As part of its role in supporting mental function, ALC may improve memory, attention span, and mental performance in normal people as well as those with brain impairment. It is also instrumental in the production and release of one of the brain's vital neurotransmitters, a substance scientists call acetylcholine. ALC may also support healthy function of the male reproductive system and improve intracellular energy transfer.
ALC has been studied for its potential use in treating a number of disorders. Some studies have demonstrated memory improvement in rats when given the combination of ALC and lipoic acid.(1),(2) Studies suggest that ALC can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.(3),(4),(5) Though other studies are indicating that Alzheimer's disease patients treated for one year with ALC gain very little benefit.(6)
ALC may play a role in alcoholism. Animal studies have demonstrated that acetyl-L-carnitine may be useful in preventing damage to cells that may be caused by alcohol.(7),(8) Another study demonstrated that acetyl-L-carnitine reduced the onset of tremors associated with alcohol withdrawal, suggesting that ALC may be useful in the treatment of alcohol dependence.(9)
Researchers have found that ALC significantly improved fatigue and was well tolerated.(10),(11)
In elderly patients, ALC has been used to treat depression and improve quality of life.(12) ALC has been used with positive results to treat deteriorations of the nervous system associated with diabetes.(13) Finally, ALC may play a beneficial role in reducing the development of cataracts(14) and has shown positive results in Peyronie's disease.(15)