Benefits Of Acetyl L-Carnitine
Robert Crayhon. PH.D August 8 , 2006

'You are as young as your brain'
Gernot Treush

Acetyl-L-carnitine can powerfully promote health in many ways. However, in this article I will concentrate on its remarkable capacity to promote brain health.

A growing body of evidence indicates that diet and lifestyle exert a major influence on brain health and that genetics may have a smaller part to play than previously thought. This research is showing that whether we become senile, get Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease or develop any other disease of ageing has much to do with what we eat and which supplements we take - or fail to take.

Many people ask, 'When do I need to start taking supplements to protect my brain?' My answer? Now. If you care about your brain, you should do everything possible to reduce the lifestyle and dietary insults that can harm it. Avoid stress, which means do not go berserk when things go wrong. Avoid smog, alcohol, toxic people and toxic relationships - business or personal. Cultivate your spiritual life, and spend your life doing what you love. And start today on an optimal programme for lifetime brain protection: vitamin B-complex (50 mg), vitamin C (1 000 mg), vitamin E (400 IU), magnesium (400 mg), zinc (15 mg), the fatty acids EPA/DHA (300 mg), phosphatidyl serine (100 mg), and acetyl-L-carnitine (250 - 2 000 mg).

That said, I would like to focus on one of the most exciting nutrients that exists for brain health - acetyl-L-carnitine. This special form of carnitine helps protect brain cells, energises them and helps them live longer, and also can assist in the treatment of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.1

Acetyl-L-carnitine slows brain ageing Acetyl-L-carnitine is a special form of carnitine that has the ability to optimise brain function and to cross into the brain more effectively than regular carnitine. As we age, acetyl-L-carnitine levels in our brains drop, and for optimal brain function, supplements of acetyl-L-carnitine can be extremely beneficial.

Most research on acetyl-L-carnitine has been done on animals; however, there are a handful of human studies as well. Acetyl-L-carnitine prevents the deterioration of the brain during stress and helps the ageing brain to function better. Acetyl-L-carnitine also helps prevent damage that can occur to nerve cells when there is a lack of oxygen in the brain. It is therefore no surprise that acetyl-L-carnitine is very helpful in the case of stroke victims, who have been shown improved recovery on 1 500 mg of acetyl-L-carnitine per day.

Acetyl-L-carnitine acts as a powerful antioxidant, provides the brain with healing energy, and increases levels of a very important messenger molecule called acetylcholine. It is acetylcholine that is deficient in the brains of Alzheimer patients, which is why the latter have such poor memory function. So, by increasing levels of acetylcholine, acetyl-L-carnitine improves our memory and may help prevent Alzheimer's disease as well.

Giving cells energy is a wonderful thing. When a cell has enough energy it can do what it needs to and develop itself to the fullest. When a cell lack s energy, it dies. This is particularly serious when it comes to brain cells, because once they die they are nearly impossible to replace. You and I can take a nap, but a brain cell out of energy has no choice but to cease to exist. That is why keeping your brain cells energised with nutrients such as acetyl-L-carnitine is so important.

The best thing about acetyl-L-carnitine is that it is completely natural. Because of this, it is completely non-toxic. And acetyl-L-carnitine, like all natural compounds, works through many pathways to help keep the body well. When the body weakens, it does so at many points, not just at one particular area. That is why acetyl-L-carnitine and the natural medicine of which it is a part are so superior for disease prevention. No drug will ever work as well as acetyl-L-carnitine at slowing brain ageing or promoting brain health, because no drug can match its breadth of influence on brain function.

Acetyl-L-carnitine protects the br ain against loss of receptors on brain cells, which normally occurs with ageing. These extremely valuable receptors on brain cells allow the neurons in the brain to talk to each other. Without these receptors one cannot form memories, short or long term. The fact that acetyl-L-carnitine can protect and repair these cell membrane receptors is nothing short of remarkable. In so doing, acetyl-L-carnitine helps to maintain the function of the brain in the most profound and basic way.

Simply put, acetyl-L-carnitine does virtually everything a nutrient could do to keep your brain functioning optimally. It also protects the mitochondria.2 So acetyl-L-carnitine not only protects the brain, but the entire body as well. You are as young as your brain, but you are also only as young as the mitochondria throughout your body.

Acetyl-L-carnitine protects all of the above.

More ways acetyl-L-carnitine protects the brain Acetyl-L-carnitine has been found to reduce the a mount of damaged fat such as lipofuscin in the brains of aged rats. This is a key sign that it slows the ageing process in the brain. As lipofuscin builds up in the body, the body ages.3 Because of this protective effect acetyl-L-carnitine may be useful in the prevention and treatment of free radical-mediated diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.4

According to animal studies, acetyl-L-carnitine maintains our ability to learn and interact positively with others as we age. In other words, it allows us to teach old dogs new tricks, and make them happier in the process!5 It probably does this through its overall beneficial effects on brain function. Older adults given acetyl-L-carnitine found that their directional and word memory improved in a matter of weeks.6 Many studies have confirmed these beneficial effects on memory in older adults, with the dose used in the studies usually 2 000 mg (2 g) per day.7 Even alcoholics with cognitive impairment have benefited f rom using acetyl-L-carnitine.8

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 Protecting The Brain From Decline and Dementia
Jerome Wener, M.D. July 20, 2006

"Of all the things I have lost, its my mind that I miss the most." Can you relate to this expression? If so, you are not alone. America's increasing proportion of older people has resulted in a rising prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. In 1986, healthcare costs were estimated at more than $50 billion per year for dementia and associated diseases. If you are concerned about your risk of nerve degeneration, don't despair. There are plenty of ways to combat age-associated memory loss, without side effects. In fact, you can even improve cognitive function with the right supplements and a proper diet. In addition, if you have a family history of Alzheimer's, you can greatly decrease your risk of brain degeneration if you follow the simple guidelines listed below.

Phosphatidyl Serine
If you can pronounce it, you're already ahead of the game. Phosphatidyl Serine (PS) is a phospholipid that is present in every cell membrane in the body, though it is most prevalent in brain tissue. PS is present in trace amounts in foods, but to obtain optimal amounts through the diet, you would have to actually eat animal brains. Supplementation is therefore ideal for obtaining PS, since commercially available PS is synthetically derived, and free of all animal products.

What is the role of PS in the body? PS is like the superintendent of the brain; it is actively involved in the repair and maintenance of each cell's structure in the body and the nervous system. Its benefits include memory improvement, improved learning, alleviation of Alzhei mer's symptoms and early dementia, greater attention span, mood enhancement, fighting depression, and combating stress. PS readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and shuttles glucose to the nerve cells so they are well fed and energized. It works rapidly, too; studies have shown PS to be effective within 30 minutes of oral administration. I use PS for my patients with age-associated memory decline, Alzheimer's, brain injuries, attention deficit disorder, or for those who simply want to enhance their mental power. The therapeutic dose of PS is 300 to 500 milligrams per day, and the memory-enhancing effects of PS can last for up to a month after supplementation is discontinued. Note that PS should be avoided while using prescription anti-coagulants such as Coumadin or Heparin.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) is another vital nutrient for brain health. A number of scientific studies have shown that carnitine, a nutrient consisting of the amino acids lysine and methionine, helps slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. L-carnitine is used as a fat burner and a heart-supporting nutrient, while ALC enhances concentration. ALC has many of the benefits of PS, such as fighting depression and brain aging, improved learning, and stress management, but it also regulates sleep/wake cycles and improves long-term memory. And the benefits of taking ALC can be seen as early as three months. Those with Alzheimer's and dementia, peripheral neuropathies, memory loss, and major depression should use ALC, and it also has clinical uses in chronic fatigue syndrome and bodybuilding.

Around the age of 40, the body's production of ALC begins to decline, making it a required supplement for protection against age-associated memory loss and neurodegen erative conditions. The dosage ranges from 500 to 1,000 milligrams and should be gradually introduced over the course of a week. Recent studies performed at the University of California and confirmed world-wide demonstrate ALC is enhanced when combined with the alpha lipoic Acid. It has been documented as safe for long-term use, though anyone with a seizure disorder should avoid ALC, as it is questionable whether or not it will overly stimulate the nervous system. ALC can be extremely energizing, so be sure to take it before 4 p.m.

Gingko Biloba
The Gingko tree is the longest surviving tree species on the planet, dating back 200 million years. It has two fan-shaped leaves with a notch in the middle, dividing the leaves into two lobes; hence the name biloba. Gingko is extremely resilient and is found growing in many cities due to its ability to resist pollution, viruses, and insects. It is rich in flavonoids, which are antioxidant compounds found in plants that protect against cancer, heart disease, and premature aging. The Chinese used Gingko nuts for thousands of years as a remedy to promote longevity, improve impaired hearing, asthma, and to increase sexual endurance and improve circulation.

More than three hundred studies have demonstrated that gingko helps protect and promote memory and reliev e signs of senility, probably due to the increased blood flow to the brain. One study conducted at the New York Institute for Medical Research on patients suffering from dementia showed a significant improvement in 30 percent of those people taking gingko. This is very exciting news, since very few drugs have been shown to have any positive impact on dementia. Gingko can also help protect brain tissue against potentially dangerous chemicals called free radicals because it is rich in antioxidants.

The appropriate dosage for gingko can range depending on the indication. For general mental acuity, take 120 milligrams per day, and for Alzheimer's or vascular problems take 240 milligrams per day. No serious side effects have been reported with its use, and long-term use is believed to be safe. Choose a supplement that contains gingko-leaf extracts (24 percent flavone glycosides and six percent terpene lactones) to ensure a potent and effective product.

Gingko should be used with caution in patients taking anti-platelet drugs such as Warfarin (coumadin) or aspirin, antidepressants (tricyclics) and certain duretics, because the effect of platelet aggregation inhibitors may be increased. If you are taking any of these drugs, talk with your doctor before taking gingko.

Diet and Brain Power
Bear in mind that while all of the aforementioned supplements are remarkable, no supplement regime in the world can ever compensate for a poor diet. Excess sugar in the form of refined carbohydrates, poor-quality hydrogenated oils, and inadequate protein can also compromise mental acuity. Have you ever noticed how you feel in the mornings after eating a bagel versus an omelet? A typical New York bagel contains the carbohydrate equivalent of four pieces of bread, while an egg contains only one gram of carbohydrate per serving-a negligible amount-and is rich in protein and essential fatty acids. So if you feel like you're eating healthy, but can't seem to generate good mental power, then you may need to take a closer look at your diet.

Protein

Protein is the building block of our tissues. It is needed to make every living cell in our bodies and promote muscle growth. It balances hormones and blood sugar, fights sugar cravings, strengthens the immune system, heals wounds, and in some cases, keeps the gut healthy. But most important, it can have a positive effect on our mental function.

I can't tell you how many times I see patients come in to my office feeling tired, lethargic, having PMS, difficulty concentrating at work, and crave stimulants like sugar or coffee. Many of them are deficient in protein, and their symptoms magically disappear when protein is eaten at every meal.

What are the best proteins to eat? Whole eggs, lean chicken, fish, turkey, lean beef, and lamb are all good sources. Be sure to buy organic products as much as possible to reduce your exposure to antibiotics and pesticides. Eat two to four ounces of protein per meal and if you are physically activ e, you may need up to two times this amount. I guarantee that you will feel an improvement in mental function and greater energy levels when more protein is added to your diet.

Essential Fatty Acids
Fats can have a critical effect on our health and play an important role in the prevention of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Instead of concerning yourself with a low-fat diet, focus on eating the right fats that are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 fats. Both of these types of fats improve circulation and help keep cholesterol levels low and arteries clear. When your arteries are clear, oxygen can be delivered to your organs (especially the brain) more effectively. Unfortunately most of the foods we eat today contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils and oxidized fats that are toxic to the body and clog up the arteries. Be sure to read the labels very carefully and avoid these fats at all costs; it can take up to two months to clear them from the body after they are eaten! A general rule of thumb is to simply avoid processed foods and you will avoid the toxic fats. Avocados, cold-pressed olive oil, olives, raw nuts and seeds, and fatty fishes contain beneficial fats that fight inflammation and will help fight the medical conditions that are prevalent in Westernized countries today. So think of fats as the grease on your squeaky wheel and give yourself an oil change!

Carbohydrates

Last but not least, I will address carbohydrates. Before I do, though, let me ask you to think about this: What did we do before the flour mill was invented? We ate whole foods and carbohydrates were eaten in the form of fruits and vegetables. Over time, we gradually began farming and agriculture developed, introducing whole grains into the diet: rice, quinoa, millet, amaranth, and potatoes. Then we evolved as a civilization and all of a sudden we were eating highly processed carbohydrates, like bread, potato chips, cereal, and pasta-not even distant cousins to the grains from which they grew.

While technology has changed, the body has not yet genetically evolved enough to be able to understand these foods and break them down properly. As a result, many of us feel tired or lethargic after eating too many carbohydrates. I am not saying you should never eat carbohydrates, but if you must, make them high in quality and low in sugar. Choose healthy choices such as fresh fruit, vegetables, beans, brown rice, plain oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and buckwheat. Keep the portion size of grains small and balance them out with plenty of healthy fats and high-quality protein and you will have the mental power of an army!

Conclusion

Using the supplements phosphatidyl serine, acetyl-l-carnitine, alpha lipoic acid, and gingko biloba in conjunction with a healthy diet can greatly improve mental and cognitive function. Taken together, these supplements promote optimal brain function and systemic circulation that can offset the symptoms of senility, Alzheimer's, and age-associated memory loss

"Longevity News, AUGUST 17 , 2006"    http://youngagain.com/

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