acetyl L carnitine causes depression

[UlyssesWife]

I find that ALCAR (acetyl L carnitine) taken to boost BDNF depresses me & makes me cry. I've re-challenged 3 times, but the result is always the same. Can anyone shed any light on this?
It's 650mg taken morning and night apart from food. The depression is not immediate, but after about 3 doses--i.e, a day and a half.

[rdpchef]

I find that ALCAR (acetyl L carnitine) taken to boost BDNF depresses me & makes me cry. I've re-challenged 3 times, but the result is always the same. Can anyone shed any light on this?
It's 650mg taken morning and night apart from food. The depression is not immediate, but after about 3 doses--i.e, a day and a half.

Hi UlyssesWife,

I replied to your initial post. I searched in our Wiki and found the following. It notes 500 mg/day as the dose for ALCAR.
Optimize Mitochondrial Function

If you haven't already, it would be a great idea to first take a look at our Primer. It is an incredible resource of information about the biochemistry of ApoE4. It offers researched-based prevention strategies and was written by a practicing M.D. with ApoE4. Do not become overwhelmed with all the information. Sometimes it is best to slowly read through it, decide which section resonates with you, and focus on that area first. Remember that small changes can make a big difference to brain health.

The How-To Guide will help you learn how to navigate this site. It includes topics such as navigating the forum, private messaging, and searching.

Take care,
Patty

[UlyssesWife]

Thank you Patty. Lots of useful info in the Primer, and I'll get to the other tomorrow.

[rdpchef]

Thank you Patty. Lots of useful info in the Primer, and I'll get to the other tomorrow.

Wow, you are a quick study. I love the ambition. Taking charge of your health!

[UlyssesWife]

Thank you Patty. Lots of useful info in the Primer, and I'll get to the other tomorrow.

Wow, you are a quick study. I love the ambition. Taking charge of your health!

[Julie G]

I find that ALCAR (acetyl L carnitine) taken to boost BDNF depresses me & makes me cry. I've re-challenged 3 times, but the result is always the same. Can anyone shed any light on this?
It's 650mg taken morning and night apart from food. The depression is not immediate, but after about 3 doses--i.e, a day and a half.

Sorry this is happening. I've got a theory that it may be increasing your TMAO level, which has been linked to depression. The bright and the dark sides of L-carnitine supplementation: a systematic review. describes the relationship between acetyl-L-carnitine and TMAO. TMAO (or trimethylamine N-oxide) is a metabolite produced by gut bacteria. Higher amounts are also associated with heart disease.

Have you ever had your TMAO level checked? I wonder if working on gut health, specifically focused on dysbiosis may be helpful? Can you describe your current diet? Are you taking any probiotics?

[Julie G]

I find that ALCAR (acetyl L carnitine) taken to boost BDNF depresses me & makes me cry. I've re-challenged 3 times, but the result is always the same. Can anyone shed any light on this?
It's 650mg taken morning and night apart from food. The depression is not immediate, but after about 3 doses--i.e, a day and a half.

Sorry this is happening. I've got a theory that it may be increasing your TMAO level, which has been linked to depression. The bright and the dark sides of L-carnitine supplementation: a systematic review describes the relationship between acetyl-L-carnitine and TMAO (or trimethylamine N-oxide, which is a metabolite produced by gut bacteria. Higher amounts are also associated with heart disease.

Have you ever had your TMAO level checked? I wonder if working on gut health, specifically focused on dysbiosis may be helpful? Can you describe your current diet? Are you taking any probiotics?