Acetyl l-Carnitine supplement
dosage, benefit, side effects, treatment and
review of published studies, ALCAR and ALC
Aceryl-l Carnitine and Alpha lipoic
Acid supplements information
Acetylcarnitine (also spelled as acetyl l carnitine or l-acetylcarnitine and abbreviated as ALC or ALCAR) and carnitine play several important roles in the human body. These nutrients shuttle acetyl groups and fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production. Without carnitine, fatty acids cannot easily enter into mitochondria. The acetyl group is used to form acetyl-CoA, the most important intermediary in the generation of energy from amino acids, fats, and carbohydrates. Therefore, acetyl l carnitine serves as an energy reservoir of acetyl groups and both acetylcarnitine and carnitine help improve energy production. The acetyl group is also used to make the important brain chemical acetylcholine. Some studies suggest that perhaps this nutrient can even act as a neurotransmitter itself. The common dosage per capsule of this nutrient is often between 250 to 500 mg. For short term use these dosages are fine. For long term use, especially if ALC is combined with other supplements, we suggest using less than 100 mg a day.
What's the difference between acetyl l-carnitine and l carnitine?
Those who take carnitine pills notice an increase in physical energy, but
not as much mental energy. Acetyl l carnitine has a more
immediate and noticeable mental effect than carnitine because it crosses into
the brain much better. The mind boosting effect of acetyl l carnitine is often noticed within a few
hours, or even within an hour. Most people report feeling mentally sharper,
having more focus and being more alert. Some find a mild mood enhancement.
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The herbs in Mind Power Rx include: Ashwagandha, Bacopa,
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Ginkgo biloba, Ginseng, Gotu kola, Mucuna pruriens, Reishi, and
Rhodiola. The nutrients and
vitamins in Mind Power Rx include Acetyl l carnitine, Carnitine, Carnosine,
Choline, DMAE, Inositol, Methylcobalamin, Pantothenic acid, Trimethylglycine,
Tyrosine, and Vinpocetine.
Acetyl l carnitine
dosage and side effects
The typical daily dosage for long term use is 100 to 300 mg once a day,
preferably in the early part of the day. Acetyl l carnitine side effects include overstimulation,
insomnia, and
nausea at dosages greater than 500 mg to 1000 mg. If you happen to feel nausea
as a side effects of acetyl l carnitine, next time just take the acetyl-l-carnitine
with food or take a lesser dose.
Acetyl l carnitine 500 mg is the most common dosage you will find
over the counter. Other popular dosages include acetyl l carnitine at 250 mg and
300 mg. For many people, ALCAR 500 mg may be too high a dose.
Patients with multiple sclerosis may benefit from acetyl carnitine, which could reduce their fatigue.
In aging rats, chronic administration of acetyl carnitine
increases cholinergic synaptic transmission and consequently enhances learning capacity.
The memory of aging rats is rejuvenated by giving them a combination of acetyl l carnitine
and alpha lipoic acid.
Acetyl l carnitine may benefit those with diabetic neuropathy.
This nutrient could be helpful in chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy.
May reduce alcohol-induced cellular damage to organs.
ALCAR benefits geriatric patients with mild depression.
Acetyl l carnitine improves the function of mitochondria, the organelles within
cells that are involved in energy production.
Is more effective than tamoxifen in the therapy of acute and early chronic Peyronie's
disease.
Acetyl carnitine is suitable for clinical use in the reduction of neuronal death after
peripheral nerve trauma.
ADHD
L-acetylcarnitine may help with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) in children with the genetic disorder known as fragile X syndrome.
Fragile X syndrome results from an inherited genetic defect on the X
chromosome. It is associated with mental retardation and may also cause
autism and ADHD, ADHD is common in young boys with fragile X syndrome. Dr.
Giovanni Neri from Universita Cattolica in Rome studied boys between 6 and 13
years old for a period one year. Twenty four received l-acetylcarnitine and 27
received placebo. There was a more effective reduction of hyperactivity and
improvement of social behavior in patients treated with acetylcarnitine.
American Journal of Medical Genetics 2008.
Cataracts
The effect of acetyl-l-carnitine on lenticular calpain activity in
prevention of selenite-induced cataractogenesis.
Exp Eye Res. 2008 December. Elanchezhian R, Sakthivel M, Geraldine
P, Thomas PA. Elanchezhian R, Sakthivel M. Department of Animal Science,
School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620 024,
Tamil Nadu, India.
The present study sought to determine whether acetyl-l-carnitine (ALCAR)
prevents selenite cataractogenesis by mechanisms involving lenticular
calpain activity, Wistar rat pups were divided into 3 groups of 15 each.
Group I (normal) rats received an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of normal
saline on postpartum day 10; Group II (cataract-untreated) rats received a
single subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of sodium selenite (19mumol/kg body
weight) on postpartum day 10; Group III (cataract-treated) pups received a
single s.c. injection of sodium selenite on postpartum day 10 and
intraperitoneal injections of acetyl-l-carnitine (200mg/kg body weight) on
postpartum days 9-14. At the end of the study period (postpartum day 16),
both eyes of each rat pup were examined by slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Our
results suggest that, in addition to its already-described antioxidant
potential, acetyl-l-carnitine prevents selenite cataractogenesis by
maintaining calpain activity at near normal levels. These findings may
stimulate further efforts to develop acetyl-l-carnitine as a novel drug for
prevention of cataract.
Acetyl l Carnitine and propionyl l
carnitine for erectile dysfunction
Acetyl-L-carnitine plus propionyl-L-carnitine
improve efficacy of sildenafil in treatment of erectile dysfunction after
bilateral nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy.
Urology. 2005 Nov;66(5):1080-5.
Operative Unit of Andrology, Societa Italiana di Medicina della Riproduzione,
Bologna, Italy.
To determine whether propionyl-L-carnitine (PLC) plus acetyl-L-carnitine
improve the effectiveness of sildenafil in restoring sexual potency after
bilateral nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy. We analyzed the data
from 96 patients who had undergone bilateral nerve-sparing radical retropubic
prostatectomy: 33 were given placebo (group 1), 32 used PLC 2 g/day plus
acetyl-l-carnitine 2 g/day plus sildenafil 100 mg when needed (group 2), and
35 used sildenafil alone (group 3). Placebo proved ineffective and sildenafil and sildenafil plus acetyl-l-carnitine and PLC proved effective.
The International Index of Erectile Function-15 scores of the group 2 patients
were significantly greater than those of group 3 in the following domains:
erectile function, sexual intercourse satisfaction, orgasm, and general sexual
well-being. The drugs did not significantly modify the score in the sexual
desire domain or in the peak systolic velocity or end-diastolic velocity of
the cavernosal arteries. Acetyl-l-carnitine plus propionyl-L-carnitine did not
significantly improve the side effects of sildenafil. Propionyl-L-carnitine and acetyl-l-carnitine proved to be safe and reliable in
improving the efficacy of sildenafil in restoring sexual potency after
bilateral nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy.
Fibromyalgia
Double-blind, multicenter trial comparing acetyl l-carnitine with placebo in
the treatment of fibromyalgia patients.
Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2007 Mar-April Rossini M, Di Munno O, Valentini
G, Bianchi G, Biasi G, Cacace E, Malesci D, La Montagna G, Viapiana O, Adami
S. Rheumatology Unit, University of Verona, Italy.
One hundred and two patients meeting the American College of Rheumatology
criteria for fibromyalgia syndrome were randomized into the study. The
treatment consisted of 2 capsules/day of 500 mg acetyl l-carnitine or placebo
plus one intramuscular (i.m.) injection of either 500 mg acetyl l-carnitine or
placebo for 2 weeks. During the following 8 weeks the patients took 3 capsules
daily containing either 500 mg acetyl l-carnitine or placebo. The patients
were seen during treatment after 2 (visit 3), 6 (visit 4) and 10 weeks (visit
5). The patients were also visited 4 weeks after treatment discontinuation
(follow-up visit). The "total myalgic score" and the number of positive
tender points declined significantly and equally in both groups until the 6th
week of treatment. At the 10th week both parameters remained unchanged in the
placebo group but they continued to improve in the acetyl l-carnitine group
with a statistically significant between-group difference. Although this
experience deserves further studies, these results indicate that acetyl l-carnitine
may be of benefit in patients with fibromyalgia, providing improvement in pain
as well as the general and mental health of these patients.
HIV
treatment
Acetyl-l-carnitine and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-associated
neuropathy in HIV infection.
HIV Med. 2009 February. Valcour V, Yeh TM, Bartt R, Clifford D, Gerschenson
M, Evans SR, Cohen BA, Ebenezer GJ, Hauer P, Millar L, Gould M, Tran P,
Shikuma C, Souza S, McArthur JC; AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG)
5157 protocol team. Hawaii AIDS Clinical Research Program, John A. Burns
School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA.
Antiretroviral toxic neuropathy (ATN) is associated with dideoxynucleoside
reverse transcriptase inhibitor use in patients infected with HIV, possibly
as a result of mitochondrial toxicity. Acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC) has been
linked to symptomatic improvement in ATN. We present an open-label
single-arm pilot study to evaluate changes in intra-epidermal nerve fibre (IENF)
density and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copies/cell among subjects treated
with 3000 mg Acetyl-l-carnitine daily. Twenty-one subjects completed the
study. Acetyl-l-carnitine was generally well tolerated. The IENF density did
not change in cases completing 24 weeks of Acetyl-l-carnitine therapy. Fat
mtDNA copies/cell did not change with therapy. Improvements in neuropathic
pain, paresthesias, and symptoms of numbness were noted. Similarly,
improvement was noted on the Gracely Pain Intensity Score. Acetyl-l-carnitine
therapy coincided with improvements in subjective measures of pain in this
open-label single-arm study. However, changes were not observed in objective
measures of IENF density or mtDNA levels, providing little objective support
for use of Acetyl-l-carnitine in this setting.
MDMA use
Acetyl-l-carnitine provides effective in vivo neuroprotection over
3,4-methylenedioximethamphetamine-induced mitochondrial neurotoxicity in the
adolescent rat brain.
Neuroscience. 2009 January.
3,4-Methylenedioximethamphetamine MDMA, ecstasy is a worldwide abused
stimulant drug, with persistent neurotoxic effects and high prevalence among
adolescents. The massive release of serotonin from pre-synaptic storage
vesicles induced by MDMA followed by monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) metabolism,
significantly increases oxidative stress at the mitochondrial level. l-Carnitine
and its ester, acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC), facilitate the transport of long
chain free fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane enhancing neuronal
anti-oxidative defense. Here, we show the potential of acetyl l carnitine
against the neurotoxic effects of MDMA exposure. The present work is the
first to successfully demonstrate that pretreatment with acetyl l carnitine
exerts effective neuroprotection against the MDMA-induced neurotoxicity at
the mitochondrial level. These results indicate potential benefits of acetyl
l carnitine application in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative
disorders.
Acetyl l Carnitine and methadone,
opiate withdrawal
Acetyl-l-Carnitine in the Management of Pain During Methadone Withdrawal
Syndrome.
Clin Neuropharmacol. 2008 October. *Department of Psychiatry-Additive
Behaviours Unit, Catholic University Medical School, Rome; daggerDepartment
of Pharmacology, University of Florence, Florence; and double
daggerSigma-Tau S.p.A., Rome, Italy.
This study was designed to determine the short-term effect of acetyl-l-carnitine
(ALC) on symptoms of withdrawal in opiate-dependent subjects and animals
and, in particular, on pain, given the efficacy of acetyl-l-carnitine in
other typologies of pain. Thirty subjects meeting clinical criteria for
methadone dependence were consecutively recruited and treated with acetyl-l-carnitine
2 g/d or placebo for a 3-week detoxification period. Acetyl-L-carnitine
acted as an effective antihyperalgesic agent for relieving opiate-withdrawal
hyperalgesia in animals and displayed clinical efficacy on other withdrawal
symptoms such as muscular tension, muscular cramps, and insomnia.
Considering its tolerability, the excellent side effect profile, the absence
of significant interactions, and the lack of abuse potential, acetyl-l-carnitine
can be considered as a useful pharmacological adjunct in the treatment of
opiate withdrawal.
Sperm
health and sperm motility
Clinical efficacy of combined L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine on
idiopathic asthenospermia
Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2008 Feb; Department of Andrology,
International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong
University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China.
To evaluate the clinical efficacy of combined L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine
on idiopathic asthenospermia. Thirty patients with idiopathic asthenospermia
were treated by combined L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine for 3 months
after failure to respond to the integrated therapy of Chinese and Western
medicine.Combined L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine statistically improved
the sperm vitality, sperm motility and the total sperm count per ejaculate .
Weight
loss
High dosages of acetyl l carnitine may help reduce appetite, but a more
effective product for appetite suppression and weight loss is Diet Rx.
Forms of Acetyl l Carnitine
You may come across other forms of acetyl carnitine such as acetyl l
carnitine arginate and
propionyl l carnitine. We are not certain whether acetyl l carnitine arginate
or other variants
offer any advantages over acetyl carnitine. Time will tell.
Q. I have been getting email promotions regarding
the benefits of acetyl l carnitine arginate. Have there been studies with
acetyl l carnitine arginate that show it to be superior to acetyl l carnitine?
A. As of 2008, we are not aware of human studies comparing acetyl l
carnitine to acetyl l carnitine arginate. Acetyl l carnitine supplements work
quite well to improve mental function, we are not sure if the arginate form
adds any additional benefits.
Q. Is acetyl l carnitine hcl different than plain
acetyl l carnitine?
A. We have no reason to believe acetyl l carnitine hcl has
properties different than that of acetyl l carnitine.
Q. I have sometimes seen acetyl l carnitine with an
n added before it, n acetyl l carnitine. Is there a difference between the
two?
A. N acetyl l carnitine and acetyl l carnitine are the same
supplement.
Comparison of pharmacokinetics of L-carnitine,
acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine after single oral
administration of L-carnitine in healthy volunteers.
Clin Invest Med. 2009 February. The Affiliated Hospital of Medical
College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
To investigate the pharmacokinetics of L-carnitine and its
analogues, acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine in healthy
volunteers after single L-carnitine administration. Liquid L-carnitine (2.0
g) was administered orally as a single dose in 12 healthy subjects. Plasma
and urine concentrations of L-carnitine, ALC and PLC were detected by HPLC.
L-carnitine has a greater maximum plasma concentration than acetyl-L-carnitine
and propionyl-L-carnitine. L-carnitine also has a longer half-life than
acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine. These data may have important
implications in the designing of dosing regimens for L-carnitine or its
analogues, such as acetyl-L-carnitine or propionyl-L-carnitine.
Influence on the brain and
nervous system
Acetyl-L-carnitine is a naturally occurring substance that is
neuroprotective. ALC plays an essential role in intermediary and
mitochondrial metabolism. It has also nerve regenerating and antioxidant
actions. ALC has potential in the treatment of neuropathies of various
causes, and it is a molecule of considerable interest for its clinical
application in various neural disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and
painful neuropathies. In rodent brain studies, KAC up-regulates of the
expression of prostaglandin D(2) synthase, brain-specific Na(+)-dependent
inorganic phosphate transporter, and cytochrome b oxidase, bc1 complex. ALC
treatment down-regulates the expression of the gene of ferritin-H. ALC
protects nerve cells against various brain stressors.
Various Forms
provided by Sigma Tau corp:
These are Acetyl L-Carnitine Hydrochloride
Acetyl L-Carnitine Galactarate (US PATENT 5952379)
Acetyl L-Carnitine Arginate Dihydrochloride - As of May 2009, human studies
with this supplement could not be found in medical journals.
Acetyl L-Carnitine Taurinate Hydrochloride
Acetyl L-Carnitine Hydrogen Fumarate
Acetyl L-Carnitine L-Leucinate Hydrochloride
Acetyl L-Carnitine L-Ornithine Dihydrochloride
There has not
been enough research with each of these forms of ALCAR to determine
which are best for long term human consumption.
Acetyl l carnitine and alpha
lipoic acid
Some dietary supplements include a combination of acetyl l carnitine
and alpha lipoic acid. Although the combination of these two nutrients could
be healthy, many acetyl l carnitine and alpha lipoic acid products have too
high dosages of these nutrients and side effects could occur. We suggest using
no more than 100 mg of acetyl l carnitine and no more than 20 mg of alpha
lipoic acid when combining the two for long term use.
Q. I bought a product that had alpha lipoic acid
acetyl l carnitine in a dosage of 100 mg and 500 mg. Is this too high a
dosage?
A. Yes, this alpha lipoic acid acetyl l carnitine combination could
lead to overstimulation and insomnia and perhaps heart rhythm distrubances.
Acetyl-l-carnitine supplement
questions
Q. I was wondering
what is the difference between Acetylcarnitine and Acetyl-l-carnitine? Is one
better then the other in terms of mind boosting ?
A. They are both the same thing, just a different spelling.
Q. I am
wondering if Acetyl-l-carnitine has any
negative sexual drive affect?
A. Not that we are aware of. If anything, acetyl-l-carnitine should
enhance sexuality.
Q. I am using a 300 mg product acetyl-l-carnitine. I am having good
results after using for 3 weeks. Is it safe to take this supplement at 200-300mg
daily around 5 times/week in the long run.
A. We prefer that individuals take breaks from supplement use. The length of breaks is an individual
preference.
Q.
I
have been a good customer of my local health food store over the years. I have
purchased scores of vitamins/minerals/amino acids and herbs of all types. Mostly
I buy herbs for energy as well as anti-oxidants to treat a rare disease that I
have. I usually end up throwing away most of them after a couple of weeks use.
However, I have been taking Alpha Lipoic Acid and Acetyl-l-carnitine
(500 mg) in the morning on an empty stomach for months now. My mind is
clearer, my skin looks better, and my energy level is higher that it has been in
years. It also affects my libido in a positive way. I do not work in the
nutrition industry. Someone could argue this could be some sort of placebo
effect, but it has been such a dramatic effect I don’t think that it is placebo
effect at all.
Q. Is it okay to take acetyl l carnitine daily for months and
years?
A. I'm not sure if anybody knows the answer to the consequences of chronic
acetylcarnitine intake. With acetylcarnitine, as with most supplements, I often
recommend taking a break from use once in a while. I would also try to limit
acetylcarnitine intake to 300 mg or less a few times a week.
Q. I take acetyl-carnitine ALC occasionally at important days when i need to be
alert. When i take dose of around 250mg i get oversimulated, along with
headaches. i tried 50-60mg and that works well making me focused and alert but
without any side effects. Do small doses of 50 mg have positive effects too?
A. Yes, it is best to take amounts of supplements that
still work but do not produce side effects. You listed common side effects from
acetyl carnitine which include headache, overstimulation, and some people report
nausea.
Q. Is it important to take acetyl l carnitine and alpha
lipoic acid together?
A. Both acetyl l carnitine and alpha lipoic acid have
health benefits, but they can be taken separately, it is not essential they be
taken together.
Q. I an confused. Some websites say acetyl l carnitine supplement should be
taken every day, while Dr. Sahelian's website says an acetyl l carnitine
supplement does not have to be taken every day.
A. We feel that it is best to take days off from the
use of many supplements. In the case of acetly l carnitine, if this supplement
is being used for mental enhancement, one could instead take other brain
supplements such as dmae, choline, bacopa, ginkgo, etc, or a combination of
small amounts found in a formula such as Mind Power Rx.
Q. What are acetly l carnitine side effects?
A. Acetyl l carnitine side effects include nausea,
restlessness, insomnia, and irritability. We suggest keeping the acetyl
carnitine dosage to less than 500 mg a few times a week.
Q. Can you tell me about acetly l carnitine arginate?
A. We are not familiar with acetly l carnitine arginate
research in humans.
Q. Is a benefit of acetyl-l carnitine improved mental energy?
A. Yes, this is one of the most commonly noticed
benefit of acetly-l carnitine, greater mental energy.
Q. How long does the affect last after taking an n acetyl l carnitine
supplement?
A. Most people begin to notice the effect from an
acetyl l carnitine supplement after an hour or two, and the effects can last a
few hours or all day depending on the acetyl-l carnitine dosage taken.
Q. Is acetyl l carnitine powder sold over the counter?
A. Yes, you can search google for acetyl l carnitine powder, there
are several companies that sell it.
Q. What effect does acetyl l carnitine have on brain
function?
A. The effect of acetyl l carnitine on brain include improved
alertness, focus, and mood elevation. Acetyl l carnitine may also influence
memory function.Q. Based on statements I have read in other
articles, it seems the power behind acetyl-L-carnitine essentially comes
down to these three properties: it shuttles fatty acids to the
mitochondria for energy production; it readily enters the brain, where it
helps form a brain chemical acetylcholine; it helps regenerate neurons
damaged by free radicals. Would you agree with this assessment?
A. Yes, these are at least three main functions that acetyl l-carnitine
is known for, perhaps it acts as a neurotransmitter itself and most likely
has several additional functions in the brain and body.
Q. What property of acetyl-L-carnitine would you attribute to possibly
helping Alzheimer's patients and why/how?
A. Acetyl l-carnitine acts as an antioxidant, stimulates
neurotransmitter formation, helps with alertness and improved
concentration.
Q. What is the difference between Acetyl-L-Carnitine
and L-Carnitine Fumarate and is it safe to take both?
A. Acetyl l-carnitine is the acetyl form of carnitine and it has a
more direct and faster effect on mental function than carnitine. There are
many forms of carnitine, carnitine fumarate being one of them. Little
human research is available regarding which forms of carnitine are most
useful, therefore, at this time, the best option is to try the different
forms of l carnitine in different dosages to see which one works best for
your needs.
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