What is Acetyl L-Carnitine?
Acetyl L-Carnitine is a type of Amino acid or protein building block which the body utilizes to convert fat into energy. Acetyl L-Carnitine doesn’t fall in the category of essential nutrients since the body synthesizes the amount of Acetyl L-Carnitine that it needs. Nevertheless, supplemental intake of Carnitine has been shown to improve the ability of certain body tissues to produce energy. As a result, this amino acid has been used in treating muscle conditions and heart diseases in general. This article will seek to thoroughly answer the question of “What is Acetyl L-Carnitine?”
The Benefits of Acetyl L-Carnitine
There are many benefits that have been associated with the consumption of Acetyl L-Carnitine. For instance, it has been proven that elderly people will restore their memory problems with the help of this amino acid.
Other proven benefits that have been realized out of Acetyl L-Carnitine consumption are as follows:
- Easing the pain of neuropathy and diabetes
Diabetes can cause nerve pain which interferes with the quality of one’s life. If a patient is put into therapy that involves this amino acid, they will significantly experience a reduction in nerve pain (especially if they have not had diabetes for a long time, or if they’ve poorly managed diabetes type-2.
- Treats Peyronie’s Disease
This is a connective tissue disease which affects men. For a long time, doctors have been treating this condition using a drug called Tamoxifen. However, studies now show that Acetyl L-Carnitine is more effective in reducing pain and slowing down the condition so that it doesn’t worsen.
- It treats male infertility
When there’s inflammation in certain male organs such as seminal vesicles, prostate, and epididymis, this amino acid is used to treat infertility caused by this inflammation. When it’s taken orally in combination with L-Carnitine for 6 months, it tends to improve spam count and mobility, and this can be very helpful in men having trouble when it comes to siring children.
- It treats male menopause
When the male body ages, it loses its ability to produce enough testosterone. Testosterone deficiency is sometimes referred to as male menopause. Doctors now say that taking this amino acid orally in combination with a drug called Propionyl-L-Carnitine can help men struggling with hormone deficiency issues. When taken for six months, it seems to replace the role of male testosterone supplements. It fights fatigue and depression while improving sexual dysfunction.
- It improves the circulation of blood in the brain
Administering Acetyl-L-Carnitine through IV seems to dramatically improve blood flow in the brain of people who suffer from poor blood circulation.
- A cure for Alzheimer’s Disease
Acetyl-L-Carnitine has been shown to help those who are suffering from the effects of the early onset of Alzheimer’s Disease. However, for it to be effective, the patient must be below 66 years of age, and the disease must be progressing faster with signs of fast mental decline.
Recommended Dosage
Scientific research has approved the following dosage:
- 1500-4000 mg per day orally in two to three equal doses during the day will be sufficient
- For those who are struggling with age-related memory loss, 1500-2000 mg per day is preferred
- For cases of depression, 1500-3000 mg should be taken in divided doses
Male Fertility Issues
- 4000 mg daily dose is recommended orally
- 1 gm of Acetyl-L-Carnitine can also be used in addition to 2 gm of L-Carnitine on a daily basis
Male Infertility Issues
500 mg of Acetyl-L-Carnitine in combination with 1 gm Carnitine can be used for two months (administered with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
Peyronie’s Disease
1 gm taken twice on a daily basis for three months will trigger remarkable improvements.
Testosterone Issues
Lastly, for those suffering from age-related testosterone deficiency, 2 gm of Acetyl-L-Carnitine can be used in combination with 2 gm of Propionyl-L-Carnitine to realize the best results. This should be taken on a daily basis.
Side Effects
This amino acid is generally safe for most adults. However, slight discomfort may be encountered. These may include nausea, stomach upset, vomiting, or even restlessness. In addition to this, Acetyl-L-Carnitine can cause a ”fishy” odor coming from one’s breath, sweat, and even urine. Yet again, not enough has been discovered concerning the use of Acetyl-L-Carnitine for pregnant women or nursing mothers. And as such, it may be wise to stay away from it.
There are also certain concerns that the use of this amino acid may interfere with thyroid hormone. Therefore, if an individual is suffering from under-active thyroid, they should take this precaution. Also, an increased number of seizures (among people with a medical history of seizures) have been reported when patients take L-Carnitine, either orally or through IV means. Therefore, if you have seizures, it’s advisable that you must stay away from the use of Acetyl-L-Carnitine.
Short-Term Use and Long-Term Use
The length of time that this amino acid will be used depends on the condition of an individual. Some people will require a small dosage for a short period of time while others will require lengthy use. Those seeking to boost their attention and remain alert can take it occasionally and for a long-term period. Doses above 500 mg may trigger side effects when the amino acid is used in the long term. But generally, one should be safe when they stay within the dose limit regardless of whether they are using it in the short or long-term period.
Research
Dr. Giovanni Neri from the Universita of Cattolica in Rome studied the relationship between Acetyl-L-Carnitine and attention deficit in school-going children. Treated patients showed an improvement in social behavior and hyperactivity. This was in addition to treating attention deficit where results turned positive. Other similar studies have proved that Acetyl-L-Carnitine is effective in treating or controlling the conditions above.
Legal Status
Yes, Acetyl-L-Carnitine is legal, which is why doctors use it to reverse certain conditions as described above. There haven’t been cases where the government banned it.
Online Reviews
There are mixed opinions among people who have taken Acetyl-L-Carnitine for one reason or the other. According to WebMD user reviews, this amino acid has significantly improved the brain function of one user who took it as therapy after suffering stroke. This user reported that he was able to recover his speech without putting pauses while talking.
Another user reported that he used Acetyl-L-Carnitine in order to enhance his cognition. But in the process, he also realized that his energy levels had significantly improved. When exercising, he could get exhausted quickly. With a capsule every day for one week, he realized that he could carry on with his workouts without feeling the desire to stop. This was an odd experience hard to explain in words. Other users have also seen a number of remarkable changes where their health is concerned. So, definitely, the benefits we just mentioned above are very real.
Conclusion
Patients should be safe with this amino acid when they stay within the recommended dose. Side effects of this supplement are real and may trigger adverse consequences. So, your doctor should only administer it according to your health situation.
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