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]
I experienced dizziness, weakness and vertigo right after I took
one dose of acetyl-L-carnitine. Probably, I overdosed myself but it
was unlikely, as I followed the instruction on the label. Do you
have the same adverse effect or other side effects? If you would
like to share your experience with other readers, please, drop me
a line at zhion@zhion.com. Thanks.
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.
The information above is for your reference only. Please, consult your doctor for any questions.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008. DO NOT COPY NOR TRANSFER THIS ARTICLE TO OTHER
WEBSITES NOR BLOGS.
HOME
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]
I experienced dizziness, weakness and vertigo right after I took
one dose of acetyl-L-carnitine. Probably, I overdosed myself but it
was unlikely, as I followed the instruction on the label. Do you
have the same adverse effect or other side effects? If you would
like to share your experience with other readers, please, drop me
a line at zhion@zhion.com. Thanks.
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.
The information above is for your reference only. Please, consult your doctor for any questions.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008. DO NOT COPY NOR TRANSFER THIS ARTICLE TO OTHER
WEBSITES NOR BLOGS.
HOME
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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