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Acetyl-L-carnitine: Brain Energizer and Revitalizer |
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Acetyl-L-carnitine: Brain Energizer and Revitalizer
by Robert Crayhon, M.S.
Acetyl-L-carnitine is one of the most extensively researched brain nutrients with a proven ability to enhance mental energy and wellness. Research shows acetyl-L-carnitine:
- Energizes the brain
- Increases levels of important neurotransmitter chemicals needed for memory, focus and learning
- Repairs the damage done to brain cells caused by stress and poor nutrition.
Because of these three areas of benefit, acetyl-L-carnitine dramatically improves mental focus and energy. Best of all, its effects can be felt in as little as 20 minutes. Signs of Inadequate Acetyl-L-carnitine Intake Include:
- Mental fatigue
- Depression
- Short attention span
- Decreased memory and learning ability.
Acetyl-L-carnitine is a natural component of the
brain’s chemistry. The body makes it in small
amounts. As we age, acetyl-L-carnitine levels in
our brain decline. For optimal brain function,
therefore, supplements of acetyl-L-carnitine are
highly recommended. The only food source for
this nutrient is animal brain, which is not a recommended
food. Supplemental acetyl-L-carnitine,
on the other hand, is synthetically derived
from other amino acids and is suitable for vegetarians.
Just make sure your acetyl-L-carnitine
bears the L-Carnipure logo, to know that it is
free of the undesirable D-carnitine.
Improving Memory and Reversing Senility
Over 30 studies show that acetyl-L-carnitine
slows or prevents age-related decline in
mental function. A dose of 1.5 g/day of
acetyl-L-carnitine given to 236 older adults
for 45 days significantly increased the effectiveness
of performance on all the measures of
cognitive functioning, memory performance
and constructional thinking. Twenty adults
given 1.5g of acetyl-L-carnitine experienced
reversal of many of the signs of brain aging.
Alcoholics with cognitive impairment have
also benefited from acetyl-L-carnitine.
Relieving Depression
Acetyl-L-carnitine is one of the most valuable
compounds for relieving depression naturally.
It does so through increasing the energy of
brain cells. Energy allows the brain cells to
communicate better and a social brain is a
happier brain. Acetyl-l-carnitine also increases
levels of compounds such as acetylcholine,
which is essential for healthy mood levels.
Speeding Stroke Recovery
Some 160 patients who had suffered from a
stroke a year or more ago were given 1.5 g of
acetyl-L-carnitine daily for eight weeks. This
led to increased speed of recovery, as well as
improved mood and attention span.
Slowing Alzheimer’s
Thirty Alzheimer’s patients given acetyl-
L-carnitine for six months saw dramatically
less mental deterioration. One year treatment
with acetyl-L-carnitine in 130 patients with
Benefits of Acetyl-L-carnitine
- Improves mental focus and energy quickly
- Enhances short and long-term memory
- Relieves depression
- Slows progression of Alzheimer’s disease
- Protects the brain from stress
- Helps repair physically damaged nerves
- Helps stroke victims
- Helps prevent age-related memory deterioration
- Increases learning capacity
- Enhances immune function
Alzheimer’s also led to a slower rate of
mental decline in 13 of the 14 outcome measures.
A total of more than 600 patients
with Alzheimer’s have been studied in over
20 years of research, confirming that
acetyl-L-carnitine benefits Alzheimer’s patients.
Acetyl-L-carnitine may also be of benefit in the
management of Parkinson’s disease.
Helping Damaged Nerves and Diabetic Neuropathy
Animal models of sciatic nerve injury show
that acetyl-L-carnitine dramatically increases
the speed of nerve healing and prevents loss of
nerve function. Acetyl-L-carnitine should
be considered in all cases where physical
injury to neurons occurs, including brain
injuries from car accidents and other causes.
Those with brain injuries report that acetyl-
L-carnitine—especially when combined with
phosphatidyl serine—significantly improves
their overall brain function, attention span
and learning ability. Acetyl-L-carnitine has
also been found helpful in the management of
diabetic neuropathy, especially when combined
with lipoic acid and GLA.
Immune Enhancement
Acetyl-L-carnitine has also been found to be a
powerful immune enhancer. This is due to its
ability to promote the health of the nervous
system, which in turn governs the activity of
the immune system. Acetyl-L-carnitine may
offer specific benefit to HIV patients and those
with tuberculosis.
Commonly Asked Questions About Acetyl-L-carnitine
When will I start feeling the benefits of
acetyl-L-carnitine?
You should begin to feel an increase in mental
energy and focus within 20 minutes. For this
reason, do not take it late in the day as it may
delay falling asleep.
Are there any side effects to taking acetyl-
L-carnitine?
Long term there are no side effects, only benefits.
This is because acetyl-L-carnitine protects
and helps to regenerate the brain. It is
not a stimulant but a nutrient which unlocks
the ability of the brain to produce energy naturally.
Rarely, however, some notice that they
have unwanted vivid dreams while taking
acetyl-L-carnitine. If this occurs, lower the
dose until the vivid dreams abate.
Are there nutrients that help acetyl-L-carnitine
work more effectively?
Phosphatidyl serine, B vitamins, lipoic acid,
phosphatidyl choline and EPA/DHA (fish
oils) all increase the effectiveness of
acetyl-L-carnitine.
How to Use Acetyl-L-carnitine
Increasing mental energy 700–2,000 mg
Relieving depression 700–2,000 mg
Immune enhancement 700–2,000 mg
Brain injuries and stroke 1,400–3,000 mg
Supporting Alzheimer’s 2,000–3,000 mg
Acetyl-L-carnitine is energizing, so take no
later than 4:00 P.M.
Cofactor nutrients: Phosphatidyl serine, B vitamins, lipoic acid, phosphatidyl choline and EPA/DHA.
Contraindications: Epilepsy, manic depression, vivid dreaming. TH
Robert Crayhon, M.S., C.N. is a nutritionist, educator and author of four books including The Carnitine Miracle and Robert Crayhon’s Nutrition Made Simple published by Evans. He
conducts seminars for health practitioners nationwide. Seminar information is available at www.DFHI.com. To find a nutritionist near you, visit www.findanutritionist.com
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