al,
L(-)-Carnitine and its precursor, gamma-butyrobetaine. In. Kramer K et al, eds. Nutraceuticals in
Health and Disease Prevention. new York: Marcel Dekker, Inc.; 2001:217-256. [17] Stillman M et al,
Management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Curr Pain Headache 2006
Aug;10(4):279-87. [1A] Boost Your Memory with Brain-Boosting Supplements naturalnews.com
February 25, 2009. [1B] The energy bunny in me thestar.com February 15, 2009 [1C] Key Nutrients
Help Maintain Brain Function throughout Lifetime
L-Carnitine is produced in the body from the nutrients lysine, methionine, vitamin C,
vitamin B3, vitamin B6, and iron. Carnitine is classified as an amino acid, it is
primarily used to facilitate the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria
of cells for energy production. This process provides muscular energy by burning fat,
and also prevents fatty build-up around vital organs. Natural Carnitine is found
primarily in red meats, so vegetarians may need to supplement to ensure healthy
levels in their bodies.
Acetyl-L-carnitine is similar in form to L-carnitine and also has some similar
functions, such as being involved in the metabolism of food into energy. It occurs
naturally in the brain, liver, and kidney. Its levels may decrease with advancing age.
However, because it is not an essential nutrient, true deficiencies do not occur.
RESEARCH FINDINGS - HEALTH BENEFITS
L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring compound and a cofactor for the oxidation of fatty
acids in mitochondria. It participates in the control of the mitochondrial acyl-CoA/CoA
ratio, peroxisomal oxidation of fatty acids, and the production of ketone bodies. It plays
an important role in diseases associated with metabolic compromise, especially
mitochondrial-related disorders. A deficiency of carnitine may have major deleterious
effects on the CNS. Consequently, L-Carnitine and its esters such as
acetyl-L-carnitine poses unique neuroprotective, neuromodulatory, and neurotrophic
properties. [6]
It is also used as a dietary supplement. Acetyl-L-carnitine has been studied with
age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, degenerative, cerebellar ataxia,
depression (for elderly people) and male infertility,
The acetyl group that is part of acetyl-L-carnitine contributes to the production of the
neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is required for mental function. Clinical trials
demonstrate that acetyl-L-carnitine may delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease
[1 ,2 ] and enhances overall performance in some people with Alzheimer's disease
[3]. Alzheimer's research has been done with the acetyl-L-carnitine form, rather than
the L-carnitine form, of this nutrient.
One trial [4] has found that acetyl-L-carnitine may be helpful for people with
degenerative cerebellar ataxia, a loss of muscular coordination caused by disease in
the cerebellum (the hind part of the brain that controls muscle tone and balance).
Most research involving acetyl-L-carnitine has used 500 mg three times per day,
though some research has used double this amount [5].
NeuroProtection
Virmani A et al, Sigma-tau HealthScience, Italy, investigated the role of mitochondrial
dysfunction in neurotoxicity of MPP:+ and found Acetyl-l-Carnitine's partial protection
on PC12 Cells [7]
Napoleone P et al, Universita La Sapienza, Italy, found that long term acetyl-l-carnitine
treatment may be effective in slowing down the age-related nerve cell loss in some rat
brain areas. [8]
Petruzzella V et al, Universita di Bari, Italy, studied in vivo effect of acetyl-l-carnitine on
succinate oxidation, adenine nucleotide pool and lipid composition of synaptic and
non-synaptic mitochondria from cerebral hemispheres of senescent rats and
concluded that acetyl-l-carnitine is able to reverse age-related deficits of brain
mitochondria. [9]
Stillman P and Cata JP at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation pointed out that each
chemo-agent exhibits a spectrum of toxic effects unique to its mechanism of toxic
injury. In their review article, they said, "Preliminary studies have shown promise for
some agents including acetyl-L-carnitine..". [17]
Application in HIV
Hart AM et al, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Britain, found that
Acetyl-l-carnitine treatment improved symptoms, caused peripheral nerve
regeneration and was proposed as a pathogenesis-based treatment for distal
symmetrical polyneuropathy. Note: Nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase
inhibitors (NRTI) disrupt neuronal mitochondrial DNA synthesis, impairing energy
metabolism and resulting in a distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSP), an
antiretroviral toxic neuropathy (ATN) that causes significant morbidity in HIV disease.
[10]
Treatment in men with asthenozoospermia
Lenzi A et al, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy, discovered that combined
treatment with l-carnitine and l-acetyl-carnitine in a controlled study of efficacy was
effective in increasing sperm motility. [11]
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Adriani W et al, Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Italy, assessed the ability of chronic acetyl-
l-carnitine (ALC, saline or 100 mg/kg SC, plus 50 mg/kg orally) to reduce impulsivity in
a validated animal model for ADHD. Their data suggested that ALC, a drug devoid of
psychostimulant properties, might have some beneficial effects in the treatment of
ADHD children. [12]
Male aging symptoms
Cavallini G et al, Headquarters of Societa Italiana di Studi di Medicina della
Riproduzione, Italy, compared testosterone undecanoate versus propionyl-L-carnitine
plus acetyl-L-carnitine and placebo in the treatment of male aging symptoms. They
found that testosterone and carnitines significantly improved the peak systolic velocity,
end-diastolic velocity, resistive index, nocturnal penile tumescence, International
Index of Erectile Function score, Depression Melancholia Scale score, and fatigue
scale score. Carnitines proved significantly more active than testosterone in
improving nocturnal penile tumescence and International Index of Erectile Function
score. [13]
Cholesterol-lowering
Ruggiero FM et al, University of Bari, Italy, studied the effect of aging and treatment
with acetyl-L-carnitine on the lipid composition of rat plasma and erythrocytes. They
found that aging increases the levels of free and esterified cholesterol. This study
provides the first proof that acetyl-L-carnitine probably acts by lowering free and
esterified cholesterol and arachidonic acid (20:4) levels in the plasma. [14]
Nevertheless, Bell FP et al concluded that there was no significant correlation
between plasma carnitine (total, free, or esterified) and body mass, plasma
triglycerides, or plasma cholesterol long time ago. [15]
This article was updated on
March 1, 2009
References
1. Pettegrew JW, Klunk WE, Panchalingam K, et al. Clinical and neurochemical effects of
acetyl-L-carnitine in Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 1995;16:1-4. 2. Sano M, Bell K, Cote L,
et al. Double-blind parallel design pilot study of acetyl levocarnitine in patients with Alzheimer's
disease. Arch Neurol 1992;49:1137-41. 3. Cucinotta D, Passeri M, Ventura S, et al. Multicenter
clinical placebo-controlled study with acetyl-L-carnitine (LAC) in the treatment of mildly demented
elderly patients. Drug Development Res 1988;14:213-6. 4. Sorbi S, Forleo P, Fani C, Piacentini S.
Double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled clinical trial with L-acetylcarnitine in patients with
degenerative cerebellar ataxia. Clin Neuropharmacol 2000;23:114-8. 5. No authors listed.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine. Altern Med Rev 1999;4:438-41 [review]. [6] Virmani A and Binienda Z
(Sigma-tau HealthScience, Italy), carnitine esters' role in brain neuropathology, Mol Aspects Med.
2004 Oct-Dec;25(5 to 6):533 to 549].[7] Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Nov;1025:267-73]. [8] Arch
Gerontol Geriatr. 1990 Mar-Apr;10(2):173-85].[9] Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 1992
Mar-Apr;14(2):131-44]. [10] AIDS. 2004 Jul 23;18(11):1549-60.][11] Fertil Steril. 2004
Jun;81(6):1578-84.] [12]Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2004 Nov;176(3-4):296-304. Epub 2004 May
8]. [13] Urology. 2004 Apr;63(4):641-6]. [14] Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1990 Jul
31;170(2):621-6]. [15] Can J Biochem Cell Biol. 1983 Jun;61(6):328-32] [16] Seim H. et al,
L(-)-Carnitine and its precursor, gamma-butyrobetaine. In. Kramer K et al, eds. Nutraceuticals in
Health and Disease Prevention. new York: Marcel Dekker, Inc.; 2001:217-256. [17] Stillman M et al,
Management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Curr Pain Headache 2006
Aug;10(4):279-87. [1A] Boost Your Memory with Brain-Boosting Supplements naturalnews.com
February 25, 2009. [1B] The energy bunny in me thestar.com February 15, 2009 [1C] Key Nutrients
Help Maintain Brain Function throughout Lifetime
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Supplements
Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Bladderwrack
Bilberry
Chromium
CLA
Cod Liver Oil
Coenzyme Q
Colostrum
Dandelion
EGCG
Echinacea
Eleuthero
Ellagic Acid
Eve. Primrose Oil
Fish Oil
Flaxseed
Garlic
Ginger
Ginseng
Ginkgo Biloba
Glucosamine
Gotu Kola
Guar Gum
Hyaluronic acid
Lecithin
Lycopene
Milk Thistle
Nattokinase
Passion Flower
Probiotics
Policosanol /
Polycosanol
Pycnogenol
Reishi / Lingzhi
Resveratrol
Rhodiola
Royal Jelly
Stevia
Whey
Xylitol
More Supplements
Recent Interesting News about Acetyl-L-carnitine
On February 25, 2009, James J. Gormley at naturalnews.com wrote "....slowing
age-associated memory impairment. Vinpocetine and acetyl-L-carnitine were
especially effective, followed by huperzine A; rhodiola; ginseng and alpha lipoic acid.
The least effective compounds were the drugs, Aricept and Nemanda" in his article.
[1A]
Another article entitled "The energy bunny in me" suggests a synergistic
combination of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR) and alpha lipoic
Acid for maintaining healthy mitochondria and optimum energy levels. Mitochondria
are linked to almost every essential process in cells; its health is very important to
us.[1B]
A combination of alpha-lipoic acid (LA) and acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) made research
headlines recently when it was given to old lab rats that then began acting like
young lab rats. [1C]
On February 25, 2009, James J. Gormley at naturalnews.com wrote "....slowing
age-associated memory impairment. Vinpocetine and acetyl-L-carnitine were
especially effective, followed by huperzine A; rhodiola; ginseng and alpha lipoic acid.
The least effective compounds were the drugs, Aricept and Nemanda" in his article.
[1A]
Another article entitled "The energy bunny in me" suggests a synergistic
combination of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR) and alpha lipoic
Acid for maintaining healthy mitochondria and optimum energy levels. Mitochondria
are linked to almost every essential process in cells; its health is very important to
us.[1B]
A combination of alpha-lipoic acid (LA) and acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) made research
headlines recently when it was given to old lab rats that then began acting like
young lab rats. [1C]
Discuss with your doctor before taking any alternative medicine. This article is for
reference only, it is not a medical advice. All rights reserved. Do not copy this article to
other website or blog.
reference only, it is not a medical advice. All rights reserved. Do not copy this article to
other website or blog.
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