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neuropathy newsletter |
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Role of Acetyl L-Carnitine in Peripheral Neuropathy November 2006 Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALC)—a type of amino acid involved in healthy nerve function—alleviated pain, helped regenerate nerve fibers, and improved the ability to sense vibration in diabetics and others suffering from peripheral neuropathy. Researchers at Wayne State University analyzed data from two 52 week double-blind clinical trials that included 1,257 diabetic neuropathy patients who took either 500 mg. or 1,000 mg. of Acetyl-L-Carnitine per day. Scientists found that the number of nerve fibers in the area of the calf of the leg (sural nerve) had increased significantly and that patients in both studies were better able to sense vibrations after taking Acetyl-L-Carnitine. Doctors noted that those who had suffered from diabetic peripheral neuropathy for the shortest amount of time reported the greatest pain relief. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can distort signals from the brain to the body, and researchers had originally designed these studies to measure the effects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine on the speed of nerve signals (conduction velocity), which decreases as nerve damage increases. When the results of the studies were not significant, the researchers decided to review the data on the effects of Acetyl L-Carnitine on pain and its ability to generate new nerve fibers. Acetyl L-Carnitine is widely used in Europe to treat neuropathy, and the university team is currently working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve Acetly-L-Carnitine for pain in diabetic peripheral neuropathy. |
