What is Acetyl-L-Carnitine?
This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is a naturally occurring compound that plays a crucial role in energy metabolism. It is an acetylated form of L-carnitine, which is involved in the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy production. ALC has been studied extensively for its potential therapeutic benefits in various medical conditions, including diabetic neuropathy, infertility, neurodegenerative diseases, and more. This article provides an overview of the current research on ALC, highlighting its mechanisms of action, therapeutic applications, and clinical efficacy. Other names include: Acetil-L-Carnitina, Acetyl Carnitine, Acétyl Carnitine, Acetyl L-Carnitine, Acétyl-L-Carnitine, Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate Dihydrochloride, Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate HCl, Acétyl-L-Carnitine Arginate HCl, Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl, Acétyl-L-Carnitine HCl, Acetyl L-Carnitine Hydrochloride, Acetyl Carnitine, Acétyl-Carnitine, Acetyl-Levocarnitine, Acétyl-Lévocarnitine, ALC, ALCAR, Aminocarnitine, Carnitine Acetyl Ester, Dihydrochlorure dAcétyl-L-Carnitine Arginate, Gamma-Trimethyl-Beta-Acetylbutyrobetaine, L-Acetylcarnitine, L-Acétylcarnitine, Levacecarnine, N-Acetyl-Carnitine, N-Acétyl-Carnitine, N-Acetyl-Carnitine Hydrochloride, N-Acetyl-L-Carnitine, N-Acétyl-L-Carnitine, ST-200, Vitamin B(t) Acetate, 2-(acetyloxy)-3-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-1-propanaminium inner salt; (3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-propyl)trimethylammonium hydroxide inner salt acetate.
Therapeutic Applications of Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Diabetic Neuropathy
ALC has demonstrated significant efficacy in alleviating symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. Clinical trials have shown that ALC treatment improves nerve fiber regeneration, vibration perception, and reduces pain in patients with chronic diabetic neuropathy. These benefits were observed with doses of 500 and 1,000 mg/day1.
Infertility
In men with asthenozoospermia, a condition characterized by reduced sperm motility, combined treatment with L-carnitine and ALC has been shown to improve sperm parameters significantly. The most notable improvement was observed in sperm motility, particularly in patients with lower baseline levels of motile sperm2.
Neurodegenerative Diseases
ALC has been investigated for its potential role in neuroprotection, particularly in conditions like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that ALC can improve motor performance, reduce oxidative stress, and enhance ATP production in animal models of Parkinson’s disease3. In Alzheimer’s disease, ALC treatment has been associated with less cognitive decline and normalization of neurochemical parameters10.
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Despite its potential benefits, a study on the use of ALC for preventing taxane-induced neuropathy in breast cancer patients found that ALC did not prevent neuropathy and, in fact, increased the incidence of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) at higher doses5.
Hepatic Encephalopathy
ALC has also been studied for its effects on fatigue in patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Clinical trials have shown that ALC treatment significantly reduces both mental and physical fatigue and increases physical activity in these patients6.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
A pilot study on the use of ALC in children with ADHD found no significant effect on the overall ADHD population. However, there was a notable improvement in children with the inattentive subtype of ADHD, suggesting that ALC may have subtype-specific benefits7.
Glucose Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetes
ALC has been shown to improve glucose disposal in patients with type 2 diabetes. It enhances glucose uptake and storage, which may be beneficial for managing blood sugar levels in diabetic patients8.
Hematotoxicity and Oxidative Stress
Research has indicated that ALC can partially prevent benzene-induced hematotoxicity and oxidative stress in animal models. This suggests a potential role for ALC in mitigating the harmful effects of environmental toxins9.
Learn more with Consensus:
🧬Does Acetyl-L-Carnitine improve sperm motility in men with asthenozoospermia?
Acetyl-L-Carnitine Mechanisms of Action
ALC is known for its neuroprotective properties, which are primarily attributed to its ability to enhance mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress. It facilitates the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they are oxidized to produce energy. Additionally, ALC has been shown to improve mitochondrial energetics and function, which is crucial for maintaining cellular health and preventing neurodegeneration3 6.
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🗜️What is Acetyl-L-Carnitine mechanism of action?
Adverse Effects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Increased Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)
ALC was found to significantly worsen CIPN in patients undergoing taxane-based chemotherapy for breast cancer, with persistent effects observed over two years1.
Headache and Irritability
In a study on ADHD treatment, side effects such as headache and irritability were more frequently observed in the group receiving ALC in combination with methylphenidate compared to the placebo group2.
No Significant Adverse Effects in Alzheimer’s Disease
Long-term treatment with ALC in Alzheimer’s disease patients showed relatively mild adverse events, with no significant difference in incidence or severity compared to the placebo group5 10.
No Significant Adverse Effects in Type 2 Diabetes
In a study on type 2 diabetes patients, ALC supplementation did not result in significant adverse events compared to the placebo group6.
Minor and Rare Side Effects in Organic Brain Syndrome
In elderly patients with mild to moderate cognitive decline, side effects of ALC were generally minor and overall rare8.
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🌌What are the adverse effects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine?
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How has Acetyl-L-Carnitine Improved Patient Outcomes?
Neurological and Functional Improvement in Stroke Patients
ALC significantly improved neurological outcomes and functional status in patients with acute ischemic stroke, likely due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties1.
Reduction in Depression and Improved Quality of Life in Hepatic Encephalopathy
ALC treatment led to significant improvements in depression, anxiety, and overall quality of life in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy2.
Pain Relief and Nerve Regeneration in Diabetic Neuropathy
ALC was effective in reducing pain, improving nerve regeneration, and enhancing vibratory perception in patients with chronic diabetic neuropathy3.
Enhanced Pain Management in Fibromyalgia
When combined with other treatments like pregabalin and duloxetine, ALC significantly improved pain management and overall disease severity in fibromyalgia patients4 9.
Slowed Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease
Long-term ALC treatment slowed the rate of cognitive and functional decline in Alzheimer’s disease patients, showing benefits in various cognitive and functional measures5 7.
Prevention of Frailty in Older Adults
ALC treatment delayed the progression from prefrailty to frailty in older adults, improving physical performance and cognitive function6.
Reduction of Fatigue in Hepatic Encephalopathy
ALC significantly reduced both mental and physical fatigue in patients with overt hepatic encephalopathy, enhancing their physical activity levels8.
Adverse Effects in Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy
Contrary to other findings, ALC increased the severity of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer patients undergoing taxane-based chemotherapy, suggesting a potential adverse effect in this context10.
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💆🏻♀️How has Acetyl-L-Carnitine improved patient outcomes?
👵Can Acetyl-L-Carnitine slow the progression of frailty in older adults?
Common Complaints Associated with Acetyl-L-Carnitine Use
Increased Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)
ALC significantly increased CIPN in patients undergoing taxane-based chemotherapy by 24 weeks, with higher rates of grade 3 to 4 neurotoxicity compared to placebo2.
No Significant Effect on ADHD Symptoms
In children and adolescents with ADHD, ALC did not show significant improvement in symptoms when used as an adjunctive therapy to methylphenidate. Side effects such as headache and irritability were more frequent in the placebo group, suggesting ALC was not associated with these specific complaints6 7.
Fatigue Reduction in Hepatic Encephalopathy
ALC significantly reduced both mental and physical fatigue in patients with hepatic encephalopathy, indicating a positive effect rather than a complaint3.
Pain and Nerve Regeneration in Diabetic Neuropathy
ALC improved pain and nerve regeneration in patients with diabetic neuropathy, showing beneficial effects rather than complaints1.
Anhedonia and Melancholic Symptoms in Alcohol Dependence
ALC was effective in reducing anhedonia and melancholic symptoms in alcohol-dependent subjects, particularly when administered intravenously. No significant complaints were reported during the study5.
Learn more with Consensus:
🧒🏽Is Acetyl-L-Carnitine associated with frequent side effects like headaches in children with ADHD?
🤯Can Acetyl-L-Carnitine reduce physical and mental fatigue in patients with hepatic encephalopathy?
Disclaimer
The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.
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