• Magazine
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • Change Mailing Address
    • Surveys
    • Guidelines for Authors
    • Editorial Calendar
    • Editorial Deadlines
  • Practice
    • Business Tips
    • Chiropractic Schools
    • Clinical & Technique
    • eBooks
    • eCourses
    • Infographics
    • Quizzes
    • Wellness & Nutrition
    • Personal Growth
    • Podcast
  • Resource Centers
  • Products & Services
    • Buyer’s Guide
    • Products Directory
    • Submit a Product
    • Vendor Login
  • Datebook
    • Become an Events Poster
    • Post an Event
    • View Events
  • Jobs
    • Jobs
    • Post a Job
  • Advertise
    • Advertising Information
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
    • Upload Advertising

Your Online Chiropractic Community

Chiropractic Economics Your Online Chiropractic Community
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • News
  • Webinars
  • Chiropractic Research
  • Students
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Acetyl-L-carnitine could be the next anti-aging supplement for patients

Tina Beychok September 3, 2020

Research has shown acetyl-L-carnitine can address memory, brain function, and general fatigue and weakness in patients...

Research has shown acetyl-L-carnitine can address memory, brain function, and general fatigue and weakness

Although the number of Baby Boomers was finally been surpassed by Millennials last year, Boomers still represent a large percentage of Americans. According to the Pew Research Center, the latest numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau put the number of Boomers (between the ages of 55-73) at 71.6 million. Furthermore, Generation X (between the ages of 39-54) are hot on their heels, numbering slightly more than 65 million.1 Combined, these two age cohorts wield formidable purchasing power, specifically in the anti-aging market and for emerging products like acetyl-L-carnitine.

If you have Boomer or Generation X patients, you know that not only are they interested in hearing about the latest natural anti-aging products, but they have already done their own research and have a list of questions for you.

Acetyl-L-carnitine for immunity, muscle, mood, memory

An acetyl-L-carnitine supplement can boost many anti-aging functions of the body, including improving the immune system and muscle tissue, as well as mood and memory. To better understand how this supplement works, we will first need to discuss how some of the natural anti-aging components in the body work.

Carnitine is a generic term for a number of compounds (including acetyl-L-carnitine) that help produce energy to fuel the body.2 The liver and kidneys produce carnitine to metabolize lysine, which is an amino acid found in proteins. Although the body can generate L-carnitine by itself, it depends upon outside sources to meet its requirements.

The most primary source is meat, but this can present a problem for people who keep to a vegetarian/vegan diet, for either ethical or health reasons.2

Anti-aging research

Acetyl-L-carnitine addresses a number of issues related to the aging process, most notably memory, brain function, and general fatigue and weakness. A 2012 article in the Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science used a rat model to examine the effect of acetyl-L-carnitine on behavioral changes and deterioration in the forebrain.3 Rats given acetyl-L-carnitine were tested against a control group on spatial learning and impairment tests. Brain deterioration was then determined by looking at sections of the brain after rats from both groups were euthanized. The researchers found that the rats treated with acetyl-L-carnitine performed better on tests of spatial learning and memory, and showed less degeneration than the control group of rats.

The researchers note that their results may be promising for treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in older patients.3

A 2018 article in the journal Molecular and Clinical Oncology examined the effect of acetyl-L-carnitine as a treatment for fatigue among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.4 In this study, patients were given 1,500 mg per day of oral acetyl-L-cartinine for eight weeks. At the end of the study period, all patients reported a reduction of general fatigue. Furthermore, plasma levels of albumin and lymphocyte counts remained steady during chemotherapy, so no acetyl-L-cartinine dose adjustment was needed.

The researchers noted: “LC supplementation improved general fatigue in all the examined cancer patients during chemotherapy. This treatment may make improve the tolerability of chemotherapy in cancer patients by reducing general fatigue and improving the nutritional status.”4

Today’s Boomers and Generation Xers are smart, savvy, and engaged about their wellness options, and acetyl-L-carnitine is an emerging supplement that can help them stay active and healthy for as long as possible.

References

  1. Millennials overtake Baby Boomers as America’s largest generation. Pew Research Center. Posted April 28, 2020. Accessed Aug. 31,2020.
  2. Carnitine Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health. Updated April 2017. Accessed Sept. 1, 2020.
  3. Freddi R, Duca P, Mariotti M, Gritti I. Behaviour and degenerative changes in the basal forebrain systems of aged rats (12 months old) after Levo-Acetyl-Carnitine treatments. Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science. 2012;2(1):18-25.
  4. Matsui H, Einama T, Shichi S, et al. L-Carnitine supplementation reduces the general fatigue of cancer patients during chemotherapy. Molecular and Clinical Oncology. 2018;8(3):413-416.

Related Posts

  • The 3 best supplements for brain healthThe 3 best supplements for brain health
  • Don’t worry, be happy: CoQ10 for anxiety and depressionDon’t worry, be happy: CoQ10 for anxiety and depression
  • The best choline supplement can come from nature or a pillThe best choline supplement can come from nature or a pill
  • Curcumin helps to treat osteoarthritis painCurcumin helps to treat osteoarthritis pain
  • These 5 anti aging supplements turn back the clock for patientsThese 5 anti aging supplements turn back the clock for patients
  • Opening your eyes to the benefits of luteinOpening your eyes to the benefits of lutein

Filed Under: Nutritional Supplements, Resource Center

Current Issue

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube logoYouTube logoYouTube

820 A1A N Highway W18,

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Phone 904.285.6020

Fax 904.395.9118

CONTACT US »

Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

Copyright © 2021, All Rights Reserved

SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAGAZINE

Get Chiropractic Economics magazine
delivered to your home or office. Just
fill out our form to request your FREE
subscription for 20 issues a year,
including two annual Buyers Guides.

SUBSCRIBE NOW »

Latest Chiropractic News

  • Shock Wave Technology provider debuts new name: Kinas Medical Technologies
  • Troy Healthcare debuts clinically-validated topical migraine and headache formula
  • Colorado allows chiropractors to give COVID-19 vaccine shots