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Dear Pharmacist,I heard about a special supplement called acetyl-L-carnitine which affects memory and thinking. Could this really help?
S.W., Schaumburg, Illinois
S.W., Schaumburg, Illinois
Answer: Yes, acetyl-L-carnitine may enhance memory and thinking, but it also is used for weight loss, muscle aches and pain and fatigue. We’ll get to that later. Because our “smart” drugs for memory problems, dementia and Alzheimer’s only work short-term and have side effects, natural treatments such as acetyl-L-carnitine are becoming popular.
One important point, acetyl-L-carnitine is the activated form of L-carnitine, both of which are widely available in health food stores. But don’t get confused, the “acetyl” form is considered superior because it makes more of that famous brain messenger “acetylcholine” which influences mental performance. The more acetylcholine you have, the more brain power you have and the less chance of your developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Here’s more food for thought. This special supplement works wonders from the neck down also. In fact, without sufficient amounts of this amino acid, the body cannot burn fat very efficiently resulting in unwanted weight gain. Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers use acetyl-L-carnitine to help energize the body and relieve sore achy muscles. Now this is not an all-in-one magical supplement, but if offers people another option and it is well tolerated by most.
Healthcare practitioners suggest 500 mg three times a day, though some studies suggest doubling that dose might be even better. A course of 8 – 12 weeks is recommended, at which point you can lower the dose or stop it altogether, of course under your doctors supervision. Other supplements touted to energize IQ and protect the brain, include alpha lipoic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, vinpocetine, ginkgo and phosphatidylserine
Thank you for your article on Statins cause serious structural muscle damage. I am interested in lowering cholesterol naturally. I have taken Crestor in the past and had muscle problems and refuse to take them any more. I am a Diabetic and control it with Sugar balancer from a natural herbal store.
Doug farrugan
I have had such good success personally addressing some of your health concerns, I thought it beneficial to share my experience with readers of this site.
Diagnosed with Type II Diabetes at 28 after failing Glucose Tolerance test twice, I was placed on Phenformin, which was subsequently replaced for most patients with Metformin (Glucophage, Glucotrol, etc.). I also had cholesterol reading of 334 with 8.5 ratios for which I was put on Questran and Clofibrate (Atromid-S) as statins were not yet discovered in this country.
For six years took the drugs and FDA then took Phenformin off market and I decided to go alternative if I could. For the last 32 years have continuously modified supplements and no Type II and normal cholesterol and ratios.
Recently added Irvingia Gambonensis from Life Extension which works on weight as well as cholesterol and blood sugar.
Rated today preferred plus by Insurance companies with lower rates than normal or healthy. Take Cholesterol Optimal Support, Cinnamon, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Diabetic Optimal Support and that basically has optimized all my health concerns,