Fatty acids are a major source of energy in the body and require L-carnitine during metabolism. Though your body can normally produce enough L-carnitine, conditions inhibiting metabolism or circulation may prevent it from being circulated. The disruption of energy metabolism, especially in the legs and hands, may cause or worsen neuropathy, the disruption of nerve transmission.
L-Carnitine in the Body
The mitochondria is the organelle within each cell that oxidizes fatty acids into energy. L-Carnitine binds to fatty acids to transport them into the mitochondria. L-Carnitine also aids in removing metabolic waste from the mitochondria. Most people can produce sufficient L-carnitine, but medical conditions inhibiting metabolism or circulation may prevent L-carnitine from being delivered throughout the body.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy is in essence the failure of a nerve to signal correctly, resulting in a loss of sensory experience or motor control, as well as pain. Physical damage to the nerve or inhibition of circulation and metabolism of the nerve can also cause neuropathy. Neuropathy is common in cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Potentially disabling and painful, neuropathy associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes can be alleviated by improving the underlying condition.
Effectiveness of Acetyl-L-Carnitine
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, preliminary research indicates that diabetic neuropathy may be improved by acetyl-L-carnitine, a modification of L-carnitine that has better absorption and the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. L-Carnitine has also shown promise in improving quality of life in heart and vascular disease.
Safe Supplementation
Reported studies used 3,000 mg of acetyl-L-carnitine per day in divided doses, according to RxList.com. L-Carnitine is naturally occurring and has shown few side effects other than nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort and a fishy body odor in very high doses. Inform your health care provider when you begin taking supplemental L-carnitine. L-Carnitine is not intended to replace any medication in the treatment of disease.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Medical Reference: Complementary Medicine: L-Carnitine; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; March 20, 2009
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Carnitine
- Pubmed Health: Neuropathy; August 27, 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Peripheral Neuropathy; November 3, 2009
- RxList.com: Acetyl-L-Carnitine
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