Acetyl l-carnitine

Acetyl l-carnitine is found predominantly in red meat, and to a lesser extent in vegetables. It can be produced in modest amounts by the body. It is found mainly in heart and skeletal muscles and neurons in the brain. Acetyl l-carnitine is used within cells to assist in the transport fatty acids through the membrane of the mitochondria, where they are burned for energy.

acetyl l-carnitine is synthesised by the body from lysine and methionine. Although deficiency is rare, vegetarians, body builders and those who want to burn fat may benefit from supplementation. A daily dose is around 2 grams.

Acetylcholine and Dementia

Perhaps of much more interest is the fact that acetyl l-carnitine is a precusor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine needed for memory and mental function.

Studies have shown that supplementation with acetyl l-carnitine may slow down the deterioration of the brain due to Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's Disease or age associated dementia.

As you may well be aware, for the average person, dementia starts progressing from 0% to 100% from the age of 45 to the age of 90. If you are concerned about this, then acetyl l-carnitine has been proven to slow down this process.

Acetyl l-carnitine also has antioxidant properties. Acetyl l-carnitine is able to cross the blood brain barrier resulting in alertness and an elevation of mood.

Anti-Aging

Studies have been performed which show that a combination of acetyl l-carnitine and lipoic acid improves metabolic function and decreases oxidative stress to youthful levels in rats.

Summary

Acetyl l-carnitine is able to increase metabolism, reduce free radical damage, elevate mood and combat dementia.