N-Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) is the form of L-Carnitine, which is a naturally occurring amino acid synthesized in the human brain, liver, and kidney. ALC is involved in lipid metabolism and helps prevent oxidation of the mitochondria, and enhances acetylcholine production Mitochondria is the power house of energy production. Acetylcholine is the key memory neurotransmitter.

How it works:

  • Fuel for the brain to help maintain a higher level of mental performance: cognition, reception, interpretation, focusing and memory.
  • It transports long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria to metabolize to generate energy. Enhance cellular energy in the brain.
  • Helps make acetylcholine and promotes healthy neurological function. Helps slow the effect of aging. Decreases symptoms of depression.
  • Acts as an antioxidant protecting the neurons and mitochondria from oxidative damage and keeps the nervous system youthful.
  • Remove toxic accumulations of fatty acids from mitochondria, keeping these organelles healthy and functioning at their best.

 Positive effects:

  • Improves mood and mental performance.
  • Helps to stimulate the growth of new brain cells and improve communication between the right and left hemispheres of the brain.
  • Slowing down the progression of brain cells aging.
  • Preventing myocardial and tissue ischemia.
  • May have a lowering effect on esterified cholesterol and arachidonic acid levels related to aging.
  • It may have a positive effect on skeletal muscle and may help in the recovery from training and injuries.
  • It also shows an improving effect on nerve pain.
  • May increase sperm count and mobility.
  • May help improve male sexual function.
  • May benefit to chronic fatigue syndrome.
  • Benefit heart and vessels.

Safety:

Not recommended for those with diabetes, liver disease or kidney disease.

 References:

  • Malaguarnera M, Cammalleri L, Gargante MP, et al. L-Carnitine treatment reduces severity of physical and mental fatigue and increases cognitive functions in centenarians: a randomized and controlled clinical trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;86:1738-44. 
  • Malaguarnera M, Cammalleri L, Gargante MP, et al. L-Carnitine treatment reduces severity of physical and mental fatigue and increases cognitive functions in centenarians: a randomized and controlled clinical trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;86:1738-44. 
  • Pistone G, Marino A, Leotta C, et al. Levocarnitine administration in elderly subjects with rapid muscle fatigue: effect on body composition, lipid profile and fatigue. Drugs Aging. 2003;20:761-767. 
  • Plioplys AV, Plioplys S. Amantadine and L-carnitine treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. Neuropsychobiology. 1997;35:16-23. 
  • Marzo A, Arrigoni Martelli E, Urso R et al: Metabolism and disposition of intravenously administered acetyl-L-carnitine in healthy volunteers. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1989; 37(1):59-63.
  • Arrigo A, Clano E, Casale R et al: The effects of L-acetylcarnitine on reaction times in patients with cerebrovascular nsufficiency: a double-blind cross-over study. Clin Trials J 1988; 25(suppl 1):47-56. 
  • Bonavita E, Bertuzzi D, Bonavita J et al: L-Acetylcarnitine (L-Ac) (Branigen) in the long-term symptomatic treatment of senile dementia. Clin Trials J 1988; 25(4):227-237.
  • Montgomery SA, Thal LJ, & Amrein R: Meta-analysis of double blind randomized controlled clinical trials of acteyl-L-carnitine versus placebo in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer’s disease. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2003; 18:61-71.
  • Passeri M, Cucinotta D, Bonati PA, et al. Acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of mildly demented elderly patients. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1990;10:75-79. 
  • Calvani M, Carta A, Caruso G, et al. Action of acetyl-L-carnitine in neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1992;663:483-486. 
  • Sano M, Bell K, Cote L, et al. Double-blind parallel design pilot study of acetyl levocarnitine in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Arch Neurol. 1992;49:1137-1141. 
  • Spagnoli A, Lucca U, Menasce G, et al. Long-term acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in Alzheimer’s disease. Neurology. 1991;41:1726-1732. 
  • Vecchi GP, Chiari G, Cipolli C, et al. Acetyl-l-carnitine treatment of mental impairment in the elderly: evidence from a multicenter study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 1991;(suppl 2):159-168. 
  • Bonavita E. Study of the efficacy and tolerability of L-acetylcarnitine therapy in the senile brain. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol. 1986;24:511-516. 
  • Salvioli G & Neri M: L-acetylcarnitine treatment of mental decline in the elderly. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1994; 4:169-174.
  • De Grandis D: Tolerability and efficacy of L-Acetylcarnitine in patients with peripheral neuropathies. A short-term-open multicentre study. Clin Drug Invest 1998; 15(2):73-79.
  • Sinforiani E, Iannuccelli M, Mauri M et al: Neuropsychological changes in demented patients treated with acetyl-L-carnitine. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 1990; 10(1-2):69-74. 
  • Cavallini G, Caracciolo S, Vitali G, et al. Carnitine versus androgen administration in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, depressed mood, and fatigue associated with male aging. Urology. 2004;63:641-646. 
  • Garzya G, Corallo D, Fiore A, et al. Evaluation of the effects of L-acetylcarnitine on senile patients suffering from depression. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1990;16:101-106. 
  • Thal LJ, Calvani M, Amato A, et al. A 1-year controlled trial of acetyl-l-carnitine in early-onset AD. Neurology. 2000;55:805-810.
  • Singh RB, Niaz MA, Agarwal P, et al. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of L-carnitine in suspected acute myocardial infarction. Postgrad Med J. 1996;72:45-50. 
  • Moncada ML, Vicari E, Cimino C, et al. Effect of acetylcarnitine treatment in oligoasthenospermic patients. Acta Eur Fertil. 1992;23:221-224. 
  • Lenzi A, Lombardo F, Sgro P, et al. Use of carnitine therapy in selected cases of male factor infertility: a double-blind crossover trial. Fertil Steril. 2003;79:292-300. 
  • Van Oudheusden L, Scholte H. Efficacy of carnitine in the treatment of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2002;67:33. 
  • Arnold LE, Amato A, Bozzolo H, et al. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a multi-site, placebo-controlled pilot trial. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2007;17:791-802.