Meta-analysis of double blind randomized controlled clinical trials of acetyl-L-carnitine versus placebo in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease
Montgomery SA, Thal LJ, Amrein R
Published in International Clinical Psychopharmacology
Methodology
Meta-analysis of 21 double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of acetyl-L-carnitine (1.5-3 g/day) in mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease, pooling clinical global impression and psychometric outcomes.
Key Findings
Acetyl-L-carnitine showed a significant advantage over placebo on both clinical global impression of change and psychometric test performance, with benefit apparent by 3 months and increasing over time. Effect sizes were small to moderate.
Conclusions
Acetyl-L-carnitine produces small but consistent cognitive benefits in mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer's disease.
Limitations
Older trials with heterogeneous designs and scales; several sponsored by the manufacturer; publication bias not fully excluded; no data on modern diagnostic criteria or biomarkers.
Supplements Studied
Across 21 double-blind trials, acetyl-L-carnitine beat placebo on both clinical global impression and psychometric tests in mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer's disease.
Acetyl-L-carnitine showed a significant advantage over placebo on both clinical global impression of change and psychometric test performance, with benefit apparent by 3 months and increasing over time. Effect sizes were small to moderate.
Outcomes Measured
Psychometric test performance improved significantly versus placebo, with benefit apparent by 3 months and increasing over time.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Analysis supported by Sigma-Tau, an acetyl-L-carnitine manufacturer.
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