Carnitine and Alzheimer’s disease
There are several reports in the literature on the beneficial effects of carnitine supplementation in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Carnitine as acetyl L- carnitine was employed in these studies, with very encouraging outcome. The data suggest that carnitine may retard the deterioration in cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients (Sano et al, 1992, Pettegrew et al, 2000)).
Carnitine and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
There are several reports on the beneficial effects of carnitine supplementation in patients with CFS. Carnitine status as assessed by serum free and total carnitines has been found to lower in CFS patients, and there was a correlation between serum levels and clinical symptoms. There was a significant improvement following a course of carnitine treatment (Plioplys and Plioplys, 1997).
Carnitine and other conditions
There are numerous other conditions where carnitine supplementation has proved very beneficial. Its importance in renal patients on dialysis is well recognized. Among the other conditions are diabetes, geriatric depression, septic shock, tumor-bearing states, HIV/AIDS, and male infertility.