Acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation and the treatment of depressive symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Veronese N, Stubbs B, Solmi M, Ajnakina O, Carvalho AF, Maggi S
Published in Psychosomatic Medicine
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing acetyl-L-carnitine with placebo or antidepressants for depressive symptoms.
Key Findings
Acetyl-L-carnitine significantly reduced depressive symptoms versus placebo (standardized mean difference around -1.10), and produced comparable symptom reduction to established antidepressants with significantly fewer adverse events.
Conclusions
Acetyl-L-carnitine reduces depressive symptoms with a favourable side-effect profile, though trials are small and mostly short.
Limitations
Small individual trials, high heterogeneity, several conducted in older adults, limited long-term data, and comparator antidepressant doses varied.
Supplements Studied
Acetyl-L-carnitine reduced depressive symptoms versus placebo and matched antidepressant efficacy with significantly fewer adverse events.
Acetyl-L-carnitine significantly reduced depressive symptoms versus placebo (standardized mean difference around -1.10), and produced comparable symptom reduction to established antidepressants with significantly fewer adverse events.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
No commercial funding reported; academic authors (National Research Council, Italy).
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.