Acetyl L-carnitine is substance that is present naturally in plants and animals. It is also sold as a dietary supplement that purportedly improves brain health. Scientific studies show that there is some support for such claims. However, consult your doctor before trying to prevent, treat or cure any condition with acetyl L-carnitine.
Mitochondrial Decay
The mitochondria provide energy for cellular work. Mitochondrial function tends to decline with age. There is some evidence coming from animal studies that show support for the effect of acetyl L-carnitine on mitochondrial preservation. In rats, supplementation with acetyl L-carnitine helped protect the mitochondria of aging rats from oxidative damage, according to the findings of a study published in 2008 in "Neurochemical Research." Oxidative damage refers to a natural process of cellular function that produces a byproduct called free radicals, which attach to and damage healthy cells.
Neuropathic Pain Syndrome
Neuropathic pain syndrome refers to a dysfunction of the central nervous system. It causes pain disproportionate with the tissue damage to an area. When tissue is damaged, pain normally follows a specific related path in the network of nerves, but this is not in the case of neuropathic pain syndrome. Animal studies reveal that acetyl L-carnitine may help prevent this condition. A study published in March 2008 in "Experimental Neurology" found that acetyl L-carnitine reduced the pain response in experimental animals by preventing the swelling of fibers in the mitochondria that cause pain.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative condition that leads to a gradual loss of brain function, such as memory, and typically attacks older adults. Acetyl L-carnitine may help protect against this condition. A study of mice published in August 2009 in the "Journal of the Neurological Sciences" found that mice supplemented with acetyl L-carnitine showed less structural damage to the area of brain that is linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Coronary Artery Disease
There is scientific evidence that suggests acetyl L-carnitine may help protect heart health. A study published in April 2007 in "The Journal of Clinical Hypertension" found that acetyl L-carnitine reduced systolic blood pressure in every participant with coronary artery disease who received the treatment. It also improved endothelial health, or the function of the lining of blood vessels that regulate blood flow. This indicates successful reduction of symptoms related to coronary artery disease.
References
- "Neurochemical Research"; Mitochondrial Decay in the Brains of Old Rats: Ameliorating Effect of Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Acetyl-L --carnitine; Jiangang Long, Feng Gao, Liqi Tong, et al.; 2008
- "Experimental Neurology"; Prevention of Paclitaxel-Evoked Painful Peripheral Neuropathy by Acetyl-L-Carnitine: Effects on Axonal Mitochondria, Sensory Nerve Fiber Terminal Arbors, and Cutaneous Langerhans Cells; Hai Wei Jin, Sarah J.L. Flatters, Wen Hua Xiao, et al.; March 2008
- "Journal of the Neurological Sciences"; The Effect of Acetyl-L-Carnitine and R-α-Lipoic Acid Treatment in ApoE4 Mouse as a Model of Human Alzheimer's Disease; Justin C. Shenk, Jiankang Liu, Kathryn Fischbach, et al.; August 2009
- "The Journal of Clinical Hypertension"; Effect of Combined Treatment With α-Lipoic Acid and Acetyl-L-Carnitine on Vascular Function and Blood Pressure in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease; Craig J. McMackin M.D., Michael E. Widlansky M.D., Naomi M. Hamburg M.D., et al.; April 2007
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