Best Acetyl-L-Carnitine
60 Capsules
Ingredients per capsule:
Acetyl L-Carnitine ..................... 500 mg
Excipients:
Stearic acid, cellulose, magnesium silicate, silicon dioxide,
gelatin capsule.
Suggested Adult Use: 1 to 4 capsules
daily.
Ingredients
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) is
a naturally occurring form of L-Carnitine, a vitamin-like
nutrient synthesized in the body from the amino acids lysine and
methionine. ALC serves as a transport molecule for "active
acetate," which is a source of fuel for metabolic processes that
take place in cells. ALC carries active acetate (the "Acetyl"
portion) directly into the mitochondrion, the cell's
energy-generating structure. Active acetate is used to produce
cellular energy in the form of ATP. Both L-Carnitine and ALC
serve as fat carriers. Unlike L-Carnitine, ALC readily crosses
the blood-brain barrier, where it has specific benefits for
brain neurons. When taken orally, ALC has been shown to increase
ALC levels in both blood and cerebrospinal fluid, demonstrating
its uptake in the brain.1
Best Acetyl-L-Carnitine consists of
Biosint™ Acetyl-L-Carnitine, which is manufactured in Italy by
the Sigma Tau company. It is derived from a base of
pharmaceutical-grade L-Carnitine manufactured using an
FDA-approved process that fully complies with international
monograph standards for carnitine production. Known as a global
leader in L-Carnitine research, Sigma Tau holds numerous patents
for production of L-Carnitine, and its L-Carnitine derivatives,
such as ALC, which are used in clinical
trials.
Benefits
Supports cognitive function*
ALC has
been studied for its effect on cognitive performance and
emotional health in the elderly. In a single-blind,
placebo-controlled trial, 481 elderly subjects exhibiting mild
memory impairment improved their scores on a memory test after
taking 1500 mg of ALC a day for 90 days.2 Hospitalized elderly
people taking ALC have shown improvements in mental
outlook.3
While ALC is not a treatment or cure for
Alzheimer's disease, double-blind studies suggest it may help
slow the rate at which early-stage Alzheimer's patients
deteriorate.4 In particular, ALC seems to benefit short-term
memory in these patients.5
Supports biosynthesis of
acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter for brain and nerve
function*
Brain function requires coordinated communication
between brain cells. Brain and nerve cells ("neurons")
communicate across tiny cell-to-cell gaps called "synapses." The
passage of an electrical impulse from one neuron to the next
requires a "neurotransmitter." When an electrical signal arrives
at the synaptic junction, the neuron releases a neurotransmitter
into the synapse. The neuron on the other side of the synapse
contains receptors for the neurotransmitter; these receptors
bind the neurotransmitter, triggering a series of chemical
events that sends a new electrical signal down the membrane of
the receiving neuron. Neurotransmitters work together like an
orchestra to transmit information throughout the brain and
nervous system.
Acetylcholine is the most abundant
neurotransmitter in the body, regulating activities of vital
organs, blood vessels and communication between nerves and
muscles. In the brain, acetylcholine helps facilitate memory and
learning as well as influence emotions. ALC is structurally
similar to acetylcholine, and brain neurons stimulated by
acetylcholine are receptive to stimulation by ALC.6 It has been
shown experimentally that ALC supplies acetyl groups for the
biosynthesis of acetylcholine.7 ALC's hypothesized
cholinomimetic (acts like acetylcholine) activity has led
researchers to investigate its effects on mental function and
emotional health.8
Helps supply the brain with energy by
improving energetics in the mitochondrion*
The acetyl groups
donated by ALC can be used to synthesize acetyl-CoA, the key
substrate for energy metabolism in the mitochondrion. 9
Acetyl-CoA enters the Krebs cycle, the mitochondrial mechanism
that generates cellular energy in the form of ATP. ALC easily
crosses the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to play various
roles in maintaining brain neuron (nerve cell) function. When
given by oral administration, the concentration of ALC is
increased in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid.10
Stabilizes
intracellular membranes*
ALC was found to improve membrane
phospholipid metabolism in early-stage Alzheimer's patients.11
Phospholipids are structural components of brain cell membranes
that regulate neuron function. ALC donates acetyl groups that
can be used to modify the functional activity of proteins in
neuronal membranes.12 ALC thus plays a role in maintaining
membrane function. ALC also increases membrane stability and
structural integrity.13
Increases nerve growth factor
production*
The body produces various specialized proteins
called "growth factors" which are essential to growth and repair
of tissue. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) protects neurons from
death, prolonging survival of neurons in both the central and
peripheral nervous systems. It is theorized that aging of the
central nervous system is associated with a loss of NGF. ALC has
shown the ability to reverse age-related decrease in the binding
of NGF to its receptors in neuron membranes.14 Given to aged
rats, ALC increases the level and utilization of NGF in the
rats. ALC protects cholinergic neurons (nerve cells stimulated
by acetylcholine) in rats from degeneration due to lack of
NGF.15 These results, together with other data from animal
studies, suggest that ALC positively influences NGF
activity.16
Has a protective influence on brain
neurons*
Several animal studies have revealed that ALC exerts
a protective effect on neurons. In one experiment, brain cells
from rats exposed to NMDA, a known neurotoxin, were protected by
being simultaneously exposed to ALC.17 Rats injected with ALC
were protected from mortality caused by the neurotoxin MPP+.18
ALC has been shown to raise levels of glutathione, a highly
valuable antioxidant, in isolated mouse brain tissue.19 ALC
prevents buildup of malondyhaldeyde, a marker of lipid
peroxidation.20 ALC is also a chelator of iron, which can
generate free radicals. It also reinforces antioxidant
mechanisms in the brain.21
As a whole, data from test tube
and animal studies, showing that ALC has a protective,
restorative effect on brain neurons and neuronal energetic
processes, suggest that ALC is an anti-aging nutrient for the
brain. This hypothesis is supported by human studies
demonstrating measurable benefits for brain function in elderly
persons taking ALC by oral consumption.
Safety
ALC is
considered safe and well-tolerated when consumed orally.
ALC
has been administered in doses as high as 3 grams per day for
periods of two to six months, with no reports of serious side
effects. Some patients have experienced occasional mild
abdominal discomfort, nausea, skin rash, restlessness, vertigo
and headache. The severity and incidence of these side effects
are reported as minor.22
Scientific References
1. Pettegrew,
JW, Levine, J, McClure, RJ. Acetyl-L-carnitine
physical-chemical, metabolic, and therapeutic properties:
relevance for its mode of action in Alzheimer's disease and
geriatric depression. Molecular Psychiatry 2000;5:616-32.
2.
Salvioli, G. Neri , M. L-acetylcarnitine treatment of mental
decline in the elderly. Drugs Exptl. Clin. Res. 1994;
20(4):169-76.
3. Tempesta, E, et al. L-acetylcarnitine in
depressed elderly subjects. A cross-over study vs. placebo.
Drugs Exptl. Clin. Res. 1987;8(7):417-23.
4. Spagnoli, A et al.
Long-term acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in Alzheimer's disease.
Neurology 1991;41:1726-32.
5. Rai, G et al. Double-blind,
placebo-controlled study of acetyl-L-carnitine in patients with
Alzheimer's dementia. Curr. Med Res. Opin. 1990;11:638-47.
6.
Falchetto, S, Kato, G, Provini, L. The action of carnitines on
cortical neurons. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 1971; 49(1):1:7.
7.
Dolezal, V., Tucek, S. Utilization of citrate, acetylcarnitine,
acetate, pyruvate and glucose for the synthesis of acetylcholine
in rat brain slices. J Neurochem 1981;36(4):1323.30.
8.
Passeri, M, et al. Mental impairment in aging: selection of
patients, methods of evaluation and therapeutic possibilities of
acetyl-L-carnitine. Int. J. Clin. Pharm. Res.
1988;8(5):367-76.
9. Pettegrew, JW, Levine, J, McClure, RJ.
Acetyl-L-carnitine physical-chemical, metabolic, and therapeutic
properties: relevance for its mode of action in Alzheimer's
disease and geriatric depression. Molecular Psychiatry
2000;5:616-32.
10. Parnetti, L, et al. Pharmacokinetics of IV
and oral acetyl-L-carnitine in multiple dose regimen in patients
with senile dementia of Alzheimer type. Eur. J. Clin Pharmacol
1992;42:89-93.
11. Pettegrew, JW, et al. Clinical and
neurochemical effects of acetyl-L-carnitine in Alzheimer's
disease. Neurobiology of Aging 1995;16(1):1-4.
12. Pettegrew,
JW, Levine, J, McClure, RJ. Acetyl-L-carnitine
physical-chemical, metabolic, and therapeutic properties:
relevance for its mode of action in Alzheimer's disease and
geriatric depression. Molecular Psychiatry 2000;5:616-32.
13.
Arduni, A, et al. Effect of L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine
on the human erythrocyte membrane stability and deformability.
Life Sci 1990;47(26):2395-2400.
14. Taglialatela, G, et al.
Stimulation of nerve growth factor receptors in PC12 by
acetyl-L-carnitine. Biochem Pharmacol 1992;44(3):577-85.
15.
Taglialatela, G, et al. Acetyl-L-carnitine treatment increases
nerve growth factor levels and choline acetyltransferase
activity in the central nervous system of aged rats. Exp
Gerontol 1994;29(1):55-56.
16. Pettegrew, JW, Levine, J,
McClure, RJ. Acetyl-L-carnitine physical-chemical, metabolic,
and therapeutic properties: relevance for its mode of action in
Alzheimer's disease and geriatric depression. Molecular
Psychiatry 2000;5:616-32.
17. Forloni, G, Angeretti, N,
Smiroldo, S. Neuroprotective activity of acetyl-L-carnitine:
studies in vitro. J Neurosci Res 1994;37(1):92-6.
18. Steffen,
V, et al. Effect of intraventricular injection of
1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium: protection by acetyl-L-carnitine.
Hum Exp Toxicol 1995;14(11):865-71.
19. Fariello, RG, et al.
Systemic acetyl-L-carnitine elevates nigral levels of
glutathione and GABA. Life Sci 1988;43(3):289-92.
20. Calvani,
M, et al. Action of acetyl-L-carnitine in neurodegeneration and
Alzheimer's disease. Ann Ny Acad Sci 1992;663:483-86.
21.
Calvani, M, Carta, A. Clues to the mechanism of action of
acetyl-L-carnitine in the central nervous system. Dementia
1991;2:1-6.
22. Zdanowicz, M. Acetyl-L-carnitine's healing
potential. Continuing Education Module. New Hope Institute of
Retailing. October, 2001.
© 2002 Doctor's Best, Inc.
Revised May 2002
*This statement
has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This
product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any
disease.
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