Fibromyalgia is a debilitating condition that can cause a significant impairment to your well-being and ability to function. Almost 2 percent of the American population suffers from fibromyalgia, with females experiencing a much higher risk. Preliminary research has found that acetyl l-carnitine supplementation may improve certain symptoms of fibromyalgia. Always consult your doctor before using dietary supplements.
Function
L-carnitine is a nutrient produced by your body from the amino acids methionine and lysine. Acetyl l-carnitine is the acetylated form of carnitine. Acetylation means that carnitine undergoes a complex chemical interaction in your body to change into this form. Carnitine plays a role in energy metabolism and is used to change fat into energy. While there's no recommended daily allowance for carnitine since your body can make all it needs, certain medications, such as antiseizure drugs, can decrease your levels of carnitine. Because of carnitine's impact on energy levels, researchers have investigated its potential benefits for improving energy and reducing fatigue in patients suffering from fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia and Fatigue
Fibromyalgia is a complex condition involving a number of symptoms. The main symptoms include persistent pain, manifesting in specific locations on your body known as tender points; sleep disturbances; mood changes; anxiety; depression; and fatigue. While there's no known cure for fibromyalgia, treatments generally focus on improving these symptoms and include antidepressants, sleep medications, muscle relaxants and pain relievers.
Research
A study published in the March/April 2007 issue of "Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology" compared the effects of acetyl l-carnitine supplementation versus placebo on 102 patients suffering from fibromyalgia. The results showed a significant decline in the number of tender points and an improvement in self-rated scales of stiffness, fatigue, tiredness on awakening, sleep, work status, depression, and muscular-skeletal pain and depression. However, more clinical studies are needed to fully confirm these benefits.
Considerations
While acetyl l-carnitine supplementation may have a beneficial effect on symptoms of fibromyalgia, you should never use dietary supplements to self-treat your condition. Consult your doctor if you experience symptoms of fibromyalgia. Carnitine supplementation appears to be safe, according to Tufts Medical Center, although people with low or borderline-low thyroid levels and those on dialysis should avoid carnitine unless supervised by a physician. Inform your doctor if you plan to use any dietary supplement.
References
- "American Family Physician": Fibromyalgia; S. Chakrabarty and R. Zoorob; July 2007
- Tufts Medical Center: Carnitine
- "Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology"; Double-blind, Multicenter Trial Comparing Acetyl L-carnitine with Placebo in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia Patients; M. Rossini, et al; March/April 2007
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