| Proper name |
Acetyl-L-Carnatine |
| Category |
Amino Acid (carnitine is best taken in the esterified, trimethylated form,
Acetyl-L-carnitine) |
| Functions |
Facilitates the uptake of acetyl coenzyme A (see B5) into the mitochondria
during fatty acid oxidation. Enhances acetylcholine production and is
cholinomimetic (acts like acetylcholine in facilitating nerve transmission).
Improves cerebral blood flow in patients with cerebral ischemia. Prevents
free-radical mediated protein oxidation in the brain. Stimulates protein
and membrane phospholipid synthesis. Enhances fatty acid transport for ATP
production in the mitochondria of skeletal and heart muscle (improving function
and also protecting from free-radical damage). Reverses age-related declines
of cardiolipin in the mitochondria of heart muscle. Prevents CD4 lymphocyte
cell death. |
| RDA |
None established. |
| Therapeutic
dose |
1-3 grams daily. |
| Deficiency symptoms |
Acetyl-L-carnitine has been used to treat Alzheimer's dementia and other
degenerative diseases of the brain, major depression, diabetic neuropathy
and cataracts, cardiac insufficiency, cognitive disturbances in alcoholics. |
| Toxicity |
Agitation, nausea and vomiting. |
| Best
forms
|
Pure L-Carnitine from bacterial synthesis. |
| Food
sources |
Carnitine is an amino acid found abundantly in meat. |
| Lab
tests |
Amino acid assay (either serum or urine). |
| Drug
interactions |
None known. |
| Nutrient interactions |
Works well with other nutrients. Amino acids generally absorb better with
a carboydrate rather than high protein meal. |
| Metabolism |
Absorbed in the jejunum
by diffusion, Acetyl-L-carnitine crosses the blood-brain barrier. It is
excreted in the urine.
|
