Acetyl L-carnitine Dosage For Cfs

Carnitine is of interest when it comes to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) because it is needed for mitochondrial energy production in your body. Disturbances in this energy-production process are a potential cause of this syndrome. Some researchers believe a deficiency in carnitine may be a contributing factor to CFS, but more study is needed to determine if this theory is correct, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. Consult a doctor before trying any type of carnitine supplement and follow his direction on dosage.

Significance

There's an association between low carnitine levels and CFS, according to a 1997 study in "Neuropsychobiology." The study investigated the effects of supplemental L-carnitine and concluded that it improves symptoms of the disorder. The greatest improvement was seen after four to eight weeks of supplementation, note study authors Audrius V. Plioplys and Sigita Plioplys. The dose used in the study was 1 g taken three times daily. The study authors also concluded that subjects who took L-carnitine showed more improvement in symptoms than subjects who took a medication for fatigue called amantadine.

Expert Insight

While the "Neuropsychobiology" study appears promising, the study was not well designed, according to UMMC. Only 30 people participated in it, and many of the subjects who took amantadine quit using it before the study time frame was complete due to side effects experienced. Subjects used amantadine for eight weeks, then used L-carnitine for eight weeks. Only half of the study subjects completed the treatment with amantadine, whereas 29 subjects completed the treatment with the better-tolerated L-carnitine, note the study authors. The bottom line, according to UMMC, is that more research is needed before any form or dosage of carnitine can be recommended for CFS.

Types

You'll find carnitine supplements in three main forms, notes University of Maryland Medical Center. Acetyl-L-carnitine is most often used for brain disorders. Propionyl-L-carnitine is most often studied for peripheral vascular disease and heart disease. L-carnitine is the least expensive and most available form in the marketplace. Both acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine have been studied for CFS. A 2004 "Psychosomatic Medicine" study found that 2 g daily of acetyl-L-carnitine improves mental fatigue in cases of CFS, whereas 2 g daily of propionyl-L-carnitine improves general fatigue. Combining the two forms is less effective than taking one or the other, note study authors R.C. Vermeulen and H.R. Scholte. This open, randomized study lasted 24 weeks and involved 30 subjects.

Considerations

A 2011 "Journal of Internal Medicine" notes a significant correlation between low acylcarnitine concentrations and CFS symptoms. This may be due to reduction in mitochondrial activity involving carnitine, possibly due to an accumulation of omega-6 fatty acids, according to study authors S.E. Reuter and A.M. Evans. Reuter and Evans propose combining carnitine supplements with omega-3 fatty acids to improve the mitochondrial activity involving carnitine in your body. Further studies are needed to test this theory and set dosages for both supplements.