Supplements

Aceytl L-Carnitine (ALC)

Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC), a carnitine derivative produced naturally in the body, is involved in carbohydrate and protein metabolism and in the transport of fats into the mitochondria.

It increases levels of carnitine in tissues and even surpasses the metabolic potency of carnitine. Acetyl L-carnitine has become one of the most studied compounds for its anti-aging effects, particularly with regard to degeneration of the brain and nervous system.

A natural decline of ALC production starts around the age of forty and continues, as we grow older. This is a significant loss since ALC contributes to our stores of glutathione, coenzyme Q10, and acetylcholine.

ALC is the first compound, drug or nutrient, that has both improved the symptoms of Alzheimer's and reversed the imbalances in brain chemistry that coexist with it. Although ALC is not a cure for Alzheimer's, it often does temporarily reverse the downhill course of the disease, especially when combined with high doses of vitamin C and E.

Primate studies on Parkinson's disease are showing promising results thus far with supplementation of ALC.

ALC provides numerous other benefits to many of the body's systems. It helps to limit damage caused by oxygen starvation, enhance the immune system, protect against oxidative stress, stimulate the antioxidant activity of certain enzymes, protect membranes, slow cerebral aging, prevent nerve disease associated with diabetes and sciatica, modulate hormonal changes caused by physical stress, and increase the performance-enhancing benefits of branched-chain amino acids.

People with chronic fatigue syndrome, have lower than expected levels of ALC. Replenishing the supply may help to alleviate symptoms, such as fatigue and brain fog.

Deficiency: Depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, AIDS, cognitive dysfunction associated with alcoholism, amenorrhea, and Down's syndrome, aging.

Dosage Ranges and Duration of Administration:

Suggested doses of acetyl-L-carnitine range from 1000 to 2000 mg per day.

Mental deterioration in the aged: 1500 mg day (Cipoli, C. and Chiari, G. 1990)
Persons with Alzheimer's disease: 2.5 gm/day for 3 months (Sano, M. et al. 1992)
Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: 2 gm/day for 6 months (Genazzani, A.D. et al. 1991)
Depression: 1,500 mg/day (Garzya, G et al. 1990)
Parkinson's Disease: 1 or 2 gm/day for 7 days (Puca, F. M. et al. 1990)
General Health: 500-1000 mg of both carnitine and ALC (Atkins, et al., 1999)