Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) facilitates the conversion of stored fats to usable energy sources within the body. The liver and the kidneys serve as the primary producers of ALC within the body and other organs, such as the skeletal muscles, the heart and the brain, and store the synthesized ALC produced. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, in most cases, the body efficiently synthesizes its own stores of ALC. However, some special medical conditions and medications may decrease the level and production of this important nutrient.
Improvement of Heart Conditions
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, certain studies indicate the usefulness of ALC in the management of heart conditions. Heart-problem-induced chest pain, or angina, seems to decrease with the administration of ALC. There are also some small studies that suggest the use of ALC in the prevention of a second heart attack in patients who have already experienced a first attack.
Relief from Diabetic Pain
A study published by "Diabetes Care" in January 2005 mentions that ALC may be beneficial in diabetic patients suffering from diabetic neuropathy, a complication of diabetes characterized by numbness, pain and tingling sensation that may involve both hands and feet. In this study, diabetic patients experiencing neuropathy were recruited to receive 1000 mg ALC three times a day for a period of 52 weeks. After that, their tactile and pain sensations were reevaluated to determine the improvement brought about by ALC treatment. The researchers noted that 27 percent of patients with bothersome neuropathy improved with the administration of ALC. However, further studies are needed to confirm their findings.
Improvement with Chemotherapy Fatigue
Most cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment experience fatigue. According to a study cited by the Office of Dietary Supplements, this may be due to ALC deficiency caused by the procedure. Administration of ALC usually abates the symptoms of fatigue in patients who just received their chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Improvement in Male Sperm Count
The Office of Dietary Supplements reports that there are certain studies that prove that ALC treatment may improve the sperm count and sperm motility of male patients with infertility problems. The ALC content of the semen is directly proportional to the activity and motility of the sperm. With the administration of ALC, more efficient energy utilization within the sperm can be observed. However, larger-scale clinical studies are needed to further prove that ALC has the ability to improve male fertility.
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