Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Why you may need Acetyl-L-Carnitine:
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is an ester of L-carnitine. It is synthesized (produced) in the brain, liver and kidneys. In technical terms, Acetyl-L-Carnitine facilitates the uptake of acetyl CoA into the mitochondria during fatty acid oxidation, enhances acetycholine production, and stimulates protein and membrane phospholipid synthesis. In simple terms, Acetyl-L-Carnitine carries fatty acids into the mitochondrial (the power plant of every human cell) to be burned as fuel. Without Acetyl-L-Carnitine, the mitochondria can’t absorb and metabolize fatty acids.
Why we recommend Acetyl-L-Carnitine:
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is also an important antioxidant compound and has the ability to help stabilize cell membrane fluidity. Because of its attributes relating to mitochondrial and membrane function, Acetyl-L-Carnitine has the potential to impact many physiological actions. It contains an acetyl group that is essential for the production a key neurotransmitter. Additionally, your nervous system depends on fat metabolism and utilization, which requires Acetyl-L-Carnitine, to function properly. For example, fat is a major component of the myelin sheath that coats nerve cells.The myelin sheath allows impulses to jump across the spaces between nerve cells and turn into actions, feelings, sensations and ideas. A breakdown of the myelin sheath can prevent the nervous system from effectively communicating.This is what happens in conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS).A healthy myelin sheath insulating the nerve,allows for more efficient impulse travel.This is why there is so much attention being given to Acetyl-L-Carnitine and research into its role in neurological function.