Acetyl-L-Carnitine Protects the Brain from Alcohol-Induced Damage

Brain injury from alcohol intake is a society-wide problem that accelerates brain damage and the onset of cognitive decline and other neurological disease. A variety of animal experiments performed at the University of Nebraska Medical Center show exactly how acetyl-l-carnitine¹ can protect the brain from the highly damaging effects of alcohol excess.

The researchers found that too much alcohol-induced toxic levels of unfriendly nitric oxide (iNOS Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase. This enzyme influences genes located in the neuro-immune and cardiovascular system and provides immune defense against pathogens and contributes to disease progression including neurogenic inflammation (iNOS2). ) result in free radical damage to the frontal cortex of the brain, the region that is heavily involved with dopamine nerve transmission. Damage to dopamine neurons is known to re-enforce cravings/addiction and help set the stage for other addiction-related problems. 

Other types of free radicals were induced by excess alcohol in the glial cells that regulate much of the function of nerve transmitters. Damage to the glial cells resulted in the formation of brain tangles that are associated with cognitive decline and eventually Alzheimer’s.

Acetyl-l-carnitine was shown to significantly reduce both of these types of damage from alcohol. This resulted in less loss of nerves and better plasticity in nerve transmission – meaning nerves were able to maintain their health in the face of alcohol poisoning with acetyl-l-carnitine.

On the lighter side, this study could be interpreted to mean that taking acetyl-l-carnitine with alcohol, especially if you are having more than a drink or two, may help protect you from nerve damage. Pantethine, which fuels the enzyme that clears alcohol from your body, is another approach in this regard.

On a more serious note, this study suggests that acetyl-l-carnitine is a useful nutrient in protecting people who drink too much too often. Such people are at high risk for early cognitive decline.