Carnityl

Thorne Carnityl contains Acetyl-L-carnitine (an amino acid) for support of the brain and peripheral nerves.

Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is an ester of the trimethylated amino acid, L-carnitine, and is synthesized from L-carnitine in the brain, liver, and kidney. Acetyl-L-carnitine facilitates the uptake of acetyl CoA into the mitochondria during fatty acid oxidation, enhances acetylcholine production, and stimulates protein and cell membrane phospholipid synthesis. Taken supplementally, ALC is better absorbed and crosses the blood-brain barrier better than L-carnitine.

Several studies have demonstrated ALC’s effectiveness in Alzheimer’s disease, especially if supplementation is begun early in the disease process. Other studies have shown ALC may be of benefit for depression in the elderly, possibly by partially inhibiting the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and lowering chronically elevated cortisol levels. ALC has also demonstrated benefit in diabetic, HIV-associated, and chemotherapy-induced neuropathies, ischemia and reperfusion of the brain, and cognitive impairment of alcoholics.

Based on the published research, therapeutic doses of acetyl-L-carnitine range from 1,500 to 3,000 mg daily, in divided doses.