What Is Acetyl L Carnitine?

Acetyl L-carnitine is a molecule that helps the body turn food into energy. It is created naturally by the body in the kidneys and liver and is stored in the brain, heart, sperm and skeletal muscles. It also can be found in the form of a dietary supplement. Acetyl L-carnitine appears to be a beneficial supplement for the treatment of many conditions, including memory loss, Alzheimer's disease and diabetic neuropathy.

Function

Acetyl L-carnitine is one form of L-carnitine. There are two types of carnitine: D-carnitine and L-carnitine. L-carnitine is the biologically active form of carnitine that is synthesized naturally by the body from the amino acids lysine and methionine and is also found in food. Carnitine functions to carry fatty acids in the body to mitochondria within cells, where they are burned and turned into energy. Carnitine also carries toxic waste products that accumulate during this reaction out of the cells.

Benefits

Many studies have been done on acetyl L-carnitine, but there is still no clear scientific evidence to support their claims, so the benefits of the supplement are currently just speculation. What we do know is that acetyl L-carnitine is used by the body to break down fatty acids. Some of the conditions it is currently being used for include weight loss, athletic performance, heart attack, angina, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, diabetic neuropathy, kidney disease, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, depression, memory loss, chronic fatigue syndrome, male infertility, erectile dysfunction, hyperthyroidism and Peyronie's disease.

Recommended Intake

The Linus Pauling Institute recommends adults take 500 mg to 2,000 mg a day, depending on the condition it is being used to treat.

Theories/Speculation

Although more research is needed, studies of acetyl L-carnitine for memory loss related to age, Alzheimer's disease and diabetic neuropathy have produced the most promising results. According to a study published in International Clinical Psychopharmacology, supplementation with 1.5 to three grams of acetyl L-carnitine a day for at least three months improved cognitive function and decreased mental deterioration in those with mild memory loss and Alzheimer's disease. Another study published in Diabetes Care found that patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes who took 3 mg of acetyl L-carnitine a day for one year experienced a significant decrease in nerve pain and an increase in vibratory sensation.

Warning

Acetyl L-carnitine should be taken only under the direction of a doctor. It is considered a dietary supplement and should not be taken in place of medical therapy. Side effects are not common but may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased appetite, skin rash, body odor and agitation. Several medications may cause an L-carnitine deficiency including zidovudine, zalcitabine, didanosine, stavudine, isotretinoin, doxorubicin, valproic acid, phenobarbital, phenytoin and carbamazepine. Those with high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, cirrhosis or peripheral vascular disease should consult their doctor before using acetyl L-carnitine. Acetyl L-carnitine should not be used in children unless they are deficient in carnitine and under the care of a doctor.