For many children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, treatment can be a frustrating endeavor. The typical treatment for this disorder is stimulant medication; however, not everyone responds well or enjoys taking that type of medication. Instead, some people are turning to substances that the body naturally produces to help counteract the difficulties with attention and controlling behavior that occur with ADHD.
Carnitine
Carnitine is a substance produced in the kidneys and liver that helps change fat into energy. It is stored in the brain, heart, sperm, and skeletal muscles. However, it can be found in most of the cells of the body. To produce energy, carnitine carries long-chain fatty acids to the mitochondria, where they are then burned for energy. Carnitine also helps prevent the buildup of toxic compounds. Acetyl-L carnitine is one of the compounds of carnitine. Its use is preferred because it is more absorbable in the small intestine and more easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, making it available to the brain.
Benefits and Use of Carnitine
There are several recommended uses for carnitine. It has been suggested as beneficial in reducing cognitive declines in aging or Alzheimer's disease, reducing fatigue from cancer treatment, improving insulin sensitivity in Type 2 diabetics, and benefiting those with HIV and AIDS. It may also help in managing cardiac ischemia and peripheral arterial disease. Carnitine can be consumed as a dietary supplement in the form of acetyl-L carnitine, L-carnitine, or propionyl-L carnitine. It can also be obtained naturally from food sources, which include red meat, fish, poultry, and milk.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, common symptoms of ADHD include difficulties sustaining attention and focus along with hyperactive and impulsive behavior. Some children experience some, but not all of these symptoms. There are three subtypes of ADHD; primarily inattentive, primarily hyperactive/impulsive, and the combined type, which presents differently in individual children. The cause of the disorder is not entirely known; however, there has been evidence to suggest a strong genetic link, brain development, and exposure to toxins in utero.
ADHD and L-Acetyl Carnitine
Research has shown some preliminary support for the use of carnitine to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. In a study published by "Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids," boys with a diagnosis of ADHD were given carnitine. Approximately half of the boys responded to treatment, showing a 20 percent to 65 percent reduction in aggression and inattention. Another study, published in the "Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmocology," found that acetyl-L-carnitine demonstrated no effects for children with the combined type of ADHD, but some efficacy in the inattentive type. However, the overall results were not significant. A similar study of acetyl-L-carnitine published in "Child Psychiatry and Human Development" found no benefits in using the substance to reduce symptoms of ADHD. Further research is needed on carnitine, as the research as of 2011 is conflicting. Its use should only by done under a doctor's supervision.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Carnitin (L-carnitine); Stephen D Ehrlich, NMD; 2009
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements; Carnitine; Alesci et al
- PubMed Health; Efficacy of carnitine in the treatment of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; Van Oudheusden and Scholte; 2002
- PubMed Health; Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a multi-site, placebo-controlled pilot trial; Arnold et al; 2007
- PubMed Health; Acetyl-L-carnitine as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: a placebo-controlled trial; Abassi et al; 2011
- National Institute of Mental Health; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); 2008
Member Comments