Antioxidants - Protection From Free Radicals Part 11 - Acetyl L-Carnatine

Apr

29

Antioxidants - Protection From Free Radicals Part 11 - Acetyl L-Carnatine

≡ Category: Supplements, Theory |
≅ Written by: Michael Kydonieus

ACETYL L-CARNATINE

Mitochondria are membrane-enclosed cellular compartments that are the major source of a cell’s energy. Mitochondria convert nutrients, the products of carbohydrate and lipid (fat) metabolism into energy as well as doing many other specialized tasks.

As we age, the mitochondria function less efficiently, producing less energy. These less efficient mitochondria also create more oxidants, causing free radical damage. These age-related declines in mitochondrial function are believed to contribute to the lifestyle diseases we associate with aging. Concentrations of L-carnatine have been found to decline with age in humans and animals (Age-dependent decrease of carnitine content in muscle of mice and humans. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1989;161(3):1135-1143).

On the other hand, numerous animal studies show that supplementation with acetyl L-carnatine, especially if combined with alpha lipoic acid decreases oxidative stress, improves memory, and mitigates age-related damage such as DNA strand breaks and free radical cell damage (Feeding acetyl-L-carnitine and lipoic acid to old rats significantly improves metabolic function while decreasing oxidative stress. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002;99(4):1870-1875; Memory loss in old rats is associated with brain mitochondrial decay and RNA/DNA oxidation: partial reversal by feeding acetyl-L-carnitine and/or R-alpha -lipoic acid. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002;99(4):2356-2361; Carnitine and lipoic acid alleviates protein oxidation in heart mitochondria during aging process. Biogerontology. 2006;7(2):101-109).

For anti-aging purposes, many experts recommend a dose of 500-1000 mg of acetyl-L-carnatine a day.