Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) has a number of functions in human nutrition and metabolism. Perhaps its most well known role is the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondrial membranes for energy production. Another less well known role, that may be related to its role in energy metabolism, may be a protective effect against the formation of depressive symptoms in humans. A number of studies have investigated this protective role ALC on mood disorders and the results have been encouraging. Meta-analyses on these studies show that ALC has a protective effect against depressive symptoms, and in some studies ALC has been shown to have a protective effect at least as great as current mainstream pharmaceutical treatments. It has also been observed that ALC may have a superior effect in older people compared to younger adults. As well as its role in energy production, ALC may also raise levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor and this may increase neuronal plasticity, something that may protect the brain.
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