I've seen Acetyl L-Carnitine mentioned a lot around here, but I recently saw this Acetyl L-Carnitine Arginate variation on Amazon and I was curious if this variation really is better for PN. The snippet below from one of the reviews sounds promising but I don't know how reliable this data is:

http://www.amazon.com/Jarrow-Formula...dp/B000EN3V8Q/

This study was only done in vitro (not in a living subject).

http://link.springer.com/article/10....0503520#page-1

This study suggests only a specific arginine type works.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7739750

I am unsure about the arginate version therefore, because I don't know if is identical to the arginine amide type.

This last study was done on CNS...for Alzheimer research, and is also an in vitro study.

I think at this point, proof is still waiting on it.

Here is a LEF article.... I think it also is citing in vitro studies.
There is a big leap to in vivo effects so at this time this product is still not supported in a living model.
http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2004/..._acetyl_01.htm

Can't hurt to try it... unless you have a history of shingles.
People with Herpes Zoster, have to be careful with arginine.
It can activate the virus with painful consequences. If you suspect arginine for Zoster issues, you need to take l-lysine with it. Keeping that ratio helps to keep the virus down.

Other than that, it is only the cost that is a factor. Keep in mind that we do not have a dosing guide either for this.

Thanks MrsD!

I'd heard about L-Carnitine and have been wondering about its efficacy. Figuring I've got nothing to lose I went out and looked for some, but the only product they had at my local CVS at the time was a liquid form. What the heck, I figured.

Am I wasting my money? And/or is there a better formulation?

Many thanks to any and all.

Carnitine does come in liquid form. Back when it was only on RX it was called Carnitor and was designed for children (who had mitochondrial problems).

You can get it for less money online typically.
Now brand has it, affordably. Sigma Tau is the main manufacturer for the RX and some OTC the carnitine out there. Theirs originally was the fumarate salt. (the more common version is tartrate).

Carnitine has limited absorption in the GI tract.

Here is a monograph on it:
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocente...uts/carnitine/
This link discusses oral absorption % etc.

iherb.com has many choices for carnitine. Jarrow, NOW, are two quality companies with reasonable prices.
Amazon now also offers several carnitine choices. The acetyl form has been used for neuropathy more often.
Start a 250mg a day and work up to 2grams (2000mg) a day in divided doses.

I take Carniclear, saturated liquid carnitine.

Thanks very much, mrsD.