Acetyl L Carnitine benefit, dosage 250 mg and 500 mg

Acetyl L Carnitine alpha lipoic acid - What is the health benefit of these supplements, separately and together?
Benefit of acetyl l carnitine alpha lipoic acid and a discussion of side effects

Acetyl L Carnitine is a stabilized form of the amino acid metabolite L Carnitine and is utilized in the same manner in the body. Acetyl L Carnitine plays an important role in protecting and supporting brain functions. Many people find a dosage of 250 mg or 300 mg to work well, others prefer a 500 mg dose. A combination of hoodia, ginger, green tea extract, spirulina, acetyl-l-carnitine, choline, and several other herbs and nutrients, as found in Diet Rx, a very effective herbal product for weight loss.

Acetyl L Carnitine 300 mg
Formulated by a medical doctor

Acetyl l Carnitine Supplement

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For more information, see Acetyl l carnitine by medical doctor Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Benefit of Acetyl l carnitine
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. Acetyl l carnitine may be used as an overall mind booster. The typical dosage is 250 mg once a day or a few times a week.

Acetyl l carnitine alpha lipoic acid combination
Acetyl l carnitine and alpha lipoic acid are two nutrients that you may find together in supplement form. There are various products that have a combination of acetyl l carnitine alpha lipoic acid, and these include Juvenon and NSI. There is no human research that says taking the high dosages of acetyl l carnitine 500 mg alpha lipoic acid 200 mg provides health benefits or increases life span. In our opinion, these dosages are too high and may actually be counterproductive. Perhaps a dosage of 100 mg of acetyl-l-carnitine and 20 mg of alpha lipoic acid may be more appropriate and safer for long term use.

Effect of combined treatment with alpha-Lipoic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine on vascular function and blood pressure in patients with coronary artery disease. McMackin CJ, Widlansky ME, Hamburg NM, Huang AL, Weller S, Holbrook M, Gokce N, Hagen TM, Keaney JF Jr, Vita JA. Evans Department of Medicine and Whitaker Cardovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
Mitochondria produce reactive oxygen species that may contribute to vascular dysfunction. alpha-Lipoic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine reduce oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial function. In a double-blind crossover study, the authors examined the effects of combined alpha-lipoic acid/acetyl-L-carnitine treatment and placebo (8 weeks per treatment) on vasodilator function and blood pressure in 36 subjects with coronary artery disease. Active treatment increased brachial artery diameter by 2%, consistent with reduced arterial tone. Active treatment tended to decrease systolic blood pressure for the whole group and had a significant effect in the subgroup with blood pressure above the median and in the subgroup with the metabolic syndrome.
Comments: It will take may more studies to determine the ideal acetyl-l-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid dosage combination.

Acetyl-l carnitine alpha lipoic acid combination
Acetyl l carnitine and alpha lipoic acid are two nutrients that you may find together in supplement form. There are various products that have a combination of acetyl l carnitine alpha lipoic acid, and these include Juvenon and NSI. There is no human research that says taking the high dosages of acetyl l carnitine 500 mg alpha lipoic acid 200 mg provides health benefits or increases life span. In our opinion, these dosages are too high and may actually be counterproductive.

Juvenon has acetyl-l carnitine 500 mg alpha lipoic acid 200 mg per capsule along with calcium and biotin.
NSI has acetyl-l carnitine 500 mg and alpha lipoic acid 300 mg per capsule. Juvenon is a patented cellular health supplement.
Source Naturals has acetyl-l carnitine 500 mg and alpha lipoic acid 150 mg per capsule
Arthritis Support has acetyl-l carnitine 500 mg and alpha lipoic acid 150 mg per capsule
Doctor's Trust has acetyl-l carnitine 500 mg and alpha lipoic acid 200 mg per capsule

Diabetes and diabetics
Effect of oral acetyl L-carnitine arginate on resting and postprandial blood biomarkers in pre-diabetics.
Nutr Metab (Lond). 2009 Jun 2; Bloomer RJ, Fisher-Wellman KH, Tucker PS. Cardiorespiratory / Metabolic Laboratory, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee 38152, USA.
Resting and postprandial oxidative stress is elevated in those with metabolic disorders such as diabetes. Antioxidant supplementation may attenuate the rise in oxidative stress following feeding. Therefore we sought to determine the effects of acetyl L-carnitine arginate (ALCA) on resting and postprandial biomarkers of glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as oxidative stress. Twenty-nine pre-diabetic men and women were randomly assigned to either 3 g.day-1 of ALCA or placebo in a double-blind design, to consume for eight weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken from subjects both pre and post intervention. After each fasting sample was obtained, subjects consumed a high fat, high carbohydrate meal and additional blood samples were taken at 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours post meal. Samples were analyzed for a variety of metabolic variables (e.g., glucose, HbA1c, lipid panel, C-reactive protein, nitrate/nitrite, and several markers of oxidative stress). ALCA, but not placebo, resulted in an increase in nitrate/nitrite from pre to post intervention, with post intervention values greater compared to placebo. No other changes of statistical significance were noted, although ALCA resulted in slight improvements in glucose, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR. Supplementation with acetyl L-carnitine arginate results in an increase in resting nitrate/nitrite in pre-diabetics, without any statistically significant change in other metabolic or oxidative stress variables measured at rest or post meal.

Acetyl-l Carnitine not helpful in Down's syndrome
The effect of acetyl-L-carnitine administration on persons with Down syndrome.
Res Dev Disabil. 2006 Nov-Dec;27(6):599-604. Pueschel SM. Child Development Center, Department of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, RI, USA.
Since previous investigations reported improvements in cognition of patients with dementia after acetyl-L-carnitine therapy and since there is an increased risk for persons with Down syndrome to develop Alzheimer disease, this study was designed to investigate the effect of acetyl-L-carnitine administration on neurological, intellectual, and social functions in adults with Down syndrome. In this double-blind study we enrolled 40 individuals with Down syndrome and administered acetyl-L-carnitine to the study group during a six months period. Specified examinations and psychological tests were given to persons in both the study and control groups at the start of the investigation and at 3, 6, and 9 months. A detailed analysis of the data revealed that acetyl-L-carnitine administration did not enhance central nervous system functions and that it did not benefit persons with Down syndrome.

Acetyl-l-carnitine rsupplement eview
Vitamine-like substances L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine: from biochemical studies to medicine
Ukr Biokhim Zh. 2005 Jul-Aug;77(4):30-50. Kopelevich VM.
Recently reported data clarify our understanding of the molecular aspects of carnitine in medicine. Carnitine is a compound necessary for the transport of acyl-CoA across the inner mitochondrial membrane for their beta-oxidation. Only L-isomer of carnitine is biologically active. The D-isomer may actually compete with L-carnitine for absorption and transport, increasing the risk of carnitine deficiency. By interaction with CoA, carnitine is involved in the intermediary metabolism by modulating free CoA pools in the cell. Detoxification properties and anabolic, antiapoptotic and neuroprotective roles of carnitine is presented. Carnitine deficiency occurs as a primary genetic defect of carnitine transport and secondary to a variety of genetic and acquired disorders. The pathophysiological states associated with carnitine deficiency have been summarized. L-Carnitine is effective for the treatment of primary and secondary carnitine deficiencies. Acetyl-L-carnitine improves cognition in the brain, significantly reversed age-associated decline in mitochondrial membrane potential and improved ambulatory activity. The therapeutic effects of carnitine and acetyl-l-carnitine are discussed.

Acetyl l carnitine and HIV
Long-term effect of acetyl L carnitine for antiretroviral toxic neuropathy.
HIV Clin Trials. 2005 Nov-Dec;6(6):344-50. Royal Free Centre for HIV Medicine, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) used for the treatment of HIV can a cause distal symmetrical peripheral polyneuropathy by disruption of mitochondrial metabolism. Treatment with acetyl L carnitine (ALCAR) has shown short-term symptomatic and histological improvement. Long-term effects have not been investigated. To assess the subjective and objective degree of antiretroviral toxic neuropathy (ATN) during treatment with ALCAR. A cohort of 21 patients with ATN who commenced treatment with ALCAR between March 1999 and October 2001 was reviewed after a mean of 4.3 years using standardized questionnaires and neurological examination. Of the 21 patients, 2 had died and 3 were lost to follow-up. 16 patients were assessed. 10 were still on potentially neurotoxic drugs. 13 were still taking ALCAR. 9 were pain free. The most common symptom was numbness, followed by paraesthesia and burning. There was mildly reduced sensation in the toes of 8 patients. 13 patients reported that ALCAR had improved their symptoms very much or moderately, 2 reported no change, and 1 reported a moderate worsening. Acetyl L carnitine led to long-term symptomatic improvement in most patients without the need to discontinue neurotoxic drugs. Although in this study there was no control group, this agent appears to be an effective pathogenesis-based treatment for ATN.

Acetyl-L carnitine benefit for sexual health
Carnitine versus androgen administration in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, depressed mood, and fatigue associated with male aging.
Cavallini G, Caracciolo S, Vitali G et al. Urology. 2004;63:641-6.
To compare testosterone undecanoate versus propionyl-l-carnitine plus acetyl-l-carnitine and placebo in the treatment of male aging symptoms. A total of 120 patients were randomized into three groups. The mean patient age was 66 years (range 60 to 74). Group 1 was given testosterone undecanoate 160 mg/day, the second group was given propionyl-l-carnitine 2 g/day plus acetyl-l-carnitine 2 g/day. The third group was given a placebo (starch). Drugs and placebo were given for 6 months. The assessed variables were total prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume, peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, resistive index of cavernosal penile arteries, nocturnal penile tumescence, total and free testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, International Index of Erectile Function score, Depression Melancholia Scale score, fatigue scale score, and incidence of side effects. The assessment was performed at intervals before, during, and after therapy. Testosterone and acetyl-lcarnitine significantly improved the peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, resistive index, nocturnal penile tumescence, International Index of Erectile Function score, Depression Melancholia Scale score, and fatigue scale score. Carnitine-proved significantly more active than testosterone in improving nocturnal penile tumescence and International Index of Erectile Function score. Testosterone significantly increased the prostate volume and free and total testosterone levels and significantly lowered serum luteinizing hormone; carnitines did not. No drug significantly modified prostate-specific antigen or prolactin. Carnitines and testosterone proved effective for as long as they were administered, with suspension provoking a reversal to baseline values. Only the group 1 prostate volume proved significantly greater than baseline 6 months after testosterone suspension. Placebo administration proved ineffective. Negligible side effects emerged. Testosterone and, especially, carnitines proved to be active drugs for the therapy of symptoms associated with male aging.

Acetyl l Carnitine supplement questions
Q. What is acetyl l carnitine arginate?
A. We are not familiar with acetyl l carnitine arginate.

Q. Is headache a l acetyl l carnitine side effect?
A. In a few people, headache may be a cause of a high dose of l acetyl l carnitine side effect.

Acetyl l carnitine alpha lipoic acid questions
Q. I took a combination of acetyl l carnitine 500 mg alpha lipoic acid 200 mg in a pill form called Juvenon and felt wired all day with insomnia. I'm feeling tired and have lack of sleep. Is Juvenon supposed to make me healthier?
A. High doses of many supplements can make one unhealthy rather than improve health.

Q. I am interested in good night RX and Mind Power RX. Both acetyl-l-carnitine and lipoic acid, in a high dose, can cause sleep problems even if they are used in the morning. So, dosages should stay low enough to not interfere with sleep. I noticed that the Mind-Power RX has acetyl-l-carnitine in it. Is it a low enough dose not to affect sleep for someone who may have sleep problems.
A. It usually takes more thank 300 mg of acetyl-l-carnitine to lead to insomnia, so the amount in Mind Power Rx is very small.

Q. Is there a difference between the acetyl-l-carnitine used in Physcian Formulas and acetyl-l-carnitine hydrochloride?
A. No practical difference. Acetyl-l-carnitine may sometimes by part of another molcule such as hydrochloride, but practically there is no difference.

Q. Please advise what are the symptoms of overstimulation in regards to Alpha lipoic acid and acetyl-l-carnitine.
A. It could be restlessness, rapid heart beat, nausea, anxiety, insomnia.

Q. Does acetyl-l carnitine help with erectile function? Are there other herbs that can help improve sex?
A. Acetyl-l carnitine may help some, but there are several herbs you can review at this impotence page.

Q. I would like to take acetyl l-carnitine. I'm hypothyroid and take 75 mcgs of levothroid. Since I read that carnitine might affect the thyroid, will it still affect it if I'm on thyroid medication? I usually take levothroid at bedtime.
A. We have not seen studies regarding the use of acetyl-l carnitine with thyroid hormone. It may be a good idea to at first open the acetyl-l-carnitine capsule and use only a quarter or a third.

Q. I was reading about acety l carnitine and alpha lipoic acid on your site. Someone close to me was advised to take those supplements and I was concerned. This person also takes Serzone and some gout meds. If carnitine can cause mood enhancement -- shouldn't one be careful combining w/an SSRI. I know you can't advise--though are there general studies debating this. Any info I find--I'd like my friend to read--and be educated when speaking to physician.
A. We are not aware of any human research with the combination of acetyl-l carnitine, alpha lipoic acid, and Serzone. How a person who is taking an antidepressant responds to the additions if supplements has much to do with the dosage of the drug, the dosage of the supplements, and a host of other factors such as age, diet, activity level, other prescription medicines or over the counter pills, sleep patterns, etc. In general, low dosages are much less likely to cause negative interactions than higher dosages.

Q. I have experimented and gotten lots of negative results. Carnitine and acetyl l carnitine looked wonderful; however they couldn�t keep me awake. Many other things I have tried. Then I tried Tongkat Ali. It worked, but it had some wrinkles that took me awhile to learn about. I could not use it regularly. When I took 80 mg of LJ100 100:1 concentrate it worked at first, but not 100%. But it worked well enough that I could self control it. The down side became apparent in the form of frequent night time urinations followed by difficulty getting back to sleep. However if I only took it for meetings I was successful. Meetings have always been problematic for me, but if I take 80 mg the day before and 160 mg the morning before I get the benefit without the downside. Thus I can use it in this fashion once or twice a week. As for the celebrated benefits of Tongkat, I have noticed no such thing. That is probably because the other stuff I am taking provides the celebrated benefits. Recently I read about acetyl l carnitine and Peyronie�s disease. That gave me an idea of what to do about esophageal narrowing and other inflammatory problems. After much study I have come up with what I hope is a winning combination of medicinals and strategy without the purple pill. Will fill you in later.

Q. Acetylcarnitine: only for a month and at 1 to 2gm per day has improved my coordination, balance and reaction time that years of martial arts training hasn't been able to provide. I have also found that the coordination has remained improved even after being off of it for a couple months.

Q. Based on statements I have read in other articles, it seems the power behind acetyl-L-carnitine essentially comes down to these three properties: it shuttles fatty acids to the mitochondria for energy production; it readily enters the brain, where it helps form a brain chemical acetylcholine; it helps regenerate neurons damaged by free radicals. Would you agree with this assessment?
A. Yes, these are at least three main functions that acetyl l-carnitine is known for, perhaps it acts as a neurotransmitter itself and most likely has several additional functions in the brain and body.

Q. What property of acetyl-L-carnitine would you attribute to possibly helping Alzheimer's patients and why/how?
A. Acetyl l-carnitine acts as an antioxidant, stimulates neurotransmitter formation, helps with alertness and improved concentration.

Q. What is the difference between Acetyl-L-Carnitine and L-Carnitine Fumarate and is it safe to take both?
A. Acetyl l-carnitine is the acetyl form of carnitine and it has a more direct and faster effect on mental function than carnitine. There are many forms of carnitine, carnitine fumarate being one of them. Little human research is available regarding which forms of carnitine are most useful, therefore, at this time, the best option is to try the different forms of l carnitine in different dosages to see which one works best for your needs.

I am 35 years old and severely disabled from lumbar nerve root irritation. Recently I came across research from Italy where significant success was achieved in reducing peripheral nerve inflammation utilizing acetyl L-carnitine supplements. I'd like to order this supplement. What do you think is the maximum safe daily dose and for how long do you think I can safely take this supplement (I am otherwise quite healthy).
It is impossible for us to know in any one individual what the proper acetyl l-carnitine dosage would be and how long it can be taken safely. A good dose to begin with is 300 mg a day for a couple of weeks and then basing further changes in dosage on the initial response.

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was 21 (I'm now 32). I am on a lot of medications to control my symptoms. I've also been taking ALC 500mg every morning and I find that it makes my extra pyramidal side effects worse. It's to a point to where I can barely talk now. I was taking the TwinLab version of ALC. I read on your web site to take 100-400mg of ALC each morning. But now I'm really scared to take ALC or any supplements at all. My question is should I just lower the dose of ALC or stop taking it altogether?
This is a decision you have to make, but, as a rule it a medication or supplement is making a person feel worse, one has to re-evaluate its use. It is difficult to predict the interaction of supplements with medications.

When I first heard about ALC product it was mentioned with another product that would help it move through the brain wrapping, or something like that. When I ordered the ALC from you a while back I did not order the other product, so now I cannot remember its name. The article was in a Woman's World magazine. Do you know what that product is, and does your research show how much of an effect it has on ACL transmission to the brain?
We have not seen any studies that indicate that ALC needs to be taken with another supplement to cross the brain brain barrier or be more effective.

Could you please advise if its safe to take nutrient below I am taking 2 at the same time on an empty stomach? I have tried taking 2 at the same time on an empty stomach and after 1 hour feel more alert and less clouded. I am suffering with low iron and find this combination of nutrients below helps fights the fatigue. I would like to continue taking 2 daily at the same time, as long as its safe? I am not taking any other nutrients or herbs at this time, except liqiud iron and iron supplements in the morning on an empty stomach. Product Supplement
ACETYL-L-CARNITINE 500mg (1000mg)
ALPHA LIPOIC ACID 200mg (400mg)
COENZYME Q10 20mg (40mg)
BIOPERINE 5mg (10mg)
We are not in a position to suggest whether any particular treatment or vitamin regimen a person is on is safe or not safe. We can just give general guidelines that say it is best to use lower dosages of supplements when taken for prolonged periods and to take occasional breaks.

Acetyl l carnitine can be shipped to Canada from the USA.