Acetyl-l-carnitine Extends Cellular Lifespan

Acetyl-l-carnitine is a popular dietary supplement for cardiovascular health, nerve health, memory, fat metabolism, and sex hormone function (in both men and women).  A new study with yeast cells shows that acetyl-l-carnitine¹ can significantly extend their lifespan.

The scientific community routinely studies yeast cells to gain insights on gene function and has proven many direct correlates to the function of mammalian cells.  Mitochondria are the energy-producing cellular engines within any cell.  Mitochondria readily divide and fuse together to form small groups or interconnected networks so as to assist energy production and cell survival.  During aging this dynamic process malfunctions, resulting in fragmented mitochondrial connections and consequent cellular death.  Such mitochondrial malfunction during aging is characterized by excessive fission or a lack of fusion.  The new study shows that ALC extends the normal process mitochondrial activity, directly extending cellular lifespan.

This study supports other ALC anti-aging research² showing that ALC helps activate genes that offset cellular stress and also extend lifespan.

Combined with all the other significant health benefits of ALC along with the understanding that the enzymes that naturally produce ALC decline with age, it can be seen that supplemental ALC is a powerful tool in the health-promoting, anti-aging toolbox.