Acetyl-L-carnitine is an over-the-counter dietary supplement that may be used as a complementary therapy for specific health conditions. Acetyl-L-carnitine is the form of carnitine most frequently used in research studies because it's most easily absorbed in the small intestine, according to the U.S. Office of Dietary Supplements. The benefits of acetyl-L-carnitine are most frequently attributed to reducing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other disorders of the brain.
Carnitine Information
Carnitine is a nutrient your body uses to convert fat into a fuel source. Carnitine comes from the Latin word "carnus," which means flesh. Your body usually manufacturers all the carnitine it requires; however, supplementation may be necessary for people with deficiencies. Supplemental carnitine is sometimes used as a complementary therapy in addition to traditional medical treatment for certain health conditions. There are three forms of supplemental carnitine: l-carnitine, propionyl-L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine, also known as ACAR.
Purported Benefits
Acetyl-L-carnitine and the other forms of supplemental carnitine are similar in chemical structure. However, acetyl-L-carnitine is not only more readily absorbed; it has the capacity to reach into the brain tissue due to the acetyl group that is added to one of its molecules. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, numerous small clinical trials conducted in the 1990s suggested that ACAR therapy may benefit people with Alzheimer's disease when delivered at a dose of 2 to 3 g a day for six months to a year. However, more comprehensive study indicated that acetyl-l-carnitine has no effects on Alzheimers. Another purported benefit of acetyl-l-carnitine is to reduce fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis. Mayo Clinic neurologist Jerry W. Swanson states that research conducted in the mid-2000s suggests that supplemental therapy may reduce the severity of fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients; however, he goes on to note that there were problems with how the studies were conducted. More research on acetyl-l-carnitine is needed.
Other Information
Carnitine supplements are sometimes used by athletes to increase their performance. The American Council on Exercise indicates that because the nutrient itself helps convert fat into energy, supplement manufacturers often claim that it will burn more body fat or give you more endurance. However, there's still no conclusive evidence to suggest that carnitine supplements are helpful for this purpose.
Cautions
The benefits of acetyl-l-carnitine are accompanied by serious health concerns, which is why you should never use these supplements to self-treat. Carnitine supplements appear to be safe when used at the recommended dosage. The Linus Pauling Institute indicates that no incidences of toxicity have been reported. Still, carnitine supplements may have side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. More than 3,000 mg a day may cause an unpleasant body odor. Please talk to your treating physician before taking acetyl-l-carnitine supplements for your health concerns.
References
- U.S. Office of Dietary Supplements: Carnitine
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Carnitine (L-Carnitine)
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University; L-Carnitine; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; October 2002
- MayoClinic.com; Acetyl-L-Carnitine: Can it Relieve MS Fatigue?; J. Swanson, M.D.; May 2010
- American Council on Exercise: Supplement Specifics
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Chemical Structures of L-Carnitine, Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Propionyl L-Carnitine
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