Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALC), the acetyl derivative of L-Carnitine, is found throughout the central nervous system (CNS). ALC plays a broad role in CNS metabolism as a source of acetyl groups both for the synthesis of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter which is vital to proper brain function) and for energy-producing reactions. ALC is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. Thus, ALC has somewhat different applications to 'regular' L-Carnitine and has found a suitable niche in 'brain food' products.
ALC has a variety of properties that include restorative or even protective actions against aging processes and neurodegeneration. In more simple terms, this means that ALC has a vital role in maintaining brain function as we age. In fact, numerous sound clinical studies have shown that ALC supplementation may help in reducing the mental decline under certain conditions.
Recent research showed that when supplemented with a combination of L-Carnitine and alpha-lipoic-acid, aged rats perform better than usual on memory tests and show marked improvements in their level of activity. These results further support a role of ALC in maintaining brain function as we age. |
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