Acetyl-l-carnitine for Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, and Male Sexual Function

Imagine the commercials on TV if a drug could help fix high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and male erectile problems with no side effects.  No doubt, it would be a blockbuster.  Welcome to the world of acetyl-l-carnitine, a nutrient with human science showing that it does just that.

Italian researchers recently demonstrated in people at risk for increased cardiovascular disease that 2,000 mgs per day of acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC)¹ over a 24 week period lowered blood pressure and improved insulin resistance.  Interestingly, improvement continued even in the 8 weeks following discontinuation of the ALC.  ALC was shown to boost the all-important blood sugar regulating compound adiponectin Protein hormone that modulates metabolism including glucose and fatty acid catabolism. High levels are associated with low body fat. .  Of course, ALC is well known as a nutrient that is essential for the burning of fat by cells, helping to clear away fat sludge and consequent liver-related insulin resistance.

An earlier study with 4,000 mgs of carnitine (2,000 mg was in the acetyl-l-carnitine form) in men ages 60 – 74 showed that this vital nutrient was far more effective than testosterone at improving male erectile function and offsetting age-associated decline.  ALC restored normal erections during sleep (nocturnal penile tumescence), which is the key marker of physiological health of male sexual function.  Additionally, ALC directly improved the sex lives of these men, based on significant improvement in International Index of Erectile Function scores.

The combination of elevating blood pressure, elevating blood sugar, and declining sexual function is common in men over the age of 50.  Blood pressure medication is well known for its adverse sexual side effects, as it actually reduces blood flow to the penis.  Here is a natural solution that simultaneously addresses three important health issues.  I would suggest 500 mg - 1000 mg of ALC at each meal and at bed.  1000 mg of ALC before aerobic exercise will also enhance fat burning from exercise, and this could be done on exercise days instead of one of the before meal doses.