Acetyl-L-carnitine is a natural supplement that increases the body’s supply of L-carnitine, which transports fatty acids into cells’ mitochondria to produce energy. L-carnitine deficiencies can cause muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, and fatigue. Acetyl-L-carnitine can improve mental alertness, prevent depression, and protect the brain from damage. Natural dietary sources of L-carnitine include dairy, chicken, and red meat. Side effects of acetyl-L-carnitine include diarrhea, increased body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. The recommended daily requirement is approximately two grams per day.
Acetyl-L-carnitine is a natural dietary supplement that is converted in the body to L-carnitine and acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA). The kidney and liver also produce L-carnitine from the amino acids, lysine and methionine. The main function of L-carnitine is to transport fatty acids across cell membranes and into the cells’ energy factories, the mitochondria, which then breaks down the fatty acids to produce energy for cellular functions. Without L-carnitine, fatty acids remain outside of cells, unavailable for conversion to energy. Acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation increases the supply of L-carnitine to the body, which makes it easier for the body to burn fat.
The body tissues that primarily use L-carnitine are those tissues with high energy requirements, such as skeletal muscles and heart muscles. L-carnitine deficiencies can occur due to malabsorption from the diet or vegetarian diets. Although small amounts of L-carnitine can be produced by the body, in some circumstances, such as bodybuilding or restrictive dieting, the demand for L-carnitine can exceed the body’s ability to supply it. Symptoms of L-carnitine deficiency include muscle weakness, cramps, irregular heartbeat, and fatigue. These symptoms may indicate the need for acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation.
Health experts attribute various benefits to acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation. In addition to accelerating fat burning, acetyl-L-carnitine crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it has a powerful protective and antioxidant effect. The supplement may protect the brain from interruptions in blood flow, such as with a stroke, and prevent damage from neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease. It can also improve sperm motility, help with some forms of male infertility, and strengthen the body’s response to insulin, lowering blood sugar. According to anecdotal reports, acetyl-L-carnitine can improve mental alertness and prevent depression.
Although acetyl-L-carnitine is relatively safe, some side effects have been documented for this supplement. If taken in large amounts, it can cause diarrhea. Body temperature may rise, producing a fever in some cases. Also, it can increase heart rate and blood pressure. These side effects are transient and resolve completely if the supplement is discontinued. Patients with a medical history of high blood pressure or heart disease should take these supplements with caution and under the supervision of a physician.
Natural dietary sources of L-carnitine include dairy, chicken, and red meat. For vegetarians, some L-carnitine can be derived from asparagus, peanut butter, and wheat. The recommended daily requirement for acetyl-L-carnitine is approximately two grams per day. Most commercially available supplements are 250 to 500 milligrams, with a daily dosage of four to eight tablets per day.
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