Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is an esterified form of L-carnitine, synthesized largely in the kidneys, liver, heart and brain. It is involved in functions such the metabolism of food into energy, cellular energy production, and removal of toxic accumulations of fatty acids from mitochondria. The acetyl group that is part of ALC contributes to the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is required for mental function.
Numerous clinical trials have evaluated this nutrient’s effects on a broad range of conditions in humans and animals.
How Does It Work?
Acetyl L carnitine has numerous biochemical and physiologic effects which may contribute to the salutary effects observed in a variety of medical conditions. These include:
- Mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation
- Production of nerve growth factor (NGF) and acetylcholine
- Reduction of beta amyloid peptide
- Free radical scavenging
- Increases in free IGF-1
- Enhancement of glucose utilization, brain phospholipid metabolism, and brain energy metabolism.
Clinical Applications
Acetyl-l-carnitine has been researched or used for a wide variety of health problems.
- Age-related cognitive decline
- Depression (for elderly people)
- Peripheral neuropathy (secondary to trauma)
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
- HIV-related peripheral neuropathy
- Alzheimer's disease
- HIV infection and immune function
- Cerebral hypoxia and ischemic reperfusion injury
- Cardiovascular disease
- Male infertility
- Peyronie's disease
- Diabetes
- Cerebral ataxia
- ADHD - attention deficit disorder
- Down's syndrome
- Facial paralysis
- Pulmonary tuberculosis
- Cognitive deficit due to alcoholism
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Amenorrhea
- Parkinson's disease.
Click here for more information on the clinical applications of acetyl-l-carnitine.
Dosage
Acetyl-l-carnitine levels appear to decrease with advancing age. Therefore, the older you are, the greater your possible need.
There is no specific dosage, although most research involving acetyl-L-carnitine has used 500 mg three times per day, or more in some cases.
Side Effects
In the vast majority of clinical trials, ALC was well tolerated and without side effects, even with administration over 1 year. However, side effects such as body odor, increased appetite, rash, agitation, nausea and vomiting have been reported.
Drug Interactions
Didanosine increases the need for acetyl-l-carnitine.
To order acetyl-l-carnitine by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.
