Acetyl-L-carnitine
Acetyl-L-carnitine
is involved in energy metabolism
inside the cell. It is a transport
molecule for the production of ATP
in mitochondria. One study compared
acetyl-l-carnitine to amantadine
for fatigue symptoms often
experienced in Multiple Sclerosis
sufferers. Results found that acetyl-l-carnitine
was more effective and better
tolerated than amantadine. [12]
Essential fatty
acids
Essential fatty
acids are an integral part of any
cell membrane. They are
anti-inflammatory in nature, and may help
prevent lipid peroxidation.
EFAs are also theorized to be immune modulating, and
may decrease the autoimmune reactivity
in multiple sclerosis. They
have been studied for the
treatment of multiple sclerosis
and are recommended as a normal
aspect of the diet in individuals
with Multiple Sclerosis.
One study observed
that supplementation with fish oil
in newly diagnosed MS patient's.
There was an improved clinical outcome over a 2
year follow up period with those
who supplemented with fish oil, as
compared to patients who had no
inclusion of these oils. [13] Another
clinical study looked at linoleic
acid supplementation in patients
with Multiple Sclerosis. It showed
that linoleic acid treatment
reduced the severity of relapse
and prolonged the time period in
between exacerbations. [14]
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is
required for optimal formation of
the myelin sheaths around delicate nerve
fibers. It is also involved in
many
autoimmune mechanisms. Vitamin B12
is deficient in patients with
multiple sclerosis. The deficiency
of Vitamin B12 in Multiple
Sclerosis is related to
age of onset, with younger
patients having the greatest
deficits. [15]
Supplementation
with Vitamin B12 caused
an improvement in the auditory and
visual systems of patients with
Multiple Sclerosis in study. The
improvement was by as much as 30%,
and was effective in patients with
the more severe chronic
progressive form of Multiple
Sclerosis. Motor function,
however, did not
improve. [16]
Antioxidants
Antioxidant
treatment is indicated in multiple
sclerosis. The destruction of
myelin is thought to be mediated
by certain oxidative stressors. Free radicals
or reactive oxygen species cause
oxidative stress. Lipid peroxidation is also a result of
increased oxidative stress. Antioxidants may reduce the risk
of developing Multiple Sclerosis
if taken early in life of higher
risk individuals. Treatment
may prevent propagation of the
disease and improve outcome. [17]
One study examined
the effects of antioxidant
supplementation on the levels of
glutathione peroxidase, the most
potent antioxidant enzyme in the
brain. It was found that the
initial
levels of this antioxidant enzyme were low in patients with
Multiple Sclerosis, as were
the antioxidant co-factors selenium,
vitamin C and vitamin E. After
supplementation, levels of
both glutathione peroxidase and antioxidants
were raised. [18] Another study examined the effects
of Vitamin E supplementation on
lipid peroxidation in Multiple
Sclerosis patients. Vitamin E
was found to reduce lipid peroxidation
caused by oxidative stress in
patients with MS. [19]
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