Acetyl-L-Carnitine

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What is it?
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is a potent antioxidant amino acid that is used for a variety of purposes including boosting exercise performance, improving cognition and depression, fat loss, memory and mood.

ALCAR helps supply the brain with energy by improving energetics in the mitochondrion, the cell’s energy generator. ALCAR can also protect neurons and repair certain damage, such as that caused by diabetes and diabetic neuropathy.

It is more easily absorbed from the gut than L-Carnitine and more readily crosses the blood-brain barrier. Being a natural substance already produced by our own bodies, it has little chance of producing adverse effects.

Studies
Carnitine was tested over 24 weeks in a population of persons with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, either as 2g Acetyl-L-Carnitine, 2g Propionyl-L-Carnitine, or 1g of each. The studies found that ALCAR significantly reduced mental fatigue and improved concentration.

Another study was performed over a 6-month period on infertile men aged 20-60, where they were given either 3g of L-Carnitine, Acetyl-L- carnitine, or a 2:1 combination of Carnitine: ALCAR. All three experimental groups had improvements in sperm quality with more increases seen with the two groups with Acetyl-L-Carnitine. In regards to sperm motility, combination therapy was non-significantly more effective than either treatment, and approximately twice as effective (relative to baseline) as L-carnitine in isolation.

A study was conducted for 24 weeks in type-2 diabetics of 1 g of acetyl-L-carnitine twice a day (i.e. 2 g/day). The study was able to acutely cause glucose disposal and cause better glucose tolerance in the cohort of persons with higher basal glucose. Blood pressure was reduced from 8-10mmhg systolic, and slowly returned to normal over the 8 weeks after the trial. Suggesting an acute fix.

Conclusion
ALCAR is a natural remedy super antioxidant, occurring from L-Carnitine that specifically benefits the brain.  There is evidence from human studies that ALCAR can improve glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, cognitive function, protection from oxidative damage, depression and fatigue. As it is a natural substance there is smaller likelihood of adverse reactions. Both ALCAR capsules and powder are available at CYOS.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15193480

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16169400

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21813919

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20963457

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19620516

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18545197

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11788381

https://examine.com/supplements/l-carnitine/

CYOS blog content is for informational and educational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Always consult with your doctor or medical professional before using any dietary supplements or if you suspect you have any medical concerns or issues.

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