Does Acetyl-L-Carnitine Work?

Acetyl-L-carnitine supplements are supposedly useful for a number of conditions, but does acetyl-L-carnitine work? Studies have shown that the supplements may be effective in treating several conditions, such as improving cognitive functioning and memory in people with age-related memory problems, alcoholism, or Alzheimer's disease. However, more research is needed to confirm whether acetyl-L-carnitine really works for these and other uses.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplement Information

Does Acetyl-L-Carnitine Really Work?

As with most dietary supplements, acetyl-L-carnitine is claimed to work for a variety of different uses. But does it really work? This article will address the effectiveness of acetyl-L-carnitine for various uses, including treatment of the following conditions:

Age-related memory problems
Alzheimer's disease
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Cataracts
Cognitive (thinking) problems associated with alcoholism or Lyme disease
Decreased testosterone due to aging in men ("male menopause")
Depression in the elderly
Down syndrome
Facial paralysis
Male infertility
Nerve pain due to diabetes or certain HIV medications
Peyronie's disease
Poor circulation in the brain after a stroke.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Acetyl-L-Carnitine Use

Preliminary evidence suggests that acetyl-L-carnitine may actually be beneficial for improving cognitive function and memory in people with age-related memory problems, alcoholism, or Alzheimer's disease. Research also suggests that the supplement may help improve symptoms of age-related testosterone decreases in men. Improvements were seen in sexual dysfunction, depression, and fatigue in men with "male menopause."

Acetyl-L-carnitine appears to improve the symptoms of nerve pain due to diabetes. When combined with L-carnitine (a similar product), acetyl-L-carnitine improved sperm count and sperm motility in men with infertility. The supplement may also help relieve pain and delay the worsening of Peyronie's disease. A single dose of IV acetyl-L-carnitine has been shown to improve blood flow in the brain in people with chronic poor circulation to the brain, although it is unknown if oral supplementation or long-term supplementation will produce similar results.

At this time, there is not enough scientific evidence to suggest that acetyl-L-carnitine really works or does not work for other uses.

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