By Dr. Linda J. Dobberstein, DC, Board Certified in Clinical Nutrition
Are you aware of the many functions of acetyl l carnitine? This activated form of L-carnitine is well-known for its ability to support brain and nerve health. As research continues to explore the functions of acetyl-l carnitine (ALC), we find that its benefits extend even further into metabolism, mitochondria, blood sugar, liver, and cardiovascular health. Let’s explore some of the latest research on ALC and how it is an integral part of your metabolism!
Carnitine Critical for Metabolic Regulation
Carnitine is a water-soluble vitamin-like amino acid found in meat and dairy foods. It is also naturally made by your liver and kidneys from the amino acids lysine and methionine.
The primary role of carnitine relates to cellular energy mechanisms. Carnitine transports long-chain fatty acids (fats), glucose, and coenzyme A into the mitochondria for energy production and metabolism. Carnitine and its active metabolites like acetyl-l-carnitine support healthy insulin function, lipid metabolism, protein nutrition, and cell membrane stability.
A lack of carnitine occurs when you consume a diet low in lysine and methionine. A deficit can lead to changes in fat and glucose metabolism. This influences insulin function and sensitivity, other endocrine effects, mitochondria function, physical energy, heart health, weight management, and more.
Methionine rich foods include turkey, beef, fish, pork, milk, cheese, nuts, beans, tofu, and quinoa. Foods rich in lysine include lean beef, chicken, pork, fish, shellfish, cheese, milk, beans, lentils, and peas. A plant-based diet or other diets that are too restrictive or poorly implemented affect your body’s ability to make carnitine.
Blood Sugar and Mitochondria
When you consume foods, the nutrients that bring fats and glucose into mitochondria must be present for energy production. ALC is one of those transport nutrients. It supports vital functions that impact cardiovascular health, blood sugar, and insulin function. Systematic reviews and meta-analysis studies demonstrate the importance of L-carnitine and ALC for these essential processes.
Menstrual Cycle Regulation
ALC supports metabolic effects in other remarkable ways. A recent 2021 randomized clinical trial in young women evaluated the effects of ALC on stress, and menstrual cycle rhythms. Women who were given 1500 mg of ALC twice daily experienced better hormone levels and menstrual cycle regularity.
Brain Support and Weight Management
Healthy metabolism and weight management is more than just keeping the extra fat cells from hanging around the waistline and hips. Weight management is also about brain health.
Excess adipose tissue (fat) leads to a pro-inflammatory state creating oxidative stress to mitochondria and cells in your brain. Brain cell health and cognitive function suffers as a result. Years, decades, or a lifetime of excess weight creates substantial metabolic stress on cognitive and mental health. Ongoing support of these physiological mechanisms is essential to keeping metabolism efficient and healthy and protecting your brain from the stress of inflammatory adipose tissue.
ALC has been studied and used for decades to support memory and nerve integrity. It is also now documented that the metabolic benefits of ALC greatly support central nervous system function against the stress effects of adipose tissue.
The November 2023 Neurochemical Research journal reported on the significant benefits of ALC on brain health and weight management. Results demonstrated significant protection for mitochondrial function and brain health.
Acetyl-l-carnitine acts as an antioxidant and neuroprotective nutrient. It aids in reduction of free radicals and increases mitochondrial antioxidant defenses. ALC improves overall mitochondrial energetics. It quenches TNF-a and other cytokines and helps remove lactic acid from the mitochondria and tissues.
ALC supports mood, nerve function, and cognitive function. It supports the production of acetyl Co A which enhances choline levels and acetylcholine essential for memory, cognition, autonomic nervous system and vagus nerve function.
ALC also supports dopamine and GABA which are other neurotransmitters in the brain involved with stress tolerance, motivation, and relaxation. It supports receptor site activity and several targets of gene expressions in the central nervous system that affect metabolism and mood.
Liver Health & Detoxification
Another aspect of ALC relates to supporting healthy liver function. Whether it is environmental toxins from persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, or xenobiotics, or toxic by-products released from gut microbiome imbalances, these compounds interfere with your metabolic rate and stress mitochondria in the liver and entire body.
A 2023 animal study demonstrated ALC was protective in the liver from underlying gut stress caused by the food preservative propionic acid. ALC decreased the release of cytokines and free radical stress that led to the development of fibrous deposits and cellular apoptosis within the liver. Synergistic effects were noted when used with coenzyme Q10.
Arsenic
The CDC states that the average adult in the U.S. consumes 40 mcg of arsenic per day as it is found in common foods and water supplies. Meat, fish, poultry, rice, rice-based products, other grains, shellfish, and algae account for most of the dietary intake. It is also found in cacao and chocolate. Tobacco smoke and manufacturing facilities contribute to arsenic exposure in the air. It’s not a matter of if you are exposed to arsenic, it is how much you are exposed to.
Arsenic causes free radical stress to mitochondria, disrupts their function, causes swelling, and triggers apoptosis of the mitochondria and the surrounding cell. Arsenic is linked with blood sugar dysregulation, increased blood pressure, and other disturbances in metabolism.
Results of animal studies confirmed the protective benefits of ALC to mitochondria of rats exposed to arsenic. The presence of ALC in the liver provided antioxidant and stabilizing effects on mitochondrial function protecting tissues from heavy metal exposure stress. ALC was also found to protect the function of liver enzymes ALT and AST.
Arterial and Heart Health
Another aspect of metabolic health and ALC relates to heart and blood vessel function. These tissues are energy intensive and rich in mitochondria. A small clinical trial showed that the use of 500 mg of ALC and 200 mg of alpha lipoic acid twice per day improved blood vessel relaxation, blood oxygenation, and vascular function.
ALC is an agent of metabolic support at fundamental levels. A shortage of carnitine impairs your cellular ability to burn fat and sugars for fuel. Dietary restrictions, age-related decline, and metabolic dysfunction can lead to short falls of your carnitine supply.
Nutrient Options
Wellness Resources offers ALC as a standalone product Acetyl-L-Carnitine with 500 mg per capsule and in Stress Helper with 250 mg per capsule. Stress Helper has two synergistic ingredients - pantethine, the active form of vitamin B5 and carnosine. Stress Helper aids in protection against the effects of stress. It helps curb stress-related cravings and provides essential nourishment for brain, adrenal, and mitochondrial health. Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Stress Helper may be used with other nutrients for synergistic effects.
Aging well and protection of your health span requires you to protect and keep your metabolism and organs energized. Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Stress Helper have been part of the Wellness Resources supplement line for over 25 years and are customer favorites! If your diet lacks the nutrients or you want a little boost, now is the time to fortify your metabolism, protect your brain, liver, heart, blood vessels, and mitochondria.
