Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) – Nootropics Information

https://nootro.info/acetyl-l-carnitine

Summary: Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a popular multi-functional nutrient, amino

acid type nootropic. It benefits the body and brain. A potent antioxidant and
neuroprotectant, and a powerful energizing nootropic that promotes anti-aging
and longevity.

Table of Contents
• 1 INTRODUCTION
• 2 BENEFITS & EFFECTS
o 2.1 Acetyl-L-Carnitine Enhances Brain Function and Stamina
o 2.2 Acetyl-L-Carnitine Provides Neuroprotection Against Brain Cell Death
o 2.3 Restores Cognitive Function and Repairs Impairment
o 2.4 Support Mitochondrial Function and Nervous System
o 2.5 Regulates Sexual Infertility and Erectile Dysfunction
• 3 MECHANISM OF ACTION
o 3.1 Acetyl-L-Carnitine on Neurotransmitters
• 4 DOSAGE
• 5 SIDE EFFECTS
• 6 CONCLUSIONS
• 7 COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE
o 7.1 Acetyl-L-Carnitine First Experience
o 7.2 Second Experience
o 7.3 Third Experience

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAPtuFkgtSk
 Acetyl-L-Carnitine

1. INTRODUCTION
Acetyl-L-Carnitine, also known as ALCAR and ALC, is an amino acid naturally
produced in your body to generate energy. It’s also found in animal proteins such
as red meats. Many people supplement with acetyl-L-carnitine because of its
potential benefits. Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a more bioavailable form of amino acid l-
carnitine, a derivative of amino acid lysine. The body continuously produces L-
carnitine, and furthermore gets it from the foods you eat.
Although research shows actual carnitine insufficiency is uncommon in healthy
people with no metabolic disorders, supplementation with addition of it is proven
to be beneficial in many different ways. Ranging from improving heart health (R)
to enhancing brain function (R).
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is L-carnitine with the addition of an acetyl group, thereby
making it the most bioavailable form of L-carnitine and it readily crosses the
blood-brain barrier. Its primary actions work towards brain functionality. Its
nootropic properties seem to magnify when taken with other nootropics. The
combination makes it a potentiating agent allowing nootropics to work more
effectively.
Other forms of L-carnitine include L-carnitine L-tartrate (LCLT) which is typically
assessing physical performance, and Glycine Propionyl L-carnitine (GPLC),
which relieves blood flow issues. The only L-carnitine form that possesses
nootropic properties is Acetyl L-carnitine, and it furthermore provides both L-
carnitine and acetyl groups (molecule) that act towards the development of the
learning neurotransmitter, acetylcholine.

2. BENEFITS & EFFECTS

Research proves ALCAR beneficial to the brain and body in many ways. From
enhancing cognitive abilities (R) to increasing energy (R), reducing pain, and
even preventing damage from alcohol consumption. (R)

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Enhances Brain Function and

Stamina
Studies show that it successfully lowers mental exhaustion and improves
cognitive function as well as learning capability. In a placebo-controlled,
randomized, double-blind, 2-phase study, 66 participants with fatigue were given
2 g of L-carnitine once a day. By the end of the study, the group taking L-
carnitine showed significant improvements in physical fatigue, mental fatigue,
fatigue severity amongst other physical enhancements, as compared to those
receiving a placebo.
Moreover, the study confirms that oral supplementation of L-carnitine reduces the
total of fat mass, increases muscular mass, increases capacity for physical and
cognitive activity, improves cognitive functions, all while reducing fatigue as well.
(R)

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Provides Neuroprotection Against

Brain Cell Death
Due to its potent antioxidant attributes, ALCAR acts as a neuroprotectant,
blocking and restoring damage from free radicals that injure brain cells. It also
helps the brain clear itself of other toxins and decreases cell death due to
excitotoxicity, a neurotic process that triggers by the over-activation of glutamate
receptors. It enhances the neural network by stimulating nerves and signal
receptors and additionally protects the brain against the damaging influences of
drinking alcohol. (R)

Restores Cognitive Function and Repairs Impairment

One of Acetyl-L-Carnitine’ many exciting prospects is as a treatment for age-
related neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. It has been
confirmed to dramatically slow decline in Alzheimer’s patients and decreases
age-related recall failure. Other studies showed that ALCAR supports repair
ambulatory capability in the elderly and functions as a mood lifter as well as
working as an anti-depressant in the elderly. (R)

Support Mitochondrial Function and Nervous System

ALCAR promotes mitochondrial function and serves to support the nervous
system overall performance. Especially in the case where an individual is subject
to neurodegenerative disease. It can be of significant benefit to people with
physical disorders typically correlated with aging, including high blood pressure,
diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. It has shown to be efficient in managing
nerve pain, enhancing kidney function, and improving heart health. (R) (R)

Regulates Sexual Infertility and Erectile Dysfunction

ALCAR regulates men’s infertility and improves signs of andropause and erectile
dysfunction. It is also in use to fight Peyronie’s disease, an inflammatory disease
that affects the penis. (R) (R) Additionally, it is under clinical trials as a possible
treatment for chronic fatigue.
 3. MECHANISM OF ACTION
ALCAR synthesizes primarily in the liver and kidneys, after which it travels to
other tissues. ALCAR has excellent bioavailability. The gastrointestinal tract
quickly digests it. Its actions differ considerably from 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. Its most
effective role is within the cerebellum.
Another one of ALCAR’s nootropic benefits involves the acetyl groups, which
produce the support for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Often
referred to as “the learning neurotransmitter,” acetylcholine is accountable for
learning, memory, and cognitive function. Increased levels of acetylcholine result
in an improvement in cognitive function, and low levels of that essential
neurotransmitter risks neurological complications similar to Parkinson’s and
Alzheimer’s.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine on Neurotransmitters
ALCAR resumes showing increasing levels of norepinephrine and serotonin.
They are vital neurotransmitters that play an essential part in mood and brain
function. The capacity to improve neurotransmitter production is one of the
principal techniques that ALCAR complements nootropics attributes. Similar to
those of the racetams, which enhance the action of neurotransmitter receptors in
the cerebellum.
Moreover, ALCAR targets brain metabolism, promoting cellular energy and
serving as a potent neuroprotectant. Its critical antioxidant qualities combat the
impressions of cellular oxidation. It further decreases the number of damaged
cells in an individual brain, thereby becoming a useful longevity tool.
Damaged fat cells identified as lipofuscin (age spots) also happen in the brain
and are actively correlated amidst age-related neurological dysfunctions, lack of
energy, and weak memory. By supporting the brain excrete those damaged cells.
ALCAR increases brain function and significantly lessens the risk of
neurodegenerative disorders. It has also been shown to limit brain deterioration
during times of stress.

4. DOSAGE
How to take Acetyl-L-Carnitine: typical dosage is 500 mg per day once in the
morning, and up to 1,500 mg split into three doses of 500 mg. From there, adjust
dosage to your need without exceeding 1,500 mg. At least not during trial period.
It is water-soluble, therefore it can be taken with or without food. However, taking
ALCAR late in the evening can result in disruption of sleep.
 5. SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects are uncommon. If they occur, it is usually in in the cases of
consuming high doses before allowing the body to adapt to the additional amount
of Acetyl-L-Carnitine that it is receiving.
Nausea is the most common side effect. It is easily preventable by taking ALCAR
alongside food rather than on an empty stomach.
Headaches are the second most common side effect, which may imply an
excessive amounts of choline. Users report that headaches from ALCAR use
decrease when they reduce the amount of choline in their stacks and diets.

6. CONCLUSION
ALCAR is an outstanding amino acid nootropic. It offers many benefits to both
the body and the brain. In addition to its potent brain boosting effect, it is also a
healthy nutrient.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is safe, affordable, very tolerable, and easily accessible in
department and drug stores. It enhances cognitive function, supports ant-aging
and longevity, which makes it a nootropic worth adding to any stack.

7. COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE
To be fair in sharing the Reddit community experiences, I will add the first 3 that I
see whether the experience is positive or negative. Three Acetyl-L-Carnitine
reddit experiences:

Acetyl-L-Carnitine First Experience

As the title says, it’s been a game changer. Old stack was citicoline 300mg b.id
with centrophenoxine 350mg one to two times daily. Switched Centro
to ALCAR 500 one daily just to try and damn it’s been really good. Mornings are
good, everything is really clear. Honestly this feels a lot like amphetamine. So
much so that I cancelled my pdoc appt to get a refill. I was basically off the meds
but wanted to have a few around but now I really don’t think I need them. Very
glad people on here have posted about alcar before! - skibenz

Second Experience
Funny enough I get a stronger response from ALCAR then I do racetams in
regards to mental performance. It seems to make me really smart. Your mileage
may vary though. To OP: I get results in a day. Be careful for not overdoing it.
I’ve posted before that acetylcholine overload tends to make you depressed and
function worse. - eastmangoboy
Third Experience
I have been taking Acetyl for about 17yrs. For the last 2 yrs or so it has affected
me less and less (no idea why) but before that, I noticed a MASSIVE positive
boost from taking it. I experienced a huge uptick in word retrieval and overall
brain function. used to always say that when I took Acetyl, it was like an electric
switch was turned on, as that’s what it felt like … electric..I always bought it in
bulk powder and almost always used 1 gram in my morning shake (180lb Male).
DO NOT use it after noon …. you will NOT sleep !!!! You should notice a
difference within 3-4 days. As I did mention, I am noticing now that I am affected
by Acetyl less and less. If I miss a few days, I don’t really notice it like I did years
ago and I don’t really get that electric charge feeling. I don’t know why this is, as
I’ve purchased a few different brands. - German_Mafia