Low levels of acetyl-L-carnitine linked to depression

In a study involving humans, researchers examined patients who had been diagnosed with depression. Results showed depressed patients had much lower levels of acetyl-L-carnitine in their blood. Researchers also found patients with the lowest levels had the most severe cases of depression.

In a statement, Natalie Rasgon, an author on the study and professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford, said the study offers "an exciting addition to our understanding of the mechanisms of depressive illness."

The study is publicized in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Source: PNAS