Scientists led by University of Catania have evaluated the effect of Acetyl-L-carnitine in pre-frail older patients. Pre-frailty is the intermediate stage before frailty, the age-related onset of the gradual decline in body function.
Frailty is the decline of physical, cognitive, psychological, and social skills that results in a progressive loss of autonomy and capacity to maintain optimal function. The prevalence of frailty increases in older age. For the purpose of this study, frailty is established on the basis weight loss, exhaustion, low grip strength, slow walking pace, and low physical activity.
Pre-frailty is defined as the intermediate condition where two of these five criteria are met. Pre-frailty predicts future disability but might be modifiable, particularly at an early stage.
In a previous study, the scientists had observed deficiency of a vitamin-like compound, called Carnitine, in frail and prefrail patients. A variant of the compound called Acetyl-L-Carnitine is known to have many physiological effects and has been used to enhance cognition. Also, studies have shown positive effects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine on the aging brain.
The scientists conducted this study to evaluate the effects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine in pre-frail older patients.
92 patients older than 65 participated in this study, conducted between 2009 and 2017. The participants were divided into two groups. The participants in one group took 1.5 g of Acetyl-L-Carnitine orally, twice a day for three months. The participants in the other group took a placebo consisting of inert material. The participants were then followed for another three month period, during which the efficacy of the treatment was evaluated.
The scientists administered physical and cognitive tests, based on the frailty criteria listed above, to the participants. The scientists also collected and analyzed blood and urine samples to measure and evaluate biomarkers related to frailty.
The supplementation of Acetyl-L-Carnitine was well tolerated, with no significant adverse effects. And the results of the study indicate that Acetyl-L-Carnitine treatment seems to delay and alleviate aging-related degenerative disorders of the elderly in prefrail subjects.
The beneficial effects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine on frailty status were confirmed on both brain and body in older prefrail patients. In particular, Acetyl-L-Carnitine supplements resulted in small but measurable improvements in muscle health by reducing oxidative stress, decreasing inflammatory response, and activating enzymes involved in the defense against oxidative damage. On the mental side, Acetyl-L-Carnitine supplements resulted in small but measurable improvements in memory, attention, and learning.
The scientists are persuaded that improvements in alleviating the aging process need strategies to forestall frailty. Acetyl-L-Carnitine supplements have been found to induce small but clinically-meaningful changes. And these findings are relevant for public health.
Thrivous develops Alpha Neuroprotector to enhance brain and nerve function for better aging. Each serving of Alpha provides a clinical dose of Acetyl L Carnitine, as well as complementary nutrients. As indicated in this study, Alpha may decrease the negative effects of aging on the brain. Thrivous Alpha is available online in the Thrivous store.
This content was originally published here.
