Acetyl L-carnitine (L-carnitine) is a naturally occurring substance produced in your body that helps convert fat into fuel. Carnitine is used to treat cardiac conditions such as angina and heart failure. It may also help other conditions such as vascular constriction and nerve damage caused by diabetes, although more research is necessary to understand the effects. Research indicates that supplemental acetyl L-carnitine may also decrease anxiety. Check with your doctor before using any dietary supplement.
About Acetyl L-Carnitine
Acetyl L-carnitine is found in nearly every cell of plants and animals and is a substance that is derived from amino acids. One of the major functions of carnitine is to facilitate the migration of fatty acids into the mitochondria, the energy centers of your cells. Although rarely experienced, a carnitine deficiency is characterized by low blood glucose levels and degeneration of the cardiac muscle. Supplemental carnitine is considered relatively safe to use in dosages of less than 3 g daily.
About Anxiety
Feelings of anxiety are not considered a disorder unless they become excessive. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by anxiety that is both excessive and debilitating, with no discernible cause. Over 6 million American adults are affected by generalized anxiety disorder, which can begin with mild symptoms that don't significantly impair functioning. If the disorder escalates, you may begin to avoid situations that appear to elicit anxiety, making it difficult to enjoy social activities.
Acetyl L-Carnitine Benefits
A 2005 study published in the "International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology" found that supplemental acetyl L-carnitine decreased anxiety-indicative behavior in laboratory rats. The researchers speculate that this effect may be due to the antidepressant effects acetyl L-carnitine has demonstrated in earlier research studies. Most antidepressant medications also have an anti-anxiety effect. More research is needed to determine if this effect can be replicated in human subjects.
Considerations
Most people don't need supplemental L-carnitine because it is naturally found in foods like meat and dairy foods. Taking supplemental acetyl L-carnitine isn't usually associated with side effects, but in dosages above 3 g daily it can cause nausea, vomiting and severe abdominal cramping. If you have pre-existing health conditions such as vascular disease, diabetes or renal disease, avoid using an L-carnitine supplement. L-carnitine supplements can also cause an interaction with certain medications such as AZT, so check with your physician before using this nutrient.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Carnitine (L-Carnitine)
- "International Journal of Psychopharmacology"; Effect of Intraperitoneal Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) on Anxiety-Like Behaviours in Rats; J. Levine, et al.; 2004
- National Institutes of Health: Carnitine
- Anxiety Disorders Association of America: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Member Comments