Acetyl-L-Carnitine Decreases pain and helps Heal Nerves in Diabetic Neuropathy

The worst symptom of nerve damage in diabetic peripheral neuropathy is pain. Peripheral neuropathy or damage to the nerves usually in the legs is a common complication of diabetes. In this analysis of two studies a total of 1,257 diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy were placed on Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) for one year, or a placebo. The patients on ALC were given either 500mg or 1,000mg 3 times a day for the duration of the study. The result was that in the patients on ALC nerve production and repair improved and the patients could actually feel a stimulus better. Nerve pain improved significantly in those taking ALC 1,000mg 3 times a day. The analysis of the studies is published in the January 2005 issue of the journal Diabetes Care.

Commentary by Jerry Hickey, R.Ph.

Other nutrients that improve diabetic peripheral neuropathy are Alpha-Lipoic Acid, DHA, and Phosphatidylserine.

Coenzyme Q10 Protects the Heart During Cardiac Surgery

Patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery were placed on either Coenzyme Q10 100mg 3 times a day or placebo for two weeks before surgery. In the 62 patients receiving Coenzyme Q10 the ability of the heart to create and use energy was better than in the 59 patients on placebo. Malondialdehyde, a body chemical that damages heart tissue was decreased in the cells of the Coenzyme Q10 group. The coenzyme Q10 improved the ability of the heart tissue to withstand operative conditions including a lack of oxygen and a quick influx of oxygen which causes stress on the heart muscle. The study is published in the January 2005 issue of The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.