Studies published in the February 19 2002 issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences show remarkable results for the dietary supplements alpha-lipoic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine when given to aging rats. The studies, conducted by Bruce Ames of UC Berkeley and researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute, found that energy and activity levels as well as cognitive function were improved in older rats when given the supplements.
According to Dr. Ames, "With the two supplements together, these old rats got up and did the Macarena. The brain looks better, they are full of energy -- everything we looked at looks more like a young animal."
Articles:
Memory loss in old rats is associated with brain mitochondrial decay and RNA/DNA oxidation: Partial reversal by feeding acetyl-L-carnitine and/or R-α-lipoic acid.
[Abstract] [Full Text] Feeding acetyl-L-carnitine and lipoic acid to old rats significantly improves metabolic function while decreasing oxidative stress. [Abstract][Full Text]
Age-associated mitochondrial oxidative decay: Improvement of carnitine acetyltransferase substrate-binding affinity and activity in brain by feeding old rats acetyl-L-carnitine and/or R-α-lipoic acid.
[Abstract] [Full Text]