L-Carnitine and acetyl-l-carnitine
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is one of the 3 Rejuvenators. They are recommended because of their ability to protect the mitochondria, your fat-burning power plants. Research suggests that these 3 natural vitamin-like compounds may enhance metabolism and energy levels and protect us from the effects of aging and disease.*
L-Carnitine is a vitamin-like substance, made in our bodies from vitamin C and other compounds. It is a transport molecule, and moves the large chains of fats into the mitochondria of the cell for burning. Although our bodies do make l-carnitine, and we may also consume it when we eat meat, we may not have enough to burn extra fat to cause weight loss. When l-carnitine supplies are limited, fat-burning is held up until that which is present can be recycled.
If your diet is low in both vitamin C and meat, then you will probably not have enough l-carnitine for optimal fat burning. We recommend taking acetyl-l-carnitine supplements to improve fat burning and energy production. Acetyl-l-carnitine is a special form of l-carnitine with properties that enable it to rejuvenate mitochondria, both in muscle tissue and in the brain.
Carnitine deficiency has been linked to poor energy states. If you feel fatigued, you may benefit from carnitine supplementation. Acetyl-l-carnitine, or ALC, is a special form that can be better utilized by brain and muscle tissue to give cells an energy boost.
ALC improves the ability of mitochondria to function, to protect and preserve, and to remove wastes. Some experts feel that this supplement may help prevent or improve diseases of neurological deterioration associated with aging, such as Alzheimers dementia and Parkinsons’ disease. And it may help most of us to think more clearly.
Research shows that acetyl-l-carnitine supplementation in old rats improves their metabolic function and mitochondrial efficiency to the level of young rats. Studies in humans, looking at whether additional carnitine will lead to weight loss, have shown mixed results. However, human studies have used l-carnitine rather than the acetyl-l-carnitine version. Also, many dieters in these studies were following a high carbohydrate diet, which favors sugar burning over fat burning. We recommend moderating carbohydrates in the diet for the most effective weight-loss.
Some experts have speculated that carnitine supplements may lead to weight loss only if the diet regimen itself leads to an increased use of fatty acids as fuel. Hopefully, you will be exercising as well as eating right to control calories and insulin – this will lead to increased fat burning.
We at DietSecretsMD.com believe that acetyl-l-carnitine supplementation can boost metabolic rate as well as invigorate aging cells. You might benefit from acetyl-l-carnitine supplementation if you:
- Have trouble losing weight
- Exercise heavily
- Are vegetarian or avoid red meat
- Are aging (an arbitrary cut-off might be age 40)
- Following a low carbohydrate diet, which leads to increased utilization of fat for energy
We strongly recommend combining acetyl-l-carnitine with alpha lipoic acid which provides strong antioxidant power. Add coenzyme Q 10 for even better anti-aging and weight loss enhancement.
Dr. Parsons Weighs In:
Dr. Bruce Ames, a top researcher and professor at the University of California at Berkeley, found that old rats were able to find their way through a water maze as well as young rats when acetyl-l-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid were added to their water. Although both supplements improved brain function and metabolism, the best results were found when these two supplements were combined. The combination of these two cell-rejuvenating substances has been patented and is sold by Juvenon, a non-profit company Dr. Ames formed. You can check out their website for further information on their interesting research.
I have taken a supplement containing acetyl-l-carnitine, alpha lipoic acid, and coenzyme Q-10 for several years and have found this combo to be invaluable to my energy levels. Before I started adding them to my vitamin regimen, I used to drag myself home from work every day, too tired to exercise. Now I find that I have much more energy. I keep going from morning ‘til night and manage to exercise every day. I attribute my extra energy to this supplement. I currently take Synergy for Women. (Synergy for Men and Synergy with Iron (for young women who may need extra iron) are also available from this company.) The Synergy vitamin complex is a complete multi-vitamin/mineral combination which also contains acetyl-l-carnitine, alpha lipoic acid, and coQ-10 in significant amounts. This is the most economical source I have been able to find.
Footnotes:
* These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.