Posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 5, 2003, at 13:07:55
In reply to Acetyl-L-Cartanine?, posted by Atlantsi on August 5, 2003, at 12:30:44
I personally love ALC. Its memory-enhancing effects are due its acetyl group, which raises levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Its actions in relieving fatigue are:
1. It helps convert fats to energy within the mitochondria (your cells' energy factories).
2. It's involved in metabolizing and using fats and oils in the body, as well as transporting fatty acids into muscle cells. Fatty acids are an important energy source for your muscles, which is why some sports nutritionists recommend carnitine to improve workouts.It is recommended for the following conditions and purposes:
1. Heart disease, like congestive heart failure
2. High cholesterol
3. Abnormal heart rhythms
4. Chronic fatigue
5. Poor endurance
6. Muscle weakness
7. Diabetic neuropathy
8. Mild depression
9. Degenerative cerebellar ataxia
10. Overweight/obesity
11. Prevention of neuronal death after peripheral nerve trauma
12. Protects against amyloid-beta neurotoxicity, which may be helpful in Alzheimer's disease
13. Is more effective than tamoxifen in the therapy of acute and early chronic Peyronie's disease
14. Improves the function of mitochondria
15. Reduction of alcohol-induced cellular damage to organs
16. To improve athletic performance
17. To improve fat metabolism
18. To treat cardiovascular problems caused by restricted blood flow, especially after a heart attack, to help the body repair the damaged heart muscle.
19. To increase cholinergic synaptic transmission, and consequently enhance learning capacity and memory.The mind-boosting effects of ALC are often noticed within a few hours or less. Most people report feeling mentally sharper, having more focus, and being more alert. The typical dosage is 250mg once or twice a day. Side effects of overstimulation may occur at 500mg (not to mention the fact that ALC is *very* expensive).
The memory enhancing effects of ALC are greatly increased by taking it in conjunction with lipoic acid.
Also, taking both lysine and vitamin C together can enhance levels of carnitine in the body.
As for my own experience with ALC, I originally began taking it as an adjunct to a wonderful diet I created which is sort of a juxtaposition of the Atkins (Dr. Atkins recommends carnitine in his book "Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution") and Mediterranean diets. I have found substantial increases in energy and more subtle increase in memory, short-term especially (which is very helpful when one is on chronic high-dose benzodiazepine therapy like I am). I don't have difficulty with word-recall though, so I can't really comment on that.
I take 1,000mg twice daily, though I started off with the recommend 250mg twice daily and gradually worked my way up. This way I avoided side effects. It *is* expensive though!! I'd recommend ordering it from http://www.puritanspride.com, where right now all supplements manufactured by them are buy one get *two* free.
poster:Ame Sans Vie
thread:248263
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030802/msgs/248275.html