Acetyl L-carnitine, or ALCAR, is a chemical compound derived from the amino acid, carnitine. Acetic acid molecularly attaches to the L-carnitine molecule to make acetyl L-carnitine. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ALCAR is often used in the study of Alzheimer's disease and other brain disorders, although two other forms are also available: L-carnitine and Propionyl-L-carnitine. ALCAR may help improve some of the symptoms associated with diabetes, although more research is required in this field. Talk with your doctor before using acetyl L-carnitine for diabetes treatment to make sure it is right for you.
Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy occurs in many diabetic patients when high blood sugar levels damage the nerves in the limbs, especially the legs, feet, and arms. A review article published in the January 2005 issue of "Diabetes Care," indicates that supplementation with either 500 and 1,000 mg of ALCAR per day significantly improves symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. In the reviewed studies, ALCAR supplementation helped regenerate damaged nerves and alleviated pain due to neuropathy.
Insulin
Supplementation with ALCAR may help improve insulin sensitivity and balance blood sugar levels in diabetics. According to a 2011 article published in the journal, "Vascular Health and Risk Management," research indicates that L-carnitine supplementation improves glucose disposal by speeding up the process in which sugar is metabolized by your body and used for energy. The researchers also found that by improving glucose disposal, ALCAR can also lower your blood pressure, which can improve circulation and cardiovascular health.
Blood Circulation
One of the adverse effects of diabetes is a decrease in blood and oxygen delivery to your body's various cells, which can have potentially severe consequences. Your heart and blood vessels may become stiff, a condition called arteriosclerosis, which may lead to cardiovascular disease. An animal study published in July 2010 in the "European Journal of Clinical Investigations" indicates that supplementation with ALCAR can decrease heart and blood vessel hardening and improve symptoms of cardiovascular side effects associated with diabetes.
Fat Metabolism
If you are overweight, your risk of developing diabetes increases. Reducing your body fat can improve insulin sensitivity and decrease the risk of developing type II diabetes. ALCAR supplementation increases lipolysis, which is the transportation of fatty acids from fat stores to your muscles for energy. A study published in the Winter 2006 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Food" indicates that L-carnitine may have anti-obesity properties by stimulating lipolysis.
References
- "Nutrition for Health, Fitness, and Sport"; Melvin H. Williams; 2004
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Carnitine; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; March 2009
- "Diabetes Care"; Acetyl-l-Carnitine Improves Pain, Nerve Regeneration, and Vibratory Perception in Patients With Chronic Diabetic Neuropathy; A.F. Anders et al.; Jan. 2005
- "Vascular Health and Risk Management"; Critical Update for the Clinical Use of L-carnitine Analogs in Cardiometabolic Disorders; C. Mingorance et al.; March, 2011
- "European Journal of Clinical Investigations"; Effects of Acetyl-L-carnitine and Oxfenicine on Aorta Stiffness in Diabetic Rats; K.C. Chang; July 2010
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; L-carnitine Stimulates Lipolysis Via Induction of the Lipolytic Gene Expression and Suppression of the Adipogenic Gene Expression in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes; M.S. Lee et al.; 2006
Member Comments