Each year, 500,000 Americans suffer a first stroke, which of course can end in death or debilitating brain damage. The good news is that with early treatment of ischemic stroke -- the most common type -- much of the ill effects of stroke can be prevented or reversed. In American hospitals, the gold standard for ischemic stroke treatment is the clot-dissolving drug alteplase (Activase), while the antioxidant supplement acetyl-L-carnitine (also known as ACL or simply L-carnitine) is the first-choice European intervention. To compare and contrast these different approaches, I consulted Daily Health News contributing editor Andrew L. Rubman, ND.

Dr. Rubman told me that side-effect-prone Activase is a riskier choice than L-carnitine, and we would be better off following the European model in this case. Unfortunately, medicine is big business, which means L-carnitine doesn't enter into the profit scheme of American hospitals, and doctors only know about the pharmaceutical options, observes Dr. Rubman. This situation reminds me of the tale my husband sometimes tells me about how people would be very happy solving all problems with a hammer if they didn't know that screwdrivers also existed. Consequently, once again we have an example of an expensive drug trumping a safer, less expensive and potentially more effective alternative.

A HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPARISON

Most ischemic strokes occur when a clot blocks an artery, cutting off blood supply to the brain. Activase works by dissolving clots in blocked arteries, thus restoring blood flow to the brain. However, this drug must be given within three hours of a stroke, so few stroke victims (about 3% to 4%) have the opportunity to take advantage of it. After three hours, the ability of the drug to affect the clot diminishes rapidly. Moreover, while the benefits outweigh the risks overall, serious side effects can result. Activase increases the risk of bleeding, including intracranial bleeding, and hemorrhages occur in approximately 4% to 6% of people who are given it.

In contrast, L-carnitine, a powerful antioxidant, taken immediately and repeated every two or three hours following an ischemic stroke, is involved in the transport of fatty acid across cell membranes, where it is used as energy by mitochondria (the "power plant" of the cells). In ischemic stroke patients, L-carnitine has improved cerebral blood flow, and had a positive impact on abstract thinking, memory, cognition and task performance. Additionally, although it's best to start treatment as early as possible, even later administration of L-carnitine is beneficial. And, there are no significant side effects at the maximum therapeutic dosage level of 1,500 mg per day. Note: Hemorrhagic strokes can worsen with this type of therapy, so a doctor must decipher the type of stroke before treatment.

MARKETING TRUMPS SCIENCE

Unfortunately, there is little awareness of L-carnitine in the US, at least among conventional doctors, and little economic motivation to boost its use. The dilemma: Inexpensive L-carnitine supplements are already available over-the-counter at your local health food store or pharmacy, so there's little profit for pharmaceutical companies.

To tap into valuable healing natural resources like L-carnitine, Dr. Rubman advises that you think outside the box and add a naturopathic physician to your health-care team. The conventional remedy is not always the best remedy, and an ND can help you discover a wide range of safe and natural treatments. Modalities from botanical medicine to homeopathy to acupuncture can go a long way toward securing your optimal health.

Be well,

Carole Jackson
Bottom Line's Daily Health News

Best Bites & Buys publishes the opinions/ points of view of leading authorities in multiple fields. The use of these opinions/points of view is in no way a substitute for legal, accounting, investment, medical or any  professional services to suit your specific personal needs. Please, always consult a competent/qualified professional for answers to your specific needs/questions.