Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR) Capsules

Product Description

Acetyl-L-Carnitine is an amino acid derivative of L-Carnitine.

• Promotes healthy cognition in elderly (ref)*
• Supports energy levels in adults (ref)* and elderly adults (ref)*
• Promotes neuron health (ref)*
• Supports antioxidant activity (ref)*
• May improve athletic performance (ref)*

Acetyl-L Carnitine (ALCAR)  is a subject of interest in the medical community, but thus far, there has not been a large amount of research or trials conducted with humans, except those studies referenced above.*  Many in-vitro and animal studies exist on this subject.

 The following are examples of dynamics associated with ALCAR  through the animal model and may not be representative of the effects in the human body:

• Promotes mitochondrial health and may improve memory (ref)*
• May reduce mental fatigue (ref)*
• Research suggests it is more bioavailable than L-carnitine (ref)*

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Mode of Action

Carnitine’s function in energy production and lipid (fat) metabolism (1). Both Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) and L-Carnitine are naturally occurring in the body and the body converts L-Carnitine into ALCAR and from ALCAR back to L-carnitine.  L-Carnitine is found in animal meat (and in lesser amounts in milk) and is also synthesized from the amino acids methionine and lysine.  The conversion of methionine and lysine into L-carnitine involves Vitamin C dependent enzymes, so deficiencies in Vitamin C may hinder synthesis (2).

Vegetarians and vegans who do not eat meat have lower levels of carnitine so they rely on the synthesis of carnitine from methionine and lysine within their bodies, but this is self-limiting and has a threshold beyond which they are not able to continue to synthesize carnitine.  Due to the lower level of carnitine in those people who do not eat meat, when they supplement with carnitine they have the best bioavailability and are able to absorb more carnitine than those who do not have the lower level of carnitine.  The biochemical mechanisms of the necessity to supplement carnitine in non-meat eaters have been suggested but relatively few clinical trials have been done which fully support this theory (2).

ALCAR is a form of L-carnitine that has unique functions which set it apart from L-carnitine.  ALCAR is responsible for transporting fatty acids across mitochondrial membranes which promotes fat metabolism when paired with exercise.  It has been studied for its interactions with fatigue because reduced amounts of ALCAR are found in the brain as a biomarker of fatigue (2).  ALCAR, due to its acetyl group, can also be used in the formation of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter (3).

Regardless of the form of L-carnitine, benefits can be seen in aerobic and anaerobic exercise, reducing muscular damage after exercise, and possibly increasing power output in physical performance (2).

The research in animals, which may not be representative of its effects in humans, is investigating ALCAR’s possible benefits in the areas of memory and learning, reducing mental fatigue, and many others.  Further research is needed in these areas.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Dosage

Pure Nootropics’ Acetyl-L-Carnitine provides 500 mg per 1 capsule.  Suggested use for adults is 1 capsule by mouth once daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Side Effects and Toxicity

ALCAR is generally well tolerated.  Some side effects may include gastrointestinal symptoms such as pain, nausea and vomiting; dry mouth, headache, insomnia, or agitation; and a “fishy” odor to urine, breath, and sweat, and others (1).

If you are taking blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants), please consult with your healthcare practitioner before beginning use of ALCAR.

Some psychological disorders, thyroid disorders, and seizure disorders may be adversely affected by ALCAR.  If you have any conditions, please consult with your healthcare practitioner before beginning use of ALCAR (1).

For further information, please see our References Tab above.

ALCAR Certificate of Analysis

The references below are not meant to imply that any of our products treat, cure, or diagnose any disease or human condition. References to clinical studies and pre-clinical studies may use varying dosages and may not represent the dosages or subsequent results of products we sell; however, the references provided are pertinent to the subject supplement itself. References provided are intended for research and informational purposes only and do not represent the entire body of knowledge available on the subject(s) referenced; nor do they represent all possible outcomes associated with the subject(s) referenced including, but not limited to, adverse effects, precautions, or chemical interactions within the human body. The Content provided on this website is not intended to be a replacement for professional medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Never ignore the advice of a medical professional or delay in attaining professional advice because of information or impressions you gather on this website. Choosing to rely on any information provided by the Content of this website is solely at your own risk. We encourage our audience to do their own research beyond the resources we have provided so your decision is as educated as possible.

• Promotes healthy cognition in the elderly*
Malaguarnera, M, et al. “Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALC) Treatment in Elderly Patients with Fatigue.” Arch Gerontol Geriatr., vol. 46, no. 2, 2008, pp. 181–90., doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2007.03.012.
• Supports energy levels in adults*
Vermeulen, RC, and HR Scholte. “Exploratory Open Label, Randomized Study of Acetyl- and Propionylcarnitine in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.” Psychosom Med., vol. 66, no. 2, 2004, pp. 276–82., www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15039515
• Supports energy levels and elderly adults*
Malaguarnera, M, et al. “Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALC) Treatment in Elderly Patients with Fatigue.” Arch Gerontol Geriatr., vol. 46, no. 2, 2008, pp. 181–90., doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2007.03.012.
• Promotes neuron health*
Bak, SW, et al. “Neuroprotective Effects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine Against Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation-Induced Neural Stem Cell Death.” Mol Neurobiol., vol. 53, no. 10, Dec. 2016, pp. 6644–6652., doi:10.1007/s12035-015-9563-x.
• Supports antioxidant activity*
Cao, Y, et al. “Single Dose Administration of L-Carnitine Improves Antioxidant Activities in Healthy Subjects.” Tohoku J Exp Med., vol. 224, no. 3, July 2011, pp. 209–13., doi:10.1620/tjem.224.209.
• May improve athletic performance*
Cha, YS, et al. “Effects of Carnitine Coingested Caffeine on Carnitine Metabolism and Endurance Capacity in Athletes.” J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo), vol. 47, no. 6, Dec. 2001, pp. 378–84., www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11922111.
The following are examples of dynamics associated with ALCAR through the animal model and may not be representative of the effects in the human body:
• Promotes mitochondrial health and may improve memory*
Liu, Jiankang, et al. “Emory 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.” Preceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 99, no. 4, Feb. 2002, pp. 2356–61., doi:10.1073/pnas.261709299.
• May reduce mental fatigue*
Smeland, OB, et al. “Chronic Acetyl-L-Carnitine Alters Brain Energy Metabolism and Increases Noradrenaline and Serotonin Content in Healthy Mice.” Neurochem Int., vol. 61, no. 1, July 2012, pp. 100–7., doi:10.1016/j.neuint.2012.04.008.
• Research suggests it is more bioavailable than L-carnitine*
Liu, J, et al. “Comparison of the Effects of L-Carnitine and Acetyl-L-Carnitine on Carnitine Levels, Ambulatory Activity, and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in the Brain of Old Rats.” Ann N Y Acad Sci., vol. 1033, Nov. 2004, pp. 117–31., www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15591009.

1. “Acetyl-L-Carnitine.” Foods Herbs & Supplements, Professional, https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=834#adverseEvents.
2. “L-Carnitine” Examine.com, published on 12 September 2014, last updated on 1 March 2019, https://examine.com/supplements/l-carnitine/.
3. Linus Pauling Institute. (2019). L-Carnitine. Web. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/L-carnitine.