Acetyl L Carnitine is a natural supplement with many different applications from enhancing cognitive abilities to boosting athletic performance and even live extension qualities.
It is closely related to L-Carnitine which is a popular bodybuilding supplement.
But many bodybuilders and people looking for a pre-workout supplement may be curious as to whether ALCAR can help them or if they should stick with the more frequently used L-Carnitine.
What are the benefits of taking Acetyl L-Carnitine for bodybuilding?



- Increases mental energy & focus
- Promotes neuron health & anti-aging
- Improves memory, alertness & signalling
Why Do We Need ALCAR?
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Before using Acetyl L Carnitine, it might be helpful to first understand a little about this interesting supplement.
Also abbreviated as ALCAR, it is technically an acetylated form of L-Carnitine.
L-Carnitine is an amino acid which is itself formed from a combination of two other amino acids, Lysine and Methionine.
This change in form results in some significant differences in its mechanisms of action and therefore in the benefits it can provide at least in relation to its parent compounds.
One of the primary activities of this supplement is to help transport lipids and fatty acids into the cellular mitochondria. This helps to stimulate the process of fat break down within the cells.
This is also the main reason why ALCAR is now routinely used in a number of leading weight loss supplements. (It appears to be more effective in combination with other ingredients than by itself).
Using ALCAR For Sports Nutrition
Both L-Carnitine and ALCAR have been used for years as supplements that may improve sports performance. Many athletes across different sports feel that ALCAR is quite effective in this regard, leading to higher energy levels and better fat metabolism.
The uses for ALCAR in the world of athletics are quite varied. One of the ways Acetyl L-Carnitine helps is by reducing the levels of exercise damage. It is known to reduce the presence of certain biomarkers that are indicative of damaged tissues which occur during the process of exercise.
Examples of this include levels of fatigue and failure of muscular contraction, both of which are reduced considerably by ALCAR use. One of the ways in which this is thought to occur is by enhancing the oxidation of muscle, speeding recovery.
Acetyl L Carnitine for Body Building
Many body builders have also begun using ALCAR for a number of these sports related benefits.
The simple explanation for this is that Acetyl L Carnitine helps to burn stored fat. Not only that, but it forces additional fats and fatty acids into your cellular mitochondria, which allows for even more fat burning.
This can certainly benefit body builders, especially when they are dieting or cutting near competition times. It also helps to increase energy production within the body, which may sometimes run low during a period of intense dieting and exercising.
With enough ALCAR supplementation, muscles can easily burn fat and protein for energy instead of just glucose (possibly stabilizing blood sugar levels as well).
The benefits of Acetyl L-Carnitine for bodybuilders also extend to other areas. The increased burning of alternate fuels (so to speak) tends to delay muscle fatigue. It also helps to reduce the onset and accumulation of lactic acid (which is a by-product of glucose metabolism). It spares glycogen, which is the stored form of glucose.
Furthermore, ALCAR increases the production of testosterone, helping to boost muscle and bone mass and increasing sex drive in both men and women. Interestingly, many of these same effects are also seen in older people who undergo ALCAR supplementation.
Nootropic Benefits of ALCAR
There are also a number of nootropic benefits (cognitive/brain function effects) associated with Acetyl L Carnitine.
This includes an increase in memory and learning capacity along with an improved speed of memory recall and thought processing.
Other users have reported being able to think more clearly with a lengthened attention span, as well as better overall concentration and focus.
Some studies have also indicated that this supplement may help to improve sensory perception, especially in the areas of sight and sound. Users often report that their reflexes are faster and reaction times are shorter.
A very common facet of the ALCAR experience is increased energy levels, motivation and mental alertness.
The Natural Medicines database as rated Acetyl L Carnitine as Possibly Effective for improving age-related cognitive impair, general cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, and neuropathy. The research on ALCAR is very promising, and it is already widely used for its nootropic and athletic performance related effects. However, more research is still needed, and at this time, the FDA has not approved Acetyl L Carnitine as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.
ALCAR Dosage
Proper dosage of any supplement is dependent on a variety of factors including age, personal sensitivities, and the reason for taking the supplement. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplements, including ALCAR. Your doctor will be able to help determine the best dosage for your needs as well as any possible negative interactions with any of your current supplements and/or medications.
Most experts recommend using a daily dosage range of somewhere between 500 and 1,500 mg. While it can be taken with or without meals, it is more effectively absorbed when taken with food. Your dosage may also be split up into several different daily administrations.
For those interested in using ALCAR as a body building or sports nutrition supplement, take a dose before and/or after your workout. This may help make your routine much more effective and also improve your recovery times.
Acetyl L-Carnitine Side Effects
ALCAR is regarded as a very safe supplement with a low risk profile. It is generally well-tolerated by all healthy adults. Remember that L-Carnitine is a natural compound that is present in many foods we eat on a daily basis.
When used according to the dosage guidelines above you are not likely to see any side effects beyond a few mild issues. However, when these limits are exceeded, there might be some headaches, stomach and intestinal discomfort as well.
While Acetyl L-Carnitine is viewed nowadays more as a pure cognitive enhancement supplement, it also offers a number of benefits for bodybuilders, athletes, people who want to lose weight and even individuals interested in life extension techniques.
We think ALCAR is a supplement that everyone should be taking on a regular basis.
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Article last updated on: March 14th, 2018 by Nootriment
1 Comment
Should this be taken 20-30 before exercise? Also, should this be taken with carbs for an energy boost?