Each year, millions of people around the world are affected by depression. Unlike occasional feelings of sadness, depression causes significant clinical impairment in a number of areas. Due to depression's high rate of occurrence, researchers are busy trying to find newer and better methods of treating this debilitating illness. Some research has found that supplementation with acetyl l-carnitine may provide benefits for patients suffering from depression. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
About Acetyl L-Carnitine
Acetyl l-carnitine is the acetylated form of carnitine, which is a nutrient that plays an important role in energy metabolism and fat conversion. Your body generally makes enough carnitine, however, some people experience a deficiency if their bodies are unable to synthesize enough to fulfill their needs. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, carnitine has been proposed as a treatment for a number of physical and mental conditions, including depression, because it helps to reduce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress plays a role in the formation and severity of depression, according to a study published in the August 2004 issue of the psychiatric journal, "Acta Neuropsychiatrica."
Facts About Depression
Depression can cause a serious disturbance to your mood, ability to function, relationships, work and just about every area of your life. It's actually a medical illness that requires professional intervention, such as psychotherapy or medication. Some of the symptoms of depression include persistent feelings of tearfulness or sadness, irritability, sleep changes, loss of appetite, lack of self-esteem and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts or gestures. While your doctor may recommend conventional treatments in order to manage or improve your symptoms, researchers have found that dietary supplementation with acetyl l-carnitine may also help certain people.
Clinical Evidence
A review published in the November 2000 issue of the journal, "Molecular Psychiatry" reports that two double-blind studies have found significant benefits of acetyl l-carnitine supplementation on patients suffering from major depression, possibly because of its impact on the regulation of neurotransmitters, or mood-regulating brain chemicals, or its other biological effects. Another study, published in 1990 in the "International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Research," showed that elderly patients suffering from dysthymia, a form of depression, experienced substantial benefits from acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation, including a reduction in depressive symptoms and subjective improvement in overall quality of life, when compared to patients who received a placebo only.
Considerations
Although acetyl l-carnitine supplements may help depression, you should not use dietary supplements as a replacement for your doctor's care or as a substitute for any prescribed medications. If you think you are depressed, do not attempt to self-treat or diagnose your symptoms. Consult your doctor or a qualified mental health professional for a proper diagnosis and to discuss treatment options. Inform your doctor if you choose to use an acetyl l-carnitine supplement.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Carnitine (L-Carnitine)
- "Acta Neuropsychiatrica"; The relationship between potency of oxidative stress and severity of depression; M. Yanik, et al; August 2004
- "Molecular Psychiatry"; Acetyl-L-carnitine physical-chemical, metabolic, and therapeutic properties: relevance for its mode of action in Alzheimer's disease and geriatric depression; J.W. Pettegrew, et al; November 2000
- "International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Research"; Effect of acetyl-L-carnitine on geriatric patients suffering from dysthymic disorders; R. Bella, et al; 1990
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