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Acetyl L-Carnitine is an amino acid-like compound that is related to choline and may assist in the conversion of choline into acetylcholine. Acetylcholine, one of the body's key neurotransmitters, chemically transmits messages from one nerve cell to another. KEY FEATURES -
Enhances Alertness and Mental Focus. -
Supports energy metabolism in the brain. -
Keeps nerves healthy and in repair. -
Decreases free radical production in the brain. -
Supports Cognitive Function. -
Supports biosynthesis of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter for brain and nerve function. -
Helps supply the brain with energy by improving energetics in the mitochondrion. -
Stabilizes intracellular membranes. -
Increases nerve growth factor production. -
Has a protective influence on brain neurons. ALC has been studied for its effect on cognitive performance and emotional health in the elderly. In a single-blind, placebo-controlled trial, elderly subjects exhibiting mild memory impairment improved their scores on a memory test after taking 1500 mg of ALC a day for 90 days. Hospitalized elderly people taking ALC have shown improvements in mental outlook. While ALC is not a treatment or cure for Alzheimer's disease, double-blind studies suggest it may help slow the rate at which early-stage Alzheimer's patients deteriorate.In particular, ALC seems to benefit short-term memory in these patients. Acetylcholine is the most abundant neurotransmitter in the body, regulating activities of vital organs, blood vessels and communication between nerves and muscles. In the brain, acetylcholine helps facilitate memory and learning as well as influence emotions. ALC is structurally similar to acetylcholine, and brain neurons stimulated by acetylcholine are receptive to stimulation by ALC. It has been shown experimentally that ALC supplies acetyl groups for the biosynthesis of acetylcholine. ALC's hypothesized cholinomimetic (acts like acetylcholine) activity has led researchers to investigate its effects on mental function and emotional health. The acetyl groups donated by ALC can be used to synthesize acetyl-CoA, the key substrate for energy metabolism in the mitochondrion. Acetyl-CoA enters the Krebs cycle, the mitochondrial mechanism that generates cellular energy in the form of ATP. ALC easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to play various roles in maintaining brain neuron (nerve cell) function. When given by oral administration, the concentration of ALC is increased in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. ALC was found to improve membrane phospholipid metabolism in early-stage Alzheimer's patients. Phospholipids are structural components of brain cell membranes that regulate neuron function. ALC donates acetyl groups that can be used to modify the functional activity of proteins in neuronal membranes. ALC thus plays a role in maintaining membrane function. ALC also increases membrane stability and structural integrity. The body produces various specialized proteins called "growth factors" which are essential to growth and repair of tissue. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) protects neurons from death, prolonging survival of neurons in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is theorized that aging of the central nervous system is associated with a loss of NGF. ALC has shown the ability to reverse age-related decrease in the binding of NGF to its receptors in neuron membranes. Given to aged rats, ALC increases the level and utilization of NGF in the rats. ALC protects cholinergic neurons (nerve cells stimulated by acetylcholine) in rats from degeneration due to lack of NGF. These results, together with other data from animal studies, suggest that ALC positively influences NGF activity. Several animal studies have revealed that ALC exerts a protective effect on neurons. In one experiment, brain cells from rats exposed to NMDA, a known neurotoxin, were protected by being simultaneously exposed to ALC. Rats injected with ALC were protected from mortality caused by the neurotoxin MPP+. ALC has been shown to raise levels of glutathione, a highly valuable antioxidant, in isolated mouse brain tissue. ALC prevents buildup of malondyhaldeyde, a marker of lipid peroxidation. ALC is also a chelator of iron, which can generate free radicals. It also reinforces antioxidant mechanisms in the brain. As a whole, data from test tube and animal studies, showing that ALC has a protective, restorative effect on brain neurons and neuronal energetic processes, suggest that ALC is an anti-aging nutrient for the brain. This hypothesis is supported by human studies demonstrating measurable benefits for brain function in elderly persons taking ALC by oral consumption.
Suggested Use: 1 to 2 tablets daily, or as recommended by your health care professional. Supplement Facts
Size: 60 Tablets Item Code SN0499 Serving Size: 1 Tablet | | Amount per serving: | % Daily Value | | Acetyl L-Carnitine | 500 mg | * | * Daily Value not established Other Ingredients: sorbitol, stearic acid, colloidal silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate. Suitable for vegetarians. Contains no yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, soy or wheat. Contains no sugar, starch, salt, preservatives or artificial color, flavor, or fragrance. Warning: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your health care professional before using this product.
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