Acetyl-L-Carnitine Side Effects

Acetyl-l-carnitine which is also known as acetylcarnitine, l-acetyl-carnitine and ALC is a natural occurring compound that is found in the human body. The human body obtains this compound mainly through its diet, mainly from red meat and dairy but acetyl-l-carnitine is primarily derived from methionine and lysine amino acids and is largely synthesized in the kidney and liver of the human body. It must be carried to other body tissues so that they can use them. Acetyl-l-carnitine is also available in dietary nutritional supplements, which are claimed to be useful for treating a number of different medical conditions. Acetyl-l-carnitine side effects are rare but can occur, and there can be drug interactions. But first let us try and understand more about acetyl-l-carnitne and its benefits.

Acetyl-l-carnitine Health Benefits
Acetyl-l-carnitine is essential for the proper functioning of mitochondria which are the energy factories of human cells. For most people, the body can make plenty of this compound on its own and usually do not need supplementation. However, for some individuals, supplementation of acetyl-l-carnitine becomes necessary, for example babies who are born prematurely or people with certain genetic defects. Acetyl-l-carnitine supplementation is claimed to be beneficial for a variety of different purposes. Some of the claimed health benefits of acetyl-l-carnitine include treating the following conditions:

• Alzheimer's Disease
• Age related memory problems
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Depression in the elderly
• Down syndrome
• Cognitive (thinking) problems associated with alcoholism
• Poor circulation in the brain after a stroke
• Cataracts
• Nerve pain due to diabetes or certain HIV medications.
• Facial paralysis
• Male infertility
• Weight Loss

Acetyl-l-carnitine Dosage
Like other dietary supplements, there is no clearly established safe and effective dosage for everyone who takes this supplement. It depends on the reason the person is taking it and many times, in case of infants, the dosage is according to their weight. Studies have generally used acetyl-l-carnitine doses ranging from 1000 mg to 4000 mg per day. It is best to follow the instructions written on that particular acetyl-l-carnitine product unless the doctor recommends otherwise.

Side Effects of Acetyl-l-carnitine
Acetyl-l-carnitine is considered to be safe in general and clinical trials have included children, who have experienced no marked side effects from acetyl-l-carnitine . However, if not taken in the right dosage or along with certain drugs, then some people may experience problems with it. Therefore, it is very important to talk to your doctor before taking these supplements especially if you have underactive thyroids, seizures, epilepsy, allergies or if you are pregnant. Besides that, people taking certain drugs should probably avoid acetyl-l-carnitine. Some drugs reduce its effectiveness. Others can actually react with acetyl-l-carnitine to cause negative side effects. These drugs include: cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug, The HIV-AIDS drugs, didanosine and stavudine, and paclitaxel or taxol, a naturally derived cancer treatment.

Some of the reported side effects of acetyl-l-carnitine include, nausea and vomiting, upset stomach, foul breath that smells of fish and body odor. Some acetyl-l-carnitine side effects are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your doctor.

• Agitation
• Confusion
• Depression
• Aggression
• Manic behavior
• Signs of an allergic reactions

You may experience some or none of the side effects of acetyl-l-carnitine listed in this article. Make sure to let your doctor know if you develop any problems while taking the supplement, or if you experience something that just does not seem right. While it may not be related to acetyl-l-carnitine, your doctor will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.