You can generally take acetyl-L-carnitine, an amino acid derivative, and niacin, a B-complex vitamin, together. Both have widely different functions and operate through different mechanisms, and though both are common dietary supplements, only niacin has a recommended daily allowance. Consult a healthcare provider before using any dietary supplement, particularly if you have any health issues.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Acetyl-L-carnitine, a converted form of the amino acid carnitine, assists with glucose, or sugar metabolism, according to a 2000 study published in "Metabolism." Acetyl-L-carnitine converts to carnitine in the body, moves into your cells and helps them burn fatty acids by blocking a certain enzyme. Acetyl-L-carnitine is naturally converted by your body from dietary carnitine, which comes from any type of protein that you eat.
Functions of Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Acetyl-L-carnitine functions as an antioxidant, a type of compound that removes stress-generated waste products from your body. Unlike many antioxidants, acetyl-L-carnitine can fulfill antioxidant functions within your brain, and may be effective in mediating certain neurological conditions. In a 2006 study in the "Journal of Neuroscience Research," acetyl-L-carnitine was considered by the researchers as a possible treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
Niacin
Niacin, or vitamin B-3, is one of the essential human nutrients. Unlike vitamins A and E, niacin is water-soluble, so excess niacin is flushed from your system through urine. A lack of niacin can result in the condition known as pellagra, which can ultimately be fatal within four or five years if untreated, according to a 2008 study in "General Hospital Psychiatry." Niacin is found in many protein-rich foods, including red meat, chicken and fish. Organ meats are high in niacin as well.
Functions of Niacin
Niacin is involved in the production of hormones from your adrenal gland, including epinephrine, and plays a critical role in the metabolic process of many of your cells. Niacin also serves to block the conversion of fatty acids to very-low-density lipoprotein, or "bad" cholesterol. Niacin functions effectively enough in this role that is has been used to decrease LDL cholesterol in patients with vascular disease, according to a 1998 study in the "American Journal of Cardiology."
References
- "Metabolism"; Acetyl-l-carnitine Infusion Increases Glucose Disposal in Type 2 Diabetic Patients; A. Giancaterini, et al.; June 2000
- "Textbook of Biochemistry With Clinical Correlations"; Thomas M. Devlin; 2010
- "Journal of Neuroscience Research"; Acetyl-l-carnitine-induced Up-regulation of Heat Shock Proteins Protects Cortical Neurons Against Amyloid-beta Peptide 1-42-mediated Oxidative Stress and Neurotoxicity: Implications for Alzheimer's Disease; H.M. Abdul, et al.; August 2006
- "General Hospital Psychiatry"; Rapid Resolution of Delusional Parasitosis in Pellagra with Niacin Augmentation Therapy; R. Prakash, et al.; November - December 2008
- "American Journal of Cardiology"; Effect of Niacin Supplementation on Fibrinogen Levels in Patients with Peripheral Vascular Disease; C.S. Phillipp, et al.; September 1998
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