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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Hugh on August 6, 2018, at 10:48:29
A new study has uncovered a critical biomarker of depression and a promising treatment method based on the body's levels of a single molecule called acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC). This molecule's main job is to help transport fatty acids into mitochondria; in effect, it helps provide cells with energy. By comparing the blood levels of 71 depressed individuals and 45 healthy individuals, it was discovered that ALC levels were significantly lower in those suffering from depression. Not only that, but the more depressed the individual was, the lower their ALC levels.
Complete article:
https://bigthink.com/matt-davis/study-links-depression-to-a-single-molecule
Posted by Lamdage22 on August 9, 2018, at 6:31:07
In reply to New study links depression to a single molecule, posted by Hugh on August 6, 2018, at 10:48:29
Thanks for sharing. I am giving this a go hoping that it will not be pro-psychotic
Posted by Hugh on August 9, 2018, at 16:45:14
In reply to Re: New study links depression to a single molecule, posted by Lamdage22 on August 9, 2018, at 6:31:07
Bruce Ames, Ph.D., has done a lot of research with acetyl-L-carnitine. He recommends taking it in combination with alpha lipoic acid.
http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2011/8/Interview-with-Dr-Bruce-Ames/Page-01
Posted by alexandra_k on August 10, 2018, at 19:45:31
In reply to New study links depression to a single molecule, posted by Hugh on August 6, 2018, at 10:48:29
The deficiency was only found in around 1/3 of patients. I wonder if the patients with the deficiency had a history of the following medications and / or decreased consumption of meat / poultry / antibiotic use / renal failure compared to those without deficiency:
> Treatment with the anticonvulsants valproic acid, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or carbamazepine has been shown to significantly reduce blood levels of carnitine [52-54].
[52]Hug G, McGraw CA, Bates SR, Landrigan EA. Reduction of serum carnitine concentrations during anticonvulsant therapy with phenobarbital, valproic acid, phenytoin, and carbamazepine in children. J Pediatr 1991;119:799-802. [PubMed abstract]
[53] Castro-Gago M, Eiris-Punal J, Novo-Rodriguez MI, Couceiro J, Camina F, Rodriguez-Segade S. Serum carnitine levels in epileptic children before and during treatment with valproic acid, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital. J Child Neurol 1998;13:546-9. [PubMed abstract]
[54] Verrotti A, Greco R, Morgese G, Chiarelli F. Carnitine deficiency and hyperammonemia in children receiving valproic acid with and without other anticonvulsant drugs. Int J Clin Lab Res 1999;29:36-40. [PubMed abstract]
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Carnitine-HealthProfessional/
> Two types of carnitine deficiency states exist. Primary carnitine deficiency is a genetic disorder of the cellular carnitine-transporter system that usually manifests itself by five years of age with symptoms of cardiomyopathy, skeletal-muscle weakness, and hypoglycemia. Secondary carnitine deficiencies may occur due to certain disorders (such as chronic renal failure) or under particular conditions (e.g., use of certain antibiotics) that reduce carnitine absorption or increase its excretion [1,5]. There is scientific agreement on carnitines value as a prescription product for treating such deficiencies [2].
> Adults eating mixed diets that include red meat and other animal products obtain about 60180 milligrams of carnitine per day [6]. Vegans get considerably less (about 1012 milligrams) since they avoid animal-derived foods. Most (5486%) dietary carnitine is absorbed in the small intestine and enters the bloodstream [1,6].
This is the end of the thread.
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