Addiction, Recovery Forum - Arresting Nicotine Dependency with Amino Acids

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Q: Arresting Nicotine Dependency with Amino Acids

asked by: DoctorQuestion on January 22nd, 2006

Question: Can ACL supplements help me quit smoking?

I have been trying to quit smoking for the past few weeks. Smokers continue to smoke long after they have stopped enjoying it primarily to stave off withdrawl symptoms.

I am wondering if the amino acid Acetyl-l-carnitine (ACL) can help. I have not been able to find any studies on the ACL - ACh - Nicotine connection and the possible role ACL might play in smoking cessation. I am not a scientist or medical professional, but I do know that ACL increases the release and synthesis of ACh while at the same time repairing or lubricating neural synapses. Since ACh synapses have fallen into dissuse due to nicotine use, and the brain has had to produce less and less ACh, it stands to reason that ACL might be a good aid.

Is there any evidence to support this little hypothesis of mine? It seems like ACL has the potential to significantly reduce withdrawl symptoms while at the same time helping the brain to repair itself. I have tried just about everything to quit smoking, but I am determined to keep trying.

Thank you!

Replies(1)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on January 31st, 2006

Addiction, Recovery Answer A248

Acetyl-L-carnitin is only one amino-acid of many that are present in all protein molecules. Nicotine-dependency is too complicated a condition to be cured with a single amino-acid. For treating nicotine-dependency, you can seek advice from a licensed nutritionist, a mental health professional, or seek alternative forms of treatment like acupuncture, hypnotherapy, etc.

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