Acetyl L-Carnitine
ALCAR is known to be a precursor for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is largely responsible for learning, memory, and cognitive function.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is a true multi-purpose supplement that benefits both brain and body. ALCAR is a powerful nootropic and potent neuroprotectant that can improve cognition, enhance energy, and alleviate the effects of aging.
Our evidence-based analysis of Acetyl-L-Carnitine features unique references to scientific papers and anecdotal reports.
What Is Acetyl-L-Carnitine?
- 1 What Is Acetyl-L-Carnitine?
- 2 Benefits and Effects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine
- 2.1 Cognitive Enhancer
- 2.2 An Effective Neuroprotectant
- 2.3 Potential Treatment for Age-related Disorders
- 2.4 Pain Reliever
- 2.5 Treatment for Depression and Fatigue
- 3.1 Increased Production of Important Neurotransmitters
- 3.2 Enhanced Brain Metabolism and Neuroprotection
- 3.3 Other Actions in the Body
- 5.1 ALCAR and Piracetam Stack
- 5.2 ALCAR and Mind Lab Pro Stack
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is a naturally-occurring micronutrient that delivers macro benefits for the human brain and body. Not only is it a powerful nootropic that can increase focus [1] and enhance general cognition, [2] ALCAR is also a potent neuroprotectant that fights physical and mental fatigue, [3] promotes cardiovascular health, [4] and helps protect against the ravages of aging. [5]
ALCAR is a highly bioavailable form of the lysine derivative L-carnitine, which is produced naturally by the body but can also be synthesized from animal proteins in the diet.
Unlike other forms of L-carnitine, which act primarily in the body and are typically used to enhance physical performance and alleviate blood flow issues, ALCAR readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and acts within the brain itself. [6]
ALCAR is a precursor of the “learning neurotransmitter,” acetylcholine, [7] which makes it a valuable nootropic. Also, studies indicate it influences cerebral energy metabolism by upregulating levels of noradrenaline and serotonin and decreasing levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. [8]
It has also been shown to work within the brain cells themselves by helping maintain the integrity of the cellular mitochondria, [9] the “powerhouse” portion of the cell in which nutrients are converted to energy. Age-related deterioration of the mitochondria is associated with several disorders, including Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
ALCAR is available without a prescription as a nutritional supplement.
Benefits and Effects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Research has proven that that ALCAR benefits both the brain and body in a surprising variety of ways, from enhancing cognitive abilities to increasing energy, reducing pain, and even preventing damage from alcohol consumption.
Cognitive Enhancer
ALCAR’s primary nootropic function is the enhancement of the acetylcholine system. It is known to be a precursor of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter most closely associated with memory and learning. ALCAR has repeatedly been proven to improve and enhance brain function in individuals suffering from cognitive decline.
Studies show that it is particularly effective in reducing mental fatigue and enhancing cognitive function among the elderly [10] and improving learning ability in patients with mild cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer’s disease. [11]
Its effect on cognition in otherwise healthy individuals has not been thoroughly studied, but many users report positive results. [12] [13] [14]
An Effective Neuroprotectant
ALCAR’s potent antioxidant properties make it a powerful neuroprotectant, capable of preventing and even repairing damage caused by free radicals that scavenge and damage brain cells. [15] Free radical damage is closely associated with aging and is implicated in age-related disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
ALCAR also helps the brain rid itself of other toxins and is thought to reduce cell death due to excitotoxicity, a pathological process triggered by the overactivation of glutamate receptors. [16]
ALCAR improves the neural network by strengthening nerves and signal receptors and has even been shown to protect the brain against the harmful effects of drinking alcohol. [17]
Potential Treatment for Age-related Disorders
One of ALCAR’s most exciting prospects is as a treatment for age-related neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s Disease. It has been shown to effectively slow decline in Alzheimer’s patients and reduces age-related memory loss. [18]
Pain Reliever
Studies and clinical trials indicate that ALCAR is a reliable pain reliever, particularly effective at reducing chronic neuropathic pain. [19]
In studies involving over 1770 patients with pain related to diabetic neuropathy, HIV, compression, and injury, subjects taking ALCAR saw a reduction in pain and improvement in nerve function. [20]
Treatment for Depression and Fatigue
ALCAR has been shown to improve both fatigue and depression in patients with chronic illnesses. It improved the chronic fatigue syndrome associated with multiple sclerosis, [21] and a series of randomized clinical trials indicated it was an effective antidepressant for various patients, including people with fibromyalgia, hepatic encephalopathy, and aged patients with co-morbidities that made other antidepressants impractical. [22]
How It Works
Like all L-carnitine variants, ALCAR is synthesized primarily in the liver and kidneys and then transported to other tissues.
ALCAR has excellent bioavailability and is readily absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. Once absorbed, its actions differ considerably from those of other forms of L-carnitine, which don’t cross the blood-brain barrier. The acetyl groups that make ALCAR unique enable it to cross the blood-brain barrier readily and rapidly, and ALCAR’s most important functions take place in the brain.
Increased Production of Important Neurotransmitters
ALCAR is known to be a precursor for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is largely responsible for learning, memory, and cognitive function.
The ability to increase levels of acetylcholine is an important part of ALCAR’s nootropic capabilities, but it’s part of its neuroprotectant capability as well; low levels of acetylcholine are strongly associated with increased risk of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
ALCAR has also been shown to increase levels of norepinephrine and serotonin, crucial neurotransmitters that play a major role in mood and brain function while reducing levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. [23] The ability to modulate neurotransmitter production is one of the primary ways ALCAR complements nootropics like the racetams, which enhance the action of neurotransmitter receptors in the brain.
Enhanced Brain Metabolism and Neuroprotection
ALCAR also targets brain metabolism, boosting cellular energy and acting as a potent neuroprotectant. [24] Its significant antioxidant properties combat the effects of cellular oxidation and reduce the number of damaged cells in the brain, making ALCAR a powerful anti-aging agent.
Damaged fat cells known as lipofuscin, called “age spots” when they appear on the skin, also occur in the brain and are strongly associated with age-related neurological disorders, loss of energy, and poor memory. By helping the brain eliminate these damaged cells, ALCAR both boosts brain function and significantly reduces the risk of neurodegenerative disorders. [25]
It has also been shown to prevent brain deterioration during periods of stress. [26]
ALCAR safeguards the brain and improves cognitive function in several ways, including preserving the integrity of the cellular mitochondria and strengthening the protective myelin sheath that surrounds the nerves in the brain. [27] Mitochondrial breakdown is associated with several age-related disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and weakening or damage to the myelin sheath has a severe adverse effect on vision, hearing, balance, coordination, and general brain function.
ALCAR has also been shown to strengthen and protect membrane signal receptors in the brain and help keep neurons healthy and functional. This protective ability not only increases the ability to form and maintain new memories but is also another way in which ALCAR complements and potentiates other nootropics.
Other Actions in the Body
ALCAR works in the body and the brain, performing many of the same functions as L-carnitine.
While the conversion of fat to energy isn’t one of ALCAR’s primary benefits, it does increase metabolic efficiency. It provides many of the same energy-related benefits as other L-carnitine variants.
ALCAR has also been shown to be particularly effective at reducing hypertension [28] and lowering insulin resistance. [29]
Dosage
Recommendations for the standard daily dosage of ALCAR range from 1,000–3,000 mg daily. [30]
Users report that taking ALCAR in the morning provides peak daytime brain function, though some users say ALCAR works best when split into two or more doses taken at intervals throughout the day. Taking ALCAR late in the evening may result in disruption of the normal sleep cycle. [31]
ALCAR can be taken on an empty stomach, but users who experience gastrointestinal upset report that it can be minimized or avoided by taking ALCAR with food. [32]
Stacking
ALCAR’s effects are truly potentiated when combined with other nootropics. It is commonly included in stacks that feature nootropics in the racetam family, allowing them to function to their fullest potential.
Since ALCAR works in tandem with the acetylcholine system, it may also be a good idea to include a choline precursor, such as Alpha GPC, in your stack.
ALCAR and Piracetam Stack
1x per day
ALCAR and Mind Lab Pro Stack
An easy and effective stack is to combine ALCAR with a preformulated nootropic blend, such as Mind Lab Pro by Opti-Nutra which contains 11 all-natural research-backed ingredients. Mind Lab Pro can serve as an excellent foundation to your stack as it is designed to improve all aspects of memory, mental performance, mood and stress resistance, maintenance, and brain repair.
For a detailed overview of its ingredients and effects, refer to our Mind Lab Pro review.
1x-2x per day
Side Effects
ALCAR is exceptionally safe and well-tolerated. There does not appear to be any toxicity associated with the standard supplemental dosages of carnitine.
Side effects are rare, and those that are reported are minor and are often associated with high dosage. Nausea, the most commonly reported side effect, can usually be addressed by taking ALCAR with food. Other side effects include headaches, dry mouth, and restlessness.
Where to Buy
ALCAR can be purchased directly from PureNootropics.net, a reliable supplier of specialty nootropic supplements.
If you prefer doing your online shopping on Amazon.com, we recommend sticking to products made by reputable brands such as NOW Foods Acetyl L-Carnitine.
Closing Thoughts
ALCAR is a remarkable natural supplement that offers a host of benefits for both the brain and body.
A powerful brain booster in its own right, it works well with other nootropics and can act as a powerful complement and potentiator. It’s safe, affordable, very well tolerated, and readily available without a prescription.
For anyone interested in better health, better cognitive abilities, and better defense against aging, ALCAR is a supplement to try.
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Acetyl-L-Carnitine was last modified: July 16th, 2021 by Braintropic.com Research Team
References
^ 1 Van Oudheusden LJ, Scholte HR. Efficacy of carnitine in the treatment of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2002 ^ 2 Herrmann WM, Stephan K. Efficacy and clinical relevance of cognition enhancers. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord. 1991 ^ 3 Malaguarnera M et al. Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2008 ^ 4 Ruggenenti P et al. Ameliorating hypertension and insulin resistance in subjects at increased cardiovascular risk: effects of acetyl-L-carnitine therapy. Hypertension. 2009 ^ 5 Traina G The neurobiology of acetyl-L-carnitine Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). 2016 ^ 6 Inano A, et al. Acetyl-L-carnitine permeability across the blood-brain barrier and involvement of carnitine transporter OCTN2. Biopharm Drug Dispos. 2003 ^ 7 White HL, Scates PW. Acetyl-L-carnitine as a precursor of acetylcholine. Neurochem Res. 1990 ^ 8 Smeland OB, Meisingset TW, Borges K, Sonnewald U. Chronic acetyl-L-carnitine alters brain energy metabolism and increases noradrenaline and serotonin content in healthy mice. Neurochem Int. 2012 ^ 9 Gadaleta MN et al. Reduced transcription of mitochondrial DNA in the senescent rat. Tissue dependence and effect of L-carnitine. Eur J Biochem. 1990 ^ 10 Malaguarnera M, et al. L-Carnitine treatment reduces severity of physical and mental fatigue and increases cognitive functions in centenarians: a randomized and controlled clinical trial. (2007) ^ 11 Montgomery SA, Thal LJ, Amrein R. Meta-analysis of double blind randomized controlled clinical trials of acetyl-L-carnitine versus placebo in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer’s disease. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2003 ^ 12 “DHDPI/Inattentive type and ALCAR” ^ 13 “ALCAR is extremely effective in letting me focus for 8+ hours without appreciable mental fatigue, and I’m trying to understand why. Possible nutritional deficiency?” ^ 14, ^ 31 u/Monkzeng Alcar is by far my favorite noot r/Nootropics Reddit.com 2019 ^ 15 Bak SW, et al. Neuroprotective Effects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine Against Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation-Induced Neural Stem Cell Death. (2016) ^ 16 Hota KB, Hota SK, Chaurasia OP, Singh SB. Acetyl-L-carnitine-mediated neuroprotection during hypoxia is attributed to ERK1/2-Nrf2-regulated mitochondrial biosynthesis. Hippocampus. 2012 ^ 17 Rump TJ, at al. Acetyl-L-carnitine protects neuronal function from alcohol-induced oxidative damage in the brain. (2010) ^ 18 Liu J, et al. Memory loss in old rats is associated with brain mitochondrial decay and RNA/DNA oxidation: partial reversal by feeding acetyl-L-carnitine and/or R-alpha -lipoic acid. (2002) ^ 19 Chiechio S, Copani A, Gereau RW, Nicoletti F.Acetyl-L-carnitine in neuropathic pain: experimental data. CNS Drugs. 2007 ^ 20 Onofrj M, et al. Acetyl-L-carnitine: from a biological curiosity to a drug for the peripheral nervous system and beyond.Expert Rev Neurother. 2013 ^ 21 Tomassini V, et al. Comparison of the effects of acetyl L-carnitine and amantadine for the treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis. (2004) ^ 22 Wang SM, et al. A review of current evidence for acetyl-l-carnitine in the treatment of depression. J Psychiatr Res. 2014 ^ 23 Smeland OB, et al. Chronic acetyl-L-carnitine alters brain energy metabolism and increases noradrenaline and serotonin content in healthy mice. (2012) ^ 24 Freo U, et al. Cerebral metabolic effects of acetyl-l-carnitine in rats during aging. (2009) ^ 25 Amenta F, et al. Reduced lipofuscin accumulation in senescent rat brain by long-term acetyl-L-carnitine treatment. (1989) ^ 26 Foreman PJ, et al. Effects of acetyl-L-carnitine treatment and stress exposure on the nerve growth factor receptor (p75NGFR) mRNA level in the central nervous system of aged rats. (1995) ^ 27 Ramacci MT, et al. Effect of long-term treatment with acetyl-L-carnitine on structural changes of ageing rat brain. (1988) ^ 28 McMackin CJ, et al. Effect of combined treatment with alpha-Lipoic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine on vascular function and blood pressure in patients with coronary artery disease. (2007) ^ 29 Ruggenenti P, et al. Ameliorating hypertension and insulin resistance in subjects at increased cardiovascular risk: effects of acetyl-L-carnitine therapy. (2009) ^ 30 Acetyl-L-Carnitine Dosing – WebMD ^ 32 u/AnxiousMMA Anyway to prevent ALCAR upset stomach? r/Nootropics Reddit.com 2018 Planning to start a new supplementation regimen? See our medical disclaimer.
This page was last updated on July 16, 2021.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Most of the cells in your body contain carnitine, which your liver and kidneys make. Carnitine helps your cells produce energy. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is a form of carnitine that’s available as a supplement.
Why do people take acetyl-l-carnitine?
People have tried to treat many health problems using ALC, including:
Alzheimer’s disease. Several studies show improvements or slower declines in mental ability in people with Alzheimer’s disease who took ALC.
High blood sugar. Research shows that people with prediabetes had some improvement in their blood sugar levels after taking ALC for 2 months.
Alcoholism. ALC may help reduce cravings in people who are alcoholic.
Depression. Research found that ALC treatment reduced symptoms of depression in older people. It also improved dysthymia, a milder form of depression, about as well as a common medication.
Fragile X syndrome. This is a genetic problem. ALC has been used to affect certain behaviors in boys with fragile X, such as their social skills and hyperactivity, but research is mixed as to whether it really helps or not.
Male infertility. Men taking ALC in some studies had better sperm movement.
Sciatica. Research has linked ALC with less pain or less intense pain in people with pain from sciatica.
Peyronie’s disease. This condition causes the penis to curve abnormally. In one study, men who took daily ALC for 3 months had less pain and curving of the penis. The problem also progressed less in the men taking ALC.
Supplement makers suggest varying amounts of this supplement for different purposes. Common dosages range from 1 to 3 grams daily, divided into several doses. But optimal doses have not been established for any condition. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. This makes it difficult to establish a standard dose.
Can you get carnitine naturally from foods?
Animal-based foods are good sources of carnitine, including:
- Beef, 4 oz cooked – 56-162 mg
- Chicken, 4 oz cooked – 3-5 mg
- Milk, 1 cup whole – 8 mg
- Cheese, 2 oz cheddar – 2 mg
What are the risks of taking acetyl-L-carnitine?
Side effects. People taking carnitine have reported a number of side effects, including:
- Diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting
- Headaches
- Trouble sleeping
- Higher blood pressure
- Lower blood sugar and higher triglycerides (in people with diabetes)
- Psychosis (in people with bipolar disorder)
Risks. Avoid using carnitine if you’re allergic or sensitive to it. Carnitine may not be safe for people with:
- Bipolar disease
- Neuropathy
- Hypothyroidism
- Seizures
Children and pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use carnitine, because its safety is unknown.
Interactions. Check with your doctor first if you’re taking blood-thinning drugs.
Carnitine may interact with drugs or supplements that lower blood sugar. It may affect how your body breaks down certain drugs and supplements.
Carnitine may increase the effects of or have other interactions with many drugs. It may also interact with a number of herbs and supplements. Avoid using this supplement with D- or DL-carnitine.
Tell your doctor about any supplements you’re taking, even if they’re natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with any medications.
Show Sources
National Institutes of Health: “Dietary supplement fact sheet — carnitine.”
Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph: “L-carnitine.”
Alternative Medicine Review, April 1, 2010.
Mingorance, C. Vascular Health and Risk Management, March 28, 2011.
Natural Standard Professional Monograph: “L-carnitine.”