Acetyl L-Carnitine

Acetylcarnitine (also spelt as acetyl l carnitine, acetyl-l carnitine, or l-acetylcarnitine) and carnitine play several important roles in the body. They shuttle acetyl groups and fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production. The acetyl group of acetyl l carnitine is used to form acetyl-CoA, the most important intermediary in the generation of energy. Therefore, both acetylcarnitine and carnitine help improve energy production. The acetyl group of acetyl l carnitine is also used to make the important brain chemical acetylcholine. Some studies suggest that perhaps acetyl l carnitine can even act as a neurotransmitter itself.
Those who take carnitine notice an increase in physical energy, but not as much mental energy. Acetyl l carnitine has a significantly 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.
The typical daily dosage for long term use is 100-400 mg once a day, preferably in the early part of the day. Side effects of over-stimulation and nausea may occur at dosages greater than 500 mg. Even higher doses may cause insomnia. If you happen to feel nausea, next time just take the acetyl-l-carnitine with food or take a lesser dose.
Acetylcarnitine may improve mental fatigue in those who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome.
Patients with multiple sclerosis are helped by acetylcarnitine, which reduces their fatigue.
In aging rats, chronic administration of acetylcarnitine increases cholinergic synaptic transmission and consequently enhances learning capacity. The memory of aging rats is rejuvenated by giving them a combination of acetylcarnitine and lipoic acid.
Acetyl l carnitine is a promising nutrient for those with diabetic neuropathy. This nutrient could be helpful in chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy.
Acetyl l carnitine may reduce alcohol-induced cellular damage to organs.
Acetyl l carnitine may be helpful in geriatric patients with mild depression.
Acetyl l carnitine improves the function of mitochondria, the organelles within cells that are involved in energy production.
Acetyl l carnitine may help individuals with degenerative cerebellar ataxia.
Acetylcarnitine is suitable for clinical use in the reduction of nerve death after peripheral nerve trauma.
Acetyl l carnitine may be helpful in those with Alzheimer's disease. Acetyl l carnitine protects against amyloid-beta neurotoxicity.
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. There was a more effective reduction of hyperactivity and improvement of social behavior in patients treated with acetylcarnitine. American Journal of Medical Genetics 2008.