Acetyl-L-carnitine Slows the Progression from Prefrailty to Frailty in Older Subjects: A Randomized Interventional Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Ageing is characterized by a gradual decline in body function, representing the clinical situation called "frailty". Prefrailty is the intermediate stage between frailty and robust condition. L-carnitine (LC) plays an important role in energy production from long-chain fatty acids in mitochondria, and its serum level is lower in prefrail and frail subjects.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) in pre-frail older patients.

Methods: We scheduled 3 months of treatment and then 3 months of follow-up. A total of 92 subjects were selected from May, 2009 to July, 2017, in a randomized, observational, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. We scheduled 3 months of treatment and then 3 months of follow-up. ALCAR (oral 1.5 g/bis in die - BID) or placebo groups were used.

Results: After the treatment, only the treated group displayed a decrease in C reactive protein (CRP) p < 0.001 and an increase in serum-free carnitine and acetylcarnitine (p < 0.05) in Mini-Mental state (MMSE) p < 0.0001 and 6-walking distance (p < 0.0001); ALCAR group vs. placebo group showed a decrease in HDL cholesterol and CRP (p < 0.01), an increase in MMSE score (p < 0.001) and in the 6-walking distance (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: ALCAR treatment delays the incidence and severity of onset of degenerative disorders of the elderly in prefrail subjects with improvement in memory and cognitive processes.

Keywords: Acetyl-L-Carnitine; Carnitine; aging; cognitive impairment; elderly; frailty; motor impairment; prefrailty.