Acetyl-L-carnitine improves pain, nerve regeneration, and vibratory perception in patients with chronic diabetic neuropathy: an analysis of two randomized placebo-controlled trials
Sima AA, Calvani M, Mehra M, Amato A
Published in Diabetes Care
Methodology
Pooled intention-to-treat analysis of two 52-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of acetyl-L-carnitine (500 mg or 1000 mg three times daily) in chronic diabetic neuropathy.
Key Findings
The 1000 mg dose significantly reduced pain scores and improved vibratory perception and sural nerve fibre regeneration versus placebo; the 500 mg dose was largely ineffective. Benefits were greatest in patients with shorter neuropathy duration.
Conclusions
Higher-dose acetyl-L-carnitine improves pain and nerve regeneration markers in chronic diabetic neuropathy over one year, with earlier treatment more effective.
Limitations
Post hoc pooling of two trials, high dropout over 52 weeks, manufacturer authorship and funding, and modest absolute pain reduction.
Supplements Studied
In two 52-week trials, 1000 mg three times daily improved pain, vibratory perception and sural nerve fibre regeneration, while 500 mg was largely ineffective.
The 1000 mg dose significantly reduced pain scores and improved vibratory perception and sural nerve fibre regeneration versus placebo; the 500 mg dose was largely ineffective. Benefits were greatest in patients with shorter neuropathy duration.
Outcomes Measured
Higher-dose acetyl-L-carnitine reduced pain scores and improved vibratory perception over 52 weeks.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals; two authors were company employees.
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