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Imagine your brain is like a hot new nightclub… everyone wants to get in, but only a select few—like celebrities—are actually allowed in.
Your “blood-brain barrier”—as doctors call it—is just like the red velvet cord that allows the VIPs into a club and keeps everyone else out. The blood-brain barrier allows only water and a selective crowd of nutrients to pass. Its purpose is to keep out substances that might harm the brain, but sometimes it keeps out helpful nutrients and medications as well.
Now studies show that one “celebrity” nutrient with exclusive access to the brain can reverse dementia, improve memory, and even treat Alzheimer’s disease. Another form of this same nutrient can’t get past the velvet rope. So if you don’t take the right form, it can be the difference between health and dementia.
Dozens of studies all agree: acetyl-l-carnitine is one of the few molecules allowed through the highly selective blood-brain barrier because it is fat soluble. And that ability might make it particularly useful for treating Alzheimer’s disease.
Acetyl-l-carnitine (or ALC) is primarily an energy booster. It helps transport fatty acids into a cell’s mitochondria, where they burn oils for energy. ALC is also known to help repair damaged mitochondria, while reversing both mental and physical fatigue.
When ALC gets into the brain, it turns into a disease-fighting superhero.
Even though scientists have been intensively studying Alzheimer’s disease for nearly 40 years, they’re still not sure what causes the affliction.
One of the many theories is that inflammation and excess toxic build-up cause the development of the amyloid plaques and tau tangles that interfere with brain processes. If true, then ALC’s ability to enter the brain as a powerful antioxidant is incredibly exciting.
One animal study showed that ALC, in comparison with its cousin l-carnitine, decreased dangerous oxidation in the brain—including reducing free radicals that are a byproduct of fat metabolism, and fighting inflammation. (1)
It’s important to note that while some sources might use “l-carnitine” and “acetyl-l-carnitine” interchangeably, they’re not the exact same molecule. ALC can penetrate the blood-brain barrier; l-carnitine cannot. You need to make sure you take acetyl-l-carnitine.
Another animal study revealed ALC increases synaptic neurotransmission (or how quickly your brain can process information) and improved learning capacity. (2)
One experiment with 334 human Alzheimer’s patients showed those under 61 years old gained significant benefits. Their ALC supplements actually slowed the progress of the disease! (4)
Finally… and most importantly… ALC was shown to practically wipe out tau tangles and suppress development of the precursors to amyloid plaques. (3)
If this incredible discovery can be confirmed, it could possibly mean the end of Alzheimer’s disease.
These studies are very exciting for Alzheimer’s patients!
Most healthy people aren’t necessarily deficient in ALC because the body synthesizes it in the liver and kidneys. However, taking a daily 500 to 1500mg supplement with food could be beneficial for preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
Short-term studies on patients with Alzheimer’s have been known to use up to 3 grams (3000 mg) per day, taken throughout the day. Check with your physician before taking such a large dose. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take ALC.
Remember, acetyl-l-carnitine is primarily responsible for increasing mental and physical energy. If you decide to supplement with ALC, be prepared for a boost!
