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Acetyl- L- Carnitine

by Jacinta Horan in Research Library

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC), the acetylated and bioavailable form of L-Carnitine, plays an important role in energy production by transporting long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria, the ‘powerhouse’ of each cell.

These ‘powerhouses’ generate energy by combining fats and sugars with oxygen thus performing a controlled burn. When exiting the mitochondria it assists by pulling out toxic by-products from the energy conversion process via its powerful antioxidant activity. ALC crosses the blood-brain barrier to support a healthy nervous system and brain function.

Heart Health

  • L-Carnitine may protect against ischemic heart injury by scavenging free radicals or preventing their formation in cardiac muscle (ICF 2012). 
  • The concentration of L-carnitine in the heart is more than 3 times of muscles (ICF 2012). 
  • A handful of clinical trials suggest carnitine is beneficial in the treatment of angina, peripheral arterial disease, heart attack and heart failure yet more studies are indicated (Harvard Health Publishing 2014).

Metabolism / Fitness

  • Carnitine plays a role in the burning of fat for energy and transporting fatty acids across the walls of mitochondria (Scott 2008). 
  • Its role of ACL in fat metabolism includes the burning of carbohydrates and glucose metabolism (Scott 2008).

Brain & Nervous System

  • Evidence suggests acetyl-carnitine can improve the cognitive function of individuals with mild Alzheimer’s Disease (Scott 2008). 
  • Supplementation of ALC exerts neuroprotective effects and support nervous system health (Traina 2016). 
  • Studies show ACL exerts cholinergic neural transmission activity meaning it acts as a neurotransmitter, a cell messenger (Alternative medicine review monograph 2002).

Energy

  • L-carnitine is a cofactor required for the formation of free long-chain fatty acids into acylcarnititne it helps shuttle fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they are oxidized and turned into energy (Scott 2008). 
  • Studies show ALC can improve energy status and decrease oxidative stress (Ferreira & McKenna 2017).

 

References

The content on this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine or taking new supplements.

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