What Acetyl L-Carnitine dosage should you be using for the best results?
The answer to this question really depends on your reasons for taking Acetyl L-Carnitine, your typical diet, as well as any other supplements you might be using alongside this compound.
Acetyl L-Carnitine, or ALCAR, is an acetylated form of the dietary amino acid L-Carnitine. This amino acid occurs naturally in the body and we also get it from certain foods, particularly meats.
A dose of ALCAR is often taken as an energy-enhancing supplement, but it also has profoundly positive implications for memory and mood.
Using the right Acetyl L-Carnitine dosage alongside other nootropics in your stack may increase levels of Acetylcholine in your neurons, while also boosting energy production in your brain cells.



- Increases mental energy & focus
- Promotes neuron health & anti-aging
- Improves memory, alertness & signalling
Acetyl L-Carnitine Dosage Uses
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Acetyl L-Carnitine is a more bioavailable form of L-Carnitine that is noted for being better able to cross over into brain cells.
After oral administration, ALCAR is transported to tissues like the brain and the heart, functioning as an anti-oxidant.
It promoted the production of glutathione in the cells to work as a free radical scavenger, preventing damage that can occur due to oxidation.
This is one of the reasons why Acetyl L-Carnitine is considered highly effective for life extension and general health and wellness purposes.
ALCAR also has a detoxifying effect and can aid in the removal of toxins or waste build-up from cells.
This supplement is capable of increasing cellular metabolism by aiding in the production of ATP. It transports fatty acids to the mitochondria which are cell bodies responsible for creating molecules of ATP which can then be burned for energy.
The effect seems to be particularly pronounced in the brain which uses one fifth of all of the glucose energy in your body. Many ALCAR reviews say that this supplement gives them heightened mental energy, boosting their perceptual awareness and alertness, while also increasing the efficiency of cognitive processes.
Increasing Acetylcholine Levels
Finally, Acetyl L-Carnitine dosages can be combined with choline supplements to increase the rate of Acetylcholine synthesis in your neurons.
Acetylcholine is one of the neurotransmitters that is involved in many of our thought processes and functions related to memory and reasoning. It is tied to the concept of synaptic plasticity; higher Acetylcholine levels make your brain more able to adapt, learn and develop new connections.
Acetyl L-Carnitine contributes acetate to make Acetylcholine, especially in the presence of large amounts of choline. For this reason, it has been studied in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and the possible reduction in symptoms of depression.
There is also the thought that daily supplementation may have an overall protective effect on the central nervous system, and may even benefit the heart.
The Natural Medicines database has rated Acetyl L Carnitine as Possibly Effective for improving age-related cognitive impair, general cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, and neuropathy. And while research into the neurological impacts of ALCAR have been very positive, more research is still needed. At this time, the FDA has not approved Acetyl L Carnitine as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.
Acetyl L Carnitine Food Sources
There are a number of food sources in which Acetyl L Carnitine is present. Most of these include red meats like lamb and beef. Of course, most of these are fairly fatty sources, but it is one of the reasons why health experts still advocate the consumption of red meat, even in moderation.
These types of sources have nutrients which simply cannot be found in other places. ALCAR is also found in a number of plant and botanical sources, but the concentrations is much lower than in meats. For this reason, vegetarians in particular are at risk of not having enough ALCAR in their systems.
Acetyl L Carnitine Dosage
If you want to get the best results from using this supplement, what is the preferred Acetyl L Carnitine dosage?
The generally accepted daily range is between 500 and 1,500 mg per day.
Individuals who are taking ALCAR for overall health boosting and life extension reasons typically start at the lower end of the dosing scale. People who are using this supplement as a nootropic cognitive enhancer will usually take doses above 1,000 mg per day.
The same dosage can be used for individuals trying to lose weight with ALCAR.
That being said, it is important to balance your dose with any other supplements you are taking and adjust for personal sensitivity levels. Not everyone will see the same results from the same amount.
Acetyl L Carnitine is a water soluble supplement that should be taken with food rather than on an empty stomach. The reason for this is to help improve its overall absorption and bioavailability. If you have previously used L-Carnitine supplements, you will probably find that you need much less Acetyl L-Carnitine to feel the same results.
ALCAR is thought to be much more bioavailable and metabolizes differently from the basic version of this important amino acid. Depending on your experience level with health supplements, you might want to start with an effective dose even lower than the 500 mg level.
Only after becoming familiar with the effects should you consider increasing your dosage of Acetyl L Carnitine.
The above Acetyl L Carnitine dosages are general guidelines only. Proper dosages depend on a variety or factors including age, personal sensitivities, and the reason for taking a supplement. Before beginning any new supplements it is always recommended that you speak with your doctor. Your doctor will be able to determine the best dosage for your needs, and also determine if there may be any negative interactions with any current supplements or drugs you are taking.
Side Effects
Remember that your liver and kidneys already synthesize small amounts of this substance naturally. As such, it is viewed as likely safe and well-tolerated.
There are usually few side effects associated with this supplement when taken according to the recommended levels listed above. Higher doses, however, may result in things like headaches, stomach issues, and other mild unpleasant side effects.
One way to deal with the headaches is by adding in a high quality Choline supplement. Otherwise, you will want to reduce your dose until the side effects disappear.
There are a number of medications which might cause some interactions with ALCAR. Therefore, you should consult with your doctor or qualified medical professional before using it in combination with AZT (used for treating HIV and AIDS), Doxorubicin (cancer), Accutane (acne), thyroid hormone, and the anti-seizure medication known as Depakote or Valproic acid.
Before adding a new supplement to your routine it is always advisable to consult with your doctor or a qualified medical professional.
Conclusions
Acetyl L-Carnitine is a nootropic supplement that should not be underestimated. Carnitines are used by the body to turn fat into energy.
L-Carnitine is naturally produced in the body and then transported and stored in the skeletal muscles, heart, brain, and sperm cells. ALCAR especially is known to target the brain, increasing energy supply to your neurons and boosting Acetylcholine synthesis.
It can improve functions related to memory formation, learning, memory recall, critical thinking, attention and overall mental energy.
This supplement also works as an antioxidant and can help to flush out toxins and waste products from your brain cells like lipofuscin. Acetyl L-Carnitine has neuroprotective effects and can help to ensure the healthy functioning of your neurons and supporting cellular structures.
Consider using a daily Acetyl L-Carnitine dosage of between 500 – 1500 mg for the best results with this brain supplement.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
2 Comments
Quero usar esse medicamento na minha filha de 12 anos foi diagnosticado com DEFICIT .
Qual dosagem posso medicar