Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia: L-carnitine
(Acetyl) L-carnitine (L-carnitine) is an amino acid derivative found in nearly all
Energy
Drugs
Alternative Treatments
Translate this page into any language
cells of the body. It is responsible for transporting fatty acids into the
mitochondria - the
internal combustion centers of the cell.. Fatty acids play
a major role in the energy production of heart and muscle tissues.
L-carnitine appears to protect heart and muscle tissues
against the damaging effects of low blood flows (ischemia). It also appears
to lower the levels of damaging fats called triglycerides and to increase
levels of the ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL cholesterol). Some preliminary
evidence suggests L-carnitine may be beneficial in kidney disease and AIDS.
There is little evidence that L-carnitine increases energy or boosts
athletic performance or fights obesity.
L-carnitine May Work in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Because it
enhances mitochondrial production and protects against the negative
effects of low blood flows both of which may be present in chronic fatigue
syndrome (ME/CFS).
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Studies: One
chronic fatigue syndrome study found reduced acetyl-L-carnitine uptake in
several parts of
the brain involved in producing fatigue,. Another found normal plasma
carnitine levels. Acetyl-L carnitine and propionyl carnitine improved mental fatigue and general
fatigue respectively in another chronic fatigue syndrome study.
ME/CFS
patients with low acetylcarnitine levels responded better to azithromycin in
another study. Intriguingly, acetyl-L-carnitine
was more effective that amantadine in treating fatigue in another severely
fatiguing disease, multiple sclerosis. Acetylcarnitine therapy has not been
studied in FM.
Side Effects: Generally well tolerated; gastrointestinal symptoms
(cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting) have been reported. A very low
incidence of seizure has also been reported.
Dose: Typically 500 milligrams to 2 grams daily taken with or without
food. At higher levels it is advisable to break up the doses. Can be found
as either L-carnitine or acetyl-L-carnitine. Propionyl-carnitine is
available in Europe. Avoid DL-carnitine.
(This and all sections of the
Phoenix Rising website are compiled by a layman. They are not a substitute for a
physician and are for informational uses only. Please discuss any treatments in
these pages with your physician.)
______________________________
Azithromycin in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) an analysis of clinical
data. Vermeulen, R.C., Scholte, HR. In J. Transl. Med. 2006, 4: 34.
Exploratory Open Label, Randomized Study of Acetyl and Propionlycarnitine
in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Vermeulen, RC, Scholte, HR. In. Psychosom
Med. 2004, 66:276-282.
Brain Regions Involved in Fatigue Sensation: reduced acetylcarntine
uptake into the brain. Kuratsune, H., Yamaguti, K, Lindh, G, etc. N.
Neurol Sci 2004 218: 103-18.
Acetyl -L-carnitine and Disease: L-carnitine deficiency can occur
because of genetic defects or as a result of other conditions including
adrenal insufficiency, low pituitary functioning, AIDS, cirrhosis and
pregnancy.
PDR Health: L-carnitine