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A major cause of aging is deterioration of the energy-producing components of the cell, resulting in reduced cellular metabolic activity, the accumulation of cellular debris and eventually cell death.1-7 L-carnitine helps maintain cellular energy metabolism by assisting in the transport of fat through the cell membrane and into the mitochondria within the cell, where fats are oxidized to produce the cellular energy ATP.8-13

Acetyl-L-carnitine is the acetylated ester of the amino acid L-carnitine. Acetyl-L-carnitine is an endogenous mitochondrial membrane compound that helps maintain mitochondrial bioenergetics and lowers the increased oxidative stress associated with aging.14 Acetyl-L-carnitine and L-carnitine are absorbed into the bloodstream efficiently. Both are effective at carrying fatty acids across the membrane into the cell where they are burned as energy and utilized efficiently by the mitochondria.15-17 Acetyl-L-carnitine also guards against oxidative damage.18,19 Amyloid-beta peptide is a principal component of senile plaques and is thought to be central to the pathogenesis of the degenerating process. Acetyl-L-carnitine exerts protective effects against A-beta neurotoxicity and oxidative stress.14

For some people, L-carnitine, especially acetyl-L-carnitine, may have a stimulating effect. Therefore, it may be unwise to take it in the evening.

Amino Acid, Cellular Energy, ATP