Acetyl-L-carnitine: Can it relieve MS fatigue?

Answer Section

Researchers need to do more studies to know if acetyl-L-carnitine helps improve the feeling of tiredness, called fatigue, people with multiple sclerosis (MS) commonly feel.

Acetyl-L-carnitine is a form of L-carnitine. L-carnitine is a building block of proteins in the body, called an amino acid. Nearly all cells have L-carnitine. The body needs L-carnitine to turn fat into energy. It also may help support the health of cells in the nervous system.

About 80% of people with multiple sclerosis report fatigue. It is the most common symptom in people with MS. Healthcare professionals don't fully understand what causes this fatigue.

Some types of MS-related fatigue may happen due to pain, depression, waking up at night because of bladder symptoms, or the effort it takes to perform daily activities. Other related causes of fatigue in people with MS can be obesity, not moving enough, diet, low vitamin levels and medicine side effects.

Earlier studies suggested that acetyl-L-carnitine supplements might ease MS-related fatigue. Other studies didn't have the same results. Research hasn't proven that acetyl-L-carnitine helps MS-related fatigue. At this time it isn't recommended for treating MS-related fatigue.

In general, acetyl-L-carnitine has few or mild side effects, but it can interfere with blood-thinning medicines and other medicines. Talk with your healthcare professional before taking acetyl-L-carnitine or any other supplement.