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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Acetyl-L-Carnitine May Improve Sleep
While the primary uses of acetyl-l-carnitine (also called l-carnitine or carnitine) are for Alzheimer's disease, depression, age-related memory loss and thinking problems, it has also been shown to improve the sleep of some individuals suffering debilitating illnesses. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncologists, as well as the Neurological Clinic II of Bari, Italy, scientific studies of cancer patients and people with Parkinson's disease have reported beneficial results from its use. Clinical trials with fibromyalgia patients at the University of Verona, Italy, have shown promising results.
On the Other: It Doesn't Work for Everyone
While the therapeutic sleep value of acetyl-l-carnitine for some illnesses is undisputed, no scientific evidence supports the claim that it improves the sleep of healthy individuals. The sleep of those suffering from cancer and fibromyalgia is apparently improved because acetyl-l-carnitine has an analgesic effect; that is, it helps to relieve pain.
Bottom Line
The jury is still out on whether or not acetyl-l-carnitine is an effective sleep supplement for general use. However, scientific evidence firmly shows that it can indeed improve the sleep and fatigue symptoms of those suffering from fibromyalgia, cancer and Parkinson's disease--if only by relieving pain.
Source:
PubMed: Clinical pharmacodynamics of acetyl-L-carnitine in patients with Parkinson's disease
ASCO: L-carnitine supplementation improves fatigue, mood and sleep in cancer patients...
More Information:
Smart Nutrition: Acetyl-L-Carnitine Uses
PubMed: Double-blind, multicenter trial comparing acetyl l-carnitine with placebo ...
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