A Potential Antiageing Formula - Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid

There are 100s of theories of ageing. One of the most possibly useful is the mitochondrial theory of ageing. This theory essentially says that many of the effects of ageing are due to decline in the function of mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cells. These tiny organelles produce energy through the so called oxidative pathway (involving oxygen and glucose, fatty acids and amino acids) to produce ATP, the cell's currency of energy. Without ATP we quickly die.

Two scientists, Dr Hagen (with the Linus Pauling Institute) and Dr Ames (with UC Berkley) figured out a way to rejuvenate these billions of energy factories - by replacing their L-Carnitine, an essential chemical in the production of cellular energy. This chemical declines with age and experiments with rats with a more fat soluble (possibly necessary for fat covered mitochondria) version of L-carnitine, Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC), showed not only reversal of ageing at the biochemical level but also at the "rat" level"; they lived longer and functioned better.

There was a possible drawback to ALC use and the rejuvenated mitochondria, namely the production of more oxidative chemical species that may be detrimental to the body, as oxidative stress has been shown to lead to ageing. To counteract this, they threw Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), a powerful antioxidant, into the mix and voila - a rather scientific partial antiageing brew.

It was a major story in Reader's Digest several years ago and has been popular ever since. The supplements can be bought separately or through the proprietary company set up by Dr Ames and Hagen (Juvenon).

The combo of ALC and ALA get through the blood brain barrier and may improve brain function. Suggested benefits of this combination include; possible retardation of cognitive decline and perhaps some protection from some dementias.

It is also thought to be useful in one of the most dreaded complications of diabetes, diabetic neuropathy.

Many other benefits are claimed. A Google and PubMed search will yield many. Please note that in some patients ALC may have a stimulating effect, so a trial to see if tolerated may be advisable. And as with all supplements, etc., consult your health care provider before beginning a program

http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2002/02/19_diet.html
A good summary in lay terms of basic research
http://juvenon.com/index.html
Marketing branch set up by Drs Hagen and Ames, the co-discoverers of the combination
http://juvenon.com/science/overview.htm?hpid=101
Good explanation of the science from Junvenon
http://www.springerlink.com/content/n1443m5515786933/
Article on the protection of brain cells from Alzheimer's amyloid by ALC and ALA
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/28/1/89
Study on diabetic neuropathy