Depression is a serious mental health condition that can have a negative impact on your physical and mental well-being. In older adults, depression can be particularly devastating, especially because many seniors suffer from a lack of social support, serious medical conditions and impaired cognitive abilities. Certain dietary supplements, such as acetyl l-carnitine arginine, may have a beneficial impact on depression, particularly in the geriatric population. Consult your doctor before using any nutritional supplements.
About Acetyl L-Carnitine Arginate
Acetyl l-carnitine arginate is a combination of the nutrient l-carnitine with the amino acid arginine. According to Dr. Julius G. Goepp in a September 2006 article for "Life Extension Magazine," acetyl l-carntine arginate appears to have many of the same properties as acetyl-L-carnitine, with the additional neuroprotective benefits of arginine. L-carnitine is a nutrient made by your body and also available in a limited number of foods, such as red meat and dairy products. L-carnitine is required for energy metabolism and may help reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals -- molecules present in pollutants like cigarette smoke and smog that may be responsible for the formation of certain diseases. Acetyl l-carnitine may help depression due to its effect on energy production and brain function. A number of studies have evaluated the benefits of acetyl l-carnitine for depression, especially in the elderly population; however, there are virtually no studies to confirm the antidepressant benefits of acetyl l-carnitine arginate.
Depression Among Older Adults
Depression can occur in anyone at any age, but it is particularly debilitating when it affects older adults. Older adults are faced with a number of challenges, such as illness, a lack of a sense of purpose due to retirement, financial concerns, the death of a spouse and cognitive impairments, any of which can cause or exacerbate feelings of depression. In fact, according to HelpGuide.org, dementia and depression share similar symptoms, so it can be hard to tell them apart. While certain treatments, such as medication, psychotherapy or self-help techniques, can help, some research has also shown the benefits of acetyl l-carnitine supplementation on treating depression in older adults.
Clinical Evidence
Several studies have confirmed the antidepressant benefits of acetyl l-carnitine in older adults. One study, published in the November/December 1991 issue of the international peer-reviewed journal "Dementia," showed that, when compared with placebo, acetyl l-carnitine resulted in a significant improvement of depressive symptoms in 28 depressed male inpatients between the ages of 66 and 79. Another study, published in 1990 in the "International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Research," found that, when compared to a placebo, acetyl l-carnitine supplementation resulted in a substantial reduction in depressive symptoms and improved feelings of well-being in geriatric patients suffering from cognitive impairments. There are no studies specifically evaluating the antidepressant effects of acetyl l-carnitine arginate. However, as Dr. Goepp has pointed out, acetyl l-carnitine arginate has virtually the same properties as acetyl l-carnitine. It may therefore be possible to extrapolate the results of these studies to both of these forms of carnitine.
Considerations
While acetyl l-carnitine arginate may help symptoms of depression, you should never use a dietary supplement to self-treat your condition. Depression can become worse if not properly treated. If you think you are depressed, consult your doctor. Carnitine supplements may cause interactions with certain medications, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. As with any dietary supplement, inform your doctor if you choose to use any form of carnitine.
References
- "Life Extension Magazine"; Why Aging Humans Need More Carnitine; Julius G. Goepp, MD; September 2006
- Help Guide: Depression in Older Adults
- "Dementia"; Acetyl-L-Carnitine in Aged Subjects With Major Depression: Clinical Efficacy and Effects on the Circadian Rhythm of Cortisol; M. Gecele, et al; November/December 1991
- "International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Research"; Effect of Acetyl-L-carnitine on Geriatric Patients Suffering From Dysthymic Disorders; R. Bella, et al; 1990
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Carnitine (L-carnitine)
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