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Acetyl L-Carnitine and It’s Role in Treating Neuropathy

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If you are experiencing burning and numbness in your hands or feet it may be due to peripheral neuropathy. A supplement that is often suggested for this condition is the amino acid Acetyl L-Carnitine for people suffering peripheral neuropathy.

acetyl l carnitine

Acetyl L Carnitine is known for its role in promoting lean body mass.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) has shown a neuroprotective effect in patients with peripheral neuropathies of different etiologies. Preclinical studies demonstrated a central anti-nociceptive action, both in neuropathic and nociceptive pain models.

 

Acetyl L-Carnitine and Its Role in Treating Neuropathy – Recent Studies

A recent study was conducted to assess the global efficacy of Acetyl-L-carnitine in painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a meta-analysis of four randomized controlled trials has been performed. The mean difference in pain reduction as measured on a 10-cm VAS, and 95% CIs were used for pooling continuous data from each trial. Four randomized controlled trials tested Acetyl-L-Carnitine in patients with neuropathy secondary to diabetes and to antiretroviral therapy for HIV. Compared to placebo, Acetyl-L-carnitine produced a significant pain reduction equal to 20.2% (95% CI: 8.3%-32.1%, P<0.0001) with respect to baseline. Source: US National Library of Medicine
National Institutes of Health

 

Clinical trials have shown that there beneficial effects on nerve conduction parameters and nerve fiber regeneration, with a good safety profile. These data indicate that Acetyl-L-Carnitine provides effective and safe treatment in patients with painful peripheral neuropathy.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common and severe complication that affects 50% of people with diabetes. Painful DPN is reported to occur in 16% to 24% of people with diabetes. A complete and comprehensive management strategy for the prevention and treatment of DPN, whether painful or not, has not yet been defined.

An Amino Acid – Acetyl L-Carnitine and Its Role in Treating Neuropathy

The amino acid acetyl‐L‐carnitine (ALC) plays a role in the transfer of long‐chain fatty acids into mitochondria for β‐oxidation. Acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation also induces neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects in the peripheral nervous system. Therefore, ALC supplementation targets several mechanisms relevant to potential nerve repair and regeneration and could have clinical therapeutic potential. There is a need for a systematic review of the evidence from clinical trials.

Acetyl-L-carnitine is an amino acid and antioxidant. It may raise energy levels, create healthy nerve cells, and reduce pain in people with neuropathy. It can be taken as a supplement. A typical dosage is 500 mg twice a day.

Acetyl-L-carnitine appears to be effective in reducing pain due to diabetic neuropathy compared to active or placebo controls and improving electromyographic parameters in these patients. Although much more research needs to be done, there seems to be optimism around this simple, safe, and easy to obtain supplement.

Red Meat Acetyl L Carnitine – Carnitine For Neuropathy – Acetyl L Carnitine For Neuropathy – Can Acetyl L Carnitine Help Neuropathy

Acetyl L-Carnitine and Its Role in Treating Neuropathy.