Evidence supporting the use of: Acetyl l-carnitine
For the health condition: Burning Feet or Hands
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) is supported by scientific evidence for use in treating burning feet or hands, particularly when these symptoms are due to peripheral neuropathy. This condition often arises as a complication of diabetes, chemotherapy, or other causes, and manifests as burning, tingling, or numbness in the extremities. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have investigated the efficacy of ALC in neuropathic pain syndromes. The proposed mechanisms involve ALC's neuroprotective, neurotrophic, and antioxidant properties, which may help regenerate nerve fibers and modulate pain pathways.
A 2008 meta-analysis published in Diabetes Care reviewed three double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (n > 1000) and found that oral or intramuscular ALC significantly reduced pain scores in patients with diabetic neuropathy compared to placebo. Patients also showed improvements in nerve fiber regeneration. Other studies have demonstrated benefits in patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. While the quality of evidence is moderate and not all studies show positive results, the overall data suggest a beneficial effect, especially for mild to moderate symptoms.
ALC is generally well tolerated and has been recommended in some clinical practice guidelines as an adjunct treatment for neuropathic pain, which often presents as burning sensations in the hands or feet. However, more high-quality, large-scale studies are needed to confirm optimal dosing, long-term safety, and efficacy.
More about acetyl l-carnitine
More about Burning Feet or Hands
Other health conditions supported by acetyl l-carnitine
Aging (prevention)Alzheimer's Disease
Angina
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
Body Building
Burning Feet or Hands
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Concentration (poor)
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Down Syndrome
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Exercise
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Free Radical Damage
Memory and Brain Function
Multiple Sclerosis
Muscular Dystrophy
Narcolepsy
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Numbness
Paralysis
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Stress
Strokes
Testosterone (low)
Thinking (cloudy)
Tinnitus
Wasting
Weight Loss