Have you heard of or ever tried using the supplement acetyl-l-carnitine?
WHAT IS ACETYL-L-CARNITINE
Acetyl-l-carnitine is synthesized from the amino acid l-carnitine in our body. It contributes to energy production, supports our body’s detoxification process, and has antioxidant properties. It also has been shown to affect our nervous systems by supporting our serotonin, dopamine, and GABA production and activities.
In addition, acetyl-l-carnitine influences the action of nerve growth factor and promotes peripheral nerve regeneration and repair. There are also studies showing where acetyl-l-carnitine increases the speed of nerve conduction. Together, these mechanisms allow for a normal pain response, and can be very beneficial for people suffering from neuropathy.
WHAT IS NEUROPATHY
Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves), which causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in your hands and feet. Peripheral neuropathy can result from complications of diabetes, traumatic injuries, infections, drug side effects, inherited causes, and exposure to toxins.
Although not always life-threatening, peripheral neuropathy substantially influences patient quality of life. People with peripheral neuropathy generally describe the pain as stabbing, burning or tingling. In many cases, symptoms improve, especially if caused by a treatable condition. Peripheral neuropathy is associated with high prevalence of depression and other psychotic disorders, which may accelerate the underlying disease.
THE RESEARCH
Several studies have shown supplementing with acetyl-l-carnitine improves symptoms of peripheral neuropathic pain due to diabetes and chemotherapy. A study using patients with diabetic neuropathy showed that acetyl-l-carnitine compared to placebo produced a 20% reduction in pain (1). In addition, benefits were seen in patient’s nerve conduction and regeneration in the acetyl-l-carnitine group.
A study published in 2016 showed that for patients experiencing chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy, taking 3 g/day of acetyl-l-carnitine orally for 8 weeks showed a significant reduction in their pain as well as their cancer associated fatigue (2).
Observing studies like these are very exciting as options for treating patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy. Pharmaceutical medication currently being used to treat peripheral neuropathy are expensive and often have very poor treatment outcomes.
REFERENCES
(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6498091/
(2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5228439/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Since 2005, Dr. Fey has helped women, men, and children find real solutions to their health concerns. She truly believes that giving the proper care and nutrients your body has an amazing ability to heal. She is committed to finding the root cause of illness by utilizing a whole body approach not just focusing solely on presenting symptoms. With her scientific background, Dr. Fey uses science based natural approaches to treating disease.
Dr. Amanda Fey is the owner and practicing Naturopathic Doctor at Complementary Medicine & Healing Arts, the Southern Tiers Center for Natural Healthcare located in the Binghamton NY area. The office website is www.naturallywell.us. Dr. Fey is currently offering telemedicine for patients all across the US. To contact the office, call 607-729-0591 or email cmhahealth@gmail.com.