Stacking nootropic supplements together is an effective way to maximize their benefits, but is the combination of Acetyl L Carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid synergistic?
Often marketed as a pair, these two compounds, an amino acid and a fatty acid respectively, are each known as powerful antioxidants.
Acetyl L Carnitine delivers excellent cell protection, boosts metabolism, and fosters a healthy neural environment. It is also observed to dramatically improve focus, mental clarity, drive and attention span.
What happens when you add Alpha Lipoic Acid’s neuron repair and protection into the mix? Read on to find out about the brain boosting effects and benefits of taking ALCAR and ALA together as well as dosage and side effect info.



- Increases mental energy & focus
- Promotes neuron health & anti-aging
- Improves memory, alertness & signalling
How Acetyl L Carnitine Works as a Nootropic
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Acetyl L Carnitine (Acetyl L-Carnitine, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Acetylcarnitine, ALC, ALCAR) is a naturally occurring amino acid that has several roles in the body.
By moving fats into the mitochondria of cells, Acetyl L Carnitine fuels cells’ energy generating capacity and fires metabolism.
It is an antioxidant that fights free-radicals and arrests cell death by excitotoxicity.
When Acetyl L Carnitine combines with choline that’s already present in the body, it is able to convert into Acetylcholine in the brain. There, this neurochemical fosters the growth of new synaptic connections.
For the user, the release of this agent translates into powerful memory-boosting and thought-focusing effects. Simultaneously, Acetyl L Carnitine stimulates Dopamine and helps transport it to its receptors, generating feelings of confidence, drive and euphoria.
Overall, it’s a great supplement on its own and doesn’t necessarily need to be stacked with anything else, however combining it with a quality choline supplement may improve Acetylcholine production.
Alpha Lipoic Acid – A Powerful Antioxidant
Alpha Lipoic Acid (Alpha-Lipoic Acid, ALA) is another super anti-aging supplement. It goes to work in the body by shielding and preventing proteins from cross-linking with one another.
It is theorized that cross-linkage is the root of skin’s loss of elasticity over time, as well as the source of many aging related immune disorders. Instead, Alpha Lipoic Acid actually stimulates skin renewal by activating factors which discard damaged collagen.
Alpha Lipoic Acid is also a powerful antioxidant. It can eliminate free radicals in the brain and boost the power of other antioxidants already at work there. Alpha Lipoic Acid can also aid the repair of veins and detoxify tissues and cells.
Just as with Acetyl L Carnitine, Alpha Lipoic Acid works in the cell mitochondria, protecting crucial enzymes and aiding in the generation of metabolic energy. Alpha Lipoic Acid’s anti-aging properties are excellent, but it does not produce as many quantifiable benefits that users can overtly feel.



- Neutralizes free radicals & oxidative damage
- Regulate blood glucoses levels
- Supports mitochondrial energy metabolism
Acetyl L Carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid Benefits
In addition to receiving the individual benefits associated with each supplement, are there any new benefits to be had by taking them jointly?
While Acetyl L Carnitine seems to have the more noticeable benefits of the two, Alpha Lipoic Acid does support and boost antioxidant activities, acting as a “protector” for many of the processes Acetyl L Carnitine sets in motion.
Higher cellular metabolism results in increased fat burning and can promote weight loss. Together, the two may also lower blood pressure.
In studies at the Boston Medical Center, the pairing was shown to dramatically improve vascular health, and greatly improve mitochondrial function.
Overall, most proponents of the Acetyl L Carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid combo note greatly improved mental vigor and youthful energy. However, these qualities are often reported from the use of Acetyl L Carnitine alone.
It is clear that there are no contraindications between the two supplements, and combining them together will not produce any new side effects or risks. Nor will the presence of one negate the effects of the other.
Some users have demonstrated very light side effects like nausea or temporary skin rashes from Alpha Lipoic Acid, but these are not very common and aren’t amplified with the addition of ALCAR 750mg capsules.
Stacking ALCAR With Noopept
Users who are looking to amplify Acetyl L Carnitine’s noticeable cognitive benefits might enjoy other pairings more than just Acetyl L Carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid.
One of the more popular and potent supplements commonly combined with ALCAR is Noopept. Noopept enhances communication between the hemispheres of the brain and is reported to improve memory and concentration.
In addition to these effects, Noopept still works as an excellent antioxidant in the brain, relieving apoptosis and oxidative stress.
Buy ALCAR and Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements
When it comes down to it, buying in bulk is almost always a better option when it comes to ALCAR. Supplement manufacturers who package Acetyl L Carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid together often mark up the component costs dramatically.
Especially in the case of Acetyl L Carnitine, there are some great, truly cost-effective deals to be had when buying 100 or more grams at a time, as opposed to small bottles of 250 mg pills. When purchased as bulk powder, the cost per dose comes down to just pennies per dose.
As ALCAR is a staple in many stacks, the flexibility that this pricing allows makes bulk buying very attractive. Then, users can occasionally add Alpha Lipoic Acid into the mix without committing to daily high dose prices.
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Article last updated on: March 20th, 2018 by Nootriment