Your body converts the food you eat to energy with the help of several nutrients. One of these is L-carnitine, also known as just carnitine. It exists in other forms, including acetyl-l-carnitine. It transports fatty acids to your fuel storing and producing cell centers called mitochondria. It may also help improve memory. Though most clinical research involves test animals and older adults with age-related memory loss, the results are encouraging. Consult your doctor before taking L-carnitine.
Background
Your liver and kidneys manufacture carnitine. They are generally able to make enough to meet your needs, under normal circumstances. Carnitine is primarily stored in your brain, muscles and heart. Carnitine deficiency is seen in patients with some health problems, including angina, which occurs from reduced blood flow to the heart. Some people have a genetic defect in the carnitine transporter gene, which also leads to deficiency. Carnitine is used for a wide variety of health problems, including weight loss, fatigue and heart failure.
Age-Related Memory Decline
Your brain function declines with age. Carnitine may improve age-related memory decline. In animal studies, acetyl-L-carnitine given at 100 mg per kg of body weight for three months improved memory and learning capacity in aged rats. The study was published in the June 2010 issue of "Geriatrics and Gerontology International." In a human study published in "The Journal of Nutritional Health and Aging," older adults given a nutritional supplement that included acetyl-L-carnitine showed improvement in memory and cognitive performance.
Dosage
Take carnitine only after discussing it with your doctor. Do not use carnitine to replace traditional medical care. Carnitine dosage varies depending on the condition it is used for. For example, for fatigue problems, a typical dose is 500 mg to 1,000 mg three times daily. A typical dose for angina is 1.5 g to 2 g daily; for heart disease, a typical dose is 750 mg twice daily.
Precautions
Carnitine appears beneficial for certain conditions. As of time of publication, not enough clinical data supports a standard recommended dose of carnitine to improve memory. Consult your doctor first before taking it. Carnitine side effects are generally mild, and include diarrhea and increased appetite. It may interact with anti-convulsant medications and AIDS medications.Talk to your doctor before taking carnitine, especially if you have health problems or are taking other medicines.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Steven D. Ehrlich; March 2009
- "Geriatrics and Gerontology International"; Acetyl-L-carnitine Improves Aged Brain Function; S. Kobayashi; July 2010
- "The Journal of Nutritional Health and Aging"; A Vitamin/Nutriceutical Formulation Improves Memory and Cognitive Performance in Community-dwelling Adults Without Dementia; A. Chan; March 2010
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