Is Carnitine Effective?

A wealth of emerging technology demonstrates that as we gain control over individual mechanisms involved in cellular aging, systemic symptoms of degeneration can be slowed or even reversed. One of the most promising mechanisms addresses our mitochondria, the powerhouses found in all human cells that control the energy we need to stay alive. Over time, our mitochondria decrease in both number and function. The result is essentially a short-circuiting of power to every area of our body. Keeping these cellular powerhouses functioning properly can postpone many of the so-called “inevitable” signs of aging. Research now shows that the amino acid carnitine can forestall and even reverse many well-known factors of aging. With advancing age, carnitine levels decline in all of our tissues. That speels trouble for mitochondria, which become starved of energy and filled with cellular waste. Simply put, a carnitine deficiency leads to the wholesale destruction of our mitochondria. And, ultimately, this loss of mitochondrial function is likely to hasten death. Fortunately, carnitine is sold as a dietary supplement in the United States, available without the need of a doctor’s prescription as it is in some other countries.
Life Extension, March 2013

Someone in America develops Alzheimer’s every 68 seconds. This rate is projected to more than double by 2050, to one in every 33 seconds. Alzheimer’s research is accelerating, but there is still no cure. A vast array of published data, however, shows that making healthy dietary choices, along with proper use of nutrients, hormones, and drugs may dramatically reduce one’s risk of developing this mind-destroying killer. Most recently, an innovative brain scan was unveiled that for the first time can accurately diagnose the brain plaques that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s. More than 300 hospitals and imaging centers have the ability to perform this scan. The dilemma we face today is that the five drugs approved for Alzheimer’s only partially treat some of the symptoms. None of them can slow or stop the progression of the disease itself let alone reverse it. Just because mainstream medicine has no solutions doesn’t mean we are powerless against Alzheimer’s. The science behind nutritional strategies for preventing Alzheimer’s continues to evolve. Here’s what we know as of today:

Nutrients with strong evidence from human studies: These are Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Ginseng, Huperzine, Lipoic Acid, N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), Vitamin D and Ginkgo Biloba.

Nutrients with strong evidence from epidemiological studies: These are Coffee, Magnesium and Vitamin E.Nutrients with strong laboratory and theoretical evidence: These are Ashwagandha, B-Vitamins, Blueberries, CoQ10 and PQQ, Curcumin, Green Tea, Resveratrol and Vinpocetine.
Life Extension, March 2013

Through the use of adult stem cells, regenerative medicine is a revolutionary approach to treating many degenerative conditions that occur with age. This field joins nearly all disciplines of science and holds the realistic promise of repairing damaged tissue by harnessing the body’s ability to heal itself. As with any major scientific breakthrough, the market has become inundated with “stem cell treatments” and stem cell products that promise to do everything from cure disease to provide cosmetic enhancement.

Adult stem cells are found in every part of the body and have the potential to develop into many different cell types. As a stem cell divides, each new cell has the ability to either remain a stem cell or become another cell type with a more specialized function. Stem cells are characterized by two functions from other cell types. First, they are unspecialized cellas capable of renewing themselves by cell division. Second, they have the ability to become specialized cell types. Unlike embryonic stem cells, which are derived from human embryos, adult autologous stem cells are harvested from patient’s own tissue, such as adipose (fat) tissue or bone marrow.
Anti-Aging Medical News, December 2012