AcetylCarnitine dosage for mental decline, benefits and side effects

AcetylCarnitine pill use for mental decline in middle age and old age
Health benefit and use in Alzeimer's disease and other neurological conditions

Acetylcarnitine (also spelled acetyl-l-carnitine) and carnitine play several important roles in the human body. These nutrients shuttle acetyl groups and fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production. Without carnitine, fatty acids cannot easily enter into mitochondria. The acetyl group of acetylcarnitine is used to form acetyl-CoA, the most important intermediary in the generation of energy from amino acids, fats, and carbohydrates. Therefore, acetylcarnitine serves as an energy reservoir of acetyl groups and both acetylcarnitine and carnitine help improve energy production. The acetyl group of acetylcarnitine is also used to make the important brain chemical acetylcholine. Some studies suggest that perhaps acetylcarnitine can even act as a neurotransmitter itself.
Those who take carnitine pills notice an increase in physical energy levels, but not as much mental energy. Acetylcarnitine has a significantly more immediate and noticeable mental effect than carnitine.

Acetyl L Carnitine 300 mg
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Acetylcarnitine Research shows:
In aging rats, chronic administration of acetylcarnitine increases cholinergic synaptic transmission and consequently enhances learning capacity. The memory of aging rats is rejuvenated by giving them a combination of acetylcarnitine and Alpha-Lipoic acid.

Potential Benefits of Acetylcarnitine according to published studies:
Acetylcarnitine may improve mental fatigue in those who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome
Patients with multiple sclerosis are helped by acetylcarnitine, which reduces their fatigue.
Acetylcarnitine is a promising treatment for those with diabetic neuropathy
May reduce alcohol-induced cellular damage to organs.
May be helpful in geriatric patients with mild depression.
Acetylcarnitine improves the function of mitochondria, the organelles within cells that are involved in energy production.
Is more effective than tamoxifen in the therapy of acute and early chronic Peyronie's disease.
May help individuals with cerebellar ataxia.
Acetylcarnitine is suitable for clinical use in the prevention of neuronal death after peripheral nerve trauma.
May be helpful in those with Alzheimer's disease. Acetylcarnitine protects against amyloid-beta neurotoxicity.

Acetylcarnitine short term effects
The mind boosting effect of acetylcarnitine is often noticed within a few hours, or even within an hour. Most people report feeling mentally sharper, having more focus and being more alert. Some find a mild mood enhancement. Acetylcarnitine may be used as an overall mind booster. The typical dosage is 250 to 500 mg once a day, preferably in the early part of the day. Side effects of overstimulation or nausea may occur at dosages greater than 300 to 500 mg.

AcetylCarnitine studies
Exploratory open label, randomized study of acetyl- and propionylcarnitine in chronic fatigue syndrome.
Vermeulen RC, Scholte HR. Research Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Psychosom Med. 2004 Mar-Apr;66(2):276-82.
We compared the effects of acetylcarnitine, propionylcarnitine and both compounds on the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). In an open, randomized fashion we compared 2 g/d acetyl-L-carnitine, 2 g/d propionyl-L-carnitine, and its combination in 3 groups of 30 CFS patients during 24 weeks. Effects were rated by clinical global impression of change. Secondary endpoints were the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, McGill Pain Questionnaire, and the Stroop attention concentration test. Scores were assessed 8 weeks before treatment; at randomization; after 8, 16, and 24 weeks of treatment; and 2 weeks later. Clinical global impression of change after treatment showed considerable improvement in 59% of the patients in the acetylcarnitine group and 63% in the propionylcarnitine group, but less in the acetylcarnitine plus propionylcarnitine group (37%). Acetylcarnitine significantly improved mental fatigue and propionylcarnitine improved general fatigue. Attention concentration improved in all groups, whereas pain complaints did not decrease in any group. Two weeks after treatment, worsening of fatigue was experienced by 52%, 50%, and 37% in the acetylcarnitine, propionylcarnitine, and combined group, respectively. In the acetylcarnitine group, but not in the other groups, the changes in plasma carnitine levels correlated with clinical improvement. Acetylcarnitine and propionylcarnitine showed beneficial effect on fatigue and attention concentration. Less improvement was found by the combined treatment. Acetylcarnitine had main effect on mental fatigue and propionylcarnitine on general fatigue.

Comparison of the effects of acetylcarnitine and amantadine for the treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis: results of a pilot, randomised, double-blind, crossover trial.
J Neurol Sci. 2004 Mar 15;218(1-2):103-8. Tomassini V,. University of Rome "La Sapienza", viale dell' Universita 30, Rome 00185, Italy.
Treatment with Acetylcarnitine has been shown to improve fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, but there have been no trials on the effect of Acetylcarnitine for treating fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS). To compare the efficacy of Acetyl carnitine with that of amantadine, one of the drugs most widely used to treat MS-related fatigue, 36 MS patients presenting fatigue were enrolled in a randomised, double-blind, crossover study. Patients were treated for 3 months with either amantadine (100 mg twice daily) or acetylcarnitine (1 g twice daily). After a 3-month washout period, they crossed over to the alternative treatment for 3 months. Patients were rated at baseline and every 3 months according to the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the primary endpoint of the study. Secondary outcome variables were: Fatigue Impact Scale, Beck Depression Inventory and Social Experience Checklist. Six patients withdrew from the study because of adverse reactions (five on amantadine and one on acetylcarnitine). Statistical analysis showed significant effects of Acetyl carnitine compared with amantadine for the Fatigue Severity Scale. There were no significant effects for any of the secondary outcome variables. The results of this study show that acetylcarnitine is better tolerated and more effective than amantadine for the treatment of MS-related fatigue.

Q. According to acetylcarnitine studies that involved patients with Alzeimer's disease, what is the right dosage of acetylcarnitine to use for this cognitive disorder?
A. We suggest beginning with 250 mg or 300 mg a day and gradually increasing the dosage but not exceeding 600 mg a day.