Common supplement 'could help walking ability after spinal cord injury'RSS Feed

A commonly used supplement could improve outcomes and recovery from spinal cord injury, scientists have said.

University of Kentucky researchers found that the supplement acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) could be used to treat severe spinal cord injury.

ALC is a derivative of essential amino acids that can generate metabolic energy soon after injury.

It was recently demonstrated that the supplement could act as an alternative biofuel providing to energy to cells, thereby preserving the vitality of mitochondria, bypassing damaged mitochondrial enzymes and promoting neuroprotection.

Results from the study showed that administration of ALC soon after a paralysing injury gave patients a higher chance of regaining the ability to walk.

Authors noted that this practise could easily be translated into a clinical setting, as the drug can be administered orally and is tolerated well in humans.

This follows the discovery of more than 70 genes able to repair nerves after spinal cord injury and stroke.

News by Serious Law. Expert legal assistance for those affected by spinal injury

Posted by Paul Breen
 

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