Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder can cause significant social and academic impairment in children and adults. Non-stimulant drugs are among primary treatments; stimulant drugs are also prescribed, though they carry side effects such as insomnia and have a potential for abuse. If you or your child has ADHD and are searching for treatment alternatives, you might be considering use of the nutrient acetyl-L-carnitine. The most recent clinical data suggests, however, that acetyl-L-carnitine has no effect on ADHD symptoms.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Your body produces energy with the help of a wide variety of nutrients. Acetyl-L-carnitine, also referred to as ALC, is one of them. Your body is able to manufacture enough ALC under normal circumstances. It is also found in your diet. Red meat, dairy products, fish and poultry are good sources. ALC helps your body produce energy from long chain fatty acids, which is one of your body's primary energy sources.
Early Studies
Carnitine is a general term that refers to acetyl-L-carnitine, L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine. Studies showed promise in carnitine as an alternative ADHD therapy. Researchers at the Department of Pediatrics, Westfries Gasthuis in the Netherlands had success using carnitine, though it is unclear which form they used. The study, published in the July, 2002 issue of the journal "Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids," found that carnitine treatment significantly reduces attention problems and aggressiveness in boys with ADHD.
Later Studies
Later studies failed to duplicate the positive results of earlier studies with ALC. ALC administered to boys and girls at 500 to 1500 mg daily for 16 weeks appears to have no effect on ADHD symptoms, according to a study published in the December 2007 issue of the "Journal of Adolescent Psychopharmacology." A six week study using the same dosages came to a similar conclusion. It is published in the June 2011 issue of the journal "Child Psychology and Human Development."
Acetyl-L-carnitine Supplements
ALC is available over the counter and through prescription. Supplements are commonly available in capsule form. The jury is still out on whether or not ALC improves ADHD symptoms. There is more to investigate since most studies were done on children younger than age 13, particularly boys. So there is no recommended ADHD dose at this time. ALC is most commonly taken for fatigue and heart disease. For general health, a typical ALC dose is between 1,000 to 3,000 mg daily. Consult your doctor before taking ALC.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Carnitine; Steven D. Ehrlich; March 2009
- "Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids"; Efficacy of Carnitine in the Treatment of Children with Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; L.J Van Oudheusden et al.; July 2002
- "Child Psychiatry and Human Development"; Acetyl-l-carnitine as an Adjunctive Therapy in the Treatment of Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents: a Placebo-controlled Trial; S.H Abbasi et al; June 2011
