The Super Triumvirate of Energy Supplements

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC)
Acetyl-L-Carnitine, ALC, Acetylcarnitine, ALCAR

Acetyl-l-carnitine is a molecule that occurs naturally in the brain, liver, and kidney. Natural levels of Acetyl-l-carnitine diminish as we age.

Common uses for supplemental Acetyl-l-carnitine:

* To enhance cognition.
* Involved in the metabolism of food into energy.
* Mild mental impairment in the elderly showed a significant improvement of several performances during and after Acetyl-l-carnitine treatment.
* Reports indicate that Acetyl-l-carnitine may be effective in the treatment of dementia.
* Treated Down syndrome patients showed statistically significant improvements of visual memory and attention both in absolute terms and in comparison with the other groups.
* To significantly reduce severity of depressive symptoms in the elderly.
* To significantly improve items measuring quality of life.
* Improve both spatial and temporal memory, and reduce the amount of oxidative damage to RNA in the brain's hippocampus, an area important in memory.
* Acetyl-l-carnitine is widely used as an energy supplement in Italy.

Alzheimer's

The acetyl group that is part of acetyl-L-carnitine contributes to the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is required for mental function. Several double-blind clinical trials suggest that acetyl-L-carnitine delays the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and enhances overall performance in some people with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s research has been done with the acetyl-L-carnitine form, rather than the L-carnitine form, of this nutrient.

Several clinical trials have found that acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation delays the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, improves memory, and enhances overall performance in some people with Alzheimer’s disease. Overall, most short-term studies have shown clinical benefits, and most long-term studies (one year) have shown a reduction in the rate of deterioration.

Brain

One double-blind trial has found that acetyl-L-carnitine may be helpful for people with degenerative cerebellar ataxia, a loss of muscular coordination caused by disease in the cerebellum (the hind part of the brain that controls muscle tone and balance).

Several clinical trials suggest that acetyl-L-carnitine delays onset of ARCD and improves overall cognitive function in the elderly. In a controlled clinical trial, acetyl-L-carnitine was given to elderly people with mild cognitive impairment. After 45 days of acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation at 1,500 mg per day, significant improvements in cognitive function (especially memory) were observed. Another large trial of acetyl-L-carnitine for mild cognitive impairment in the elderly found that 1,500 mg per day for 90 days significantly improved memory, mood, and responses to stress. The favorable effects persisted at least 30 days after treatment was discontinued. Controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials on acetyl-L-carnitine corroborate these findings.

Depression

Acetyl-L-carnitine may be effective for depression experienced by the elderly. A preliminary trial found that acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation was effective at relieving depression in a group of elderly people, particularly those showing more serious clinical symptoms. These results were confirmed in another similar clinical trial. In that trial, participants received either 500 mg three times a day of acetyl-L-carnitine or a matching placebo. Those receiving acetyl-L-carnitine experienced significantly reduced symptoms of depression compared to those receiving placebo. At least two other clinical studies of acetyl-L-carnitine for depression in the elderly have reported similar results.

Drug interactions:

Are there any drug interactions? A. Didanosine (Depletion or interference) Didanosine is a drug that blocks reproduction of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus that infects people causing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Didanosine is used in combination with other drugs to treat HIV infection.

Acetyl-l-carnitine suggested dosage is 500 mg two to three times daily.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Alpha Lipoic Acid serves as a coenzyme in the energy production process in the cells which can provide quick bursts of energy. Alpha Lipoic Acid is unique in that it is both water and fat soluble witch allows it to enter all parts of the cell to neutralize free radicals. Alpha Lipoic Acid contributes to invigorating mental and physical energy and a reduction in muscle fatigue. Dr. Lester Packer, a leading researcher in the area of antioxidants and a professor of molecular and cell biology at the University of California at Berkeley says "Alpha-Lipoic acid could have far-reaching consequences in the search for prevention and therapy of chronic degenerative diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease" .... "and because it’s the only antioxidant that can easily get into the brain, it could be useful in preventing damage from a stroke".

Common uses for supplemental alpha Lipoic Acid:

* Currently used in Europe to treat peripheral nerve degeneration (neuropathy) resulting from diabetes.
* May play a role in controlling blood sugar.
* May help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
* Important for the production of energy inside the cell by utilizing sugar to produce energy contributing to mental and physical stamina.
* Neutralizes free radicals. Unlike Vitamin C which is water soluble and Vitamin E which is fat soluble, alpha Lipoic Acid is both water and fat soluble which allows it to enter all parts of the cell to neutralize free radicals.
* May help reduce LDL (bad) blood cholesterol.
* May help improve memory.
* Chelates (grabs) heavy metals and binds them reducing these oxidants from blood system.
* Inhibits Glycation which is responsible for accelerated tissue damage.
* Recycles and enhances the effects of other antioxidants such as Vitamin E and Vitamin C.
* Significantly increase survival in rats that have suffered a stroke if given before the stroke occurs.
* Prevents tissue damage and death after a heart attack.
* Not only does it act as an antioxidant itself, it also stimulates production of glutathione (an antioxidant produced by the body), giving cells a double dose of antioxidant.
* Easily absorbed when taken orally and once inside cells is quickly converted to its most potent form, dihydrolipoic acid.
* Because both alpha lipoic acid and dihydrolipoic acid are antioxidants, their combined actions give them greater antioxidant potency than any natural antioxidant now known.
* Important for regulating aspects of the immune system, in particular immune cells called T-lymphocytes.
* May be useful in relieving syptoms of stomatopyrosis, or Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS).

ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID MAY HELP REDUCE INFLAMMATION

October 11, 2002. The incidence of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis increases with age. Free radicals promote inflammatory reactions, which antioxidants have been successful at diminishing. Scientists recently stimulated the inflammatory response of white blood cells, resulting in an increase of Intracellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1), which encourages white blood cells to stick to other cells, thereby inflaming tissues. Alpha-lipoic acid, a potent antioxidant, was then added to the mix. Researchers said the acid reduced the activity of ICAM-1 to levels in normal, un-stimulated cells in a dose-dependent manner. It also lowered the activity of NFkB (NFkB can increase the activity of genes responsible for inflammation). According to the study, these changes suggest that alpha-lipoic acid may help reduce the effects of inflammatory diseases such a rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

Suggested dosage for Alpha Lipoic Acid is 200 mg two to three times daily.

CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10)

CoQ10 is a vitamin-like compound also called ubiquinone. It is an essential component of cells and is utilized by the mitochondria in the normal process of energy production. It helps convert food into energy at a very basic, cellular level and it is an antioxidant. CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) is one in a series of ubiquinones, naturally occurring compounds produced in nearly every cell of the body, and was discovered as recently as 1957. This Coenzyme Q10 is the highest quality available and synergistically blended with Bioperinewhich has been demonstrated to aid in absorption.

Doctors commonly prescribe CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) to treat heart disease in Japan, Sweden, Italy, Canada, and other countries.

Common Uses for CoQ10:

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Improves the heart and circulation in those with congestive heart failure, a weakened heart muscle (cardiomyopathy), high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, chest pain (angina), or Raynaud's disease.
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Treats gum disease and maintains health gums and teeth.
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Protects the nerves and may help slow Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
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May help prevent cancer and heart disease, and play a role in slowing down age-related degenerative changes.
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May improve the course of AIDS or cancer.
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CoQ10 has shown small significant benefit in treating ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, and it has also been used to treat a range of rare pediatric neurological diseases.
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Because any disease process that involves free radical damage could be treated with CoQ10, the theoretical therapeutic potential of this compound seems limitless. Cataracts, macular degeneration, side effects of chemotherapy and skin damage related to radiation exposure could all be helped by doses of CoQ10, proponents believe.

The primary function of CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) is as a catalyst for metabolism - the complex chain of chemical reactions during which food is broken down into packets of energy that the body can use. Acting in conjunction with enzymes, the compound speeds up the vital metabolic process, providing the energy that the cells need to digest food, heal wounds, maintain healthy muscles, and perform countless other bodily functions. Because of the nutrient's essential role in energy production, it's not surprising that it is found in every cell in the body. It is especially abundant in the energy-intensive cells of the heart, helping this organ beat more than 100,000 times each day. In addition, coenzyme Q10 acts as an antioxidant, much like vitamin C and E, helping to neutralize the cell-damaging molecules known as free radicals.

CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) may play a role in preventing cancer, heart attacks, and other diseases linked to free-radical damage. It's also used as a general energy enhancer and anti-aging supplement. Because levels of the compound diminish with age (and with certain diseases), some doctors recommend daily supplementation beginning about age 40.

CoQ10 has generated much excitement as a possible therapy for heart disease, especially congestive heart failure or a weakened heart. In some studies, patients with a poorly functioning heart have been found to improve greatly after adding the supplement to their conventional drugs and therapies. Other studies have shown that people with cardiovascular disease have low levels of this substance in their heart. Further research suggest that CoQ10 may protect against blood clots, lower high blood pressure, diminish irregular heartbeats, treat mitral valve prolapse, lessen symptoms of Raynaud's disease (poor circulation in the extremities), and relieve chest pains (angina).

A few small studies suggest that CoQ10 may prolong survival in those with breast or prostate cancer, though results remain inconclusive. It also appears to aid healing and reduce pain and bleeding in those with gum disease, and speed recovery following oral surgery. CoQ10 shows some promise against Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Diseases and fibromyalgia, and it may improve stamina in those with AIDS. Certain practitioners believe the nutrient helps stabilize blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. There are many other claims make for CoQ10 that it slows aging, aids weight loss, enhances athletic performance, combats chronic fatigue syndrome, relieves multiple allergies, and boosts immunity.