Acetyl-L Carnitine is a nootropic supplement with benefits be applicable to general health, disease prevention, and even brain protection.
It is becoming more and more popular to use in nootropic stacks alongside choline sources.
This acetate compound is also referred to as ALCAR and is available as a nutritional supplement in the US and in most other countries.
It is made up of L-Carnitine and also a number of acetyl groups which are used in the synthesis of a key brain chemical.
What are the brain boosting effects of this supplement and what do Acetyl-L Carnitine reviews say about how this nootropic works?
Below, you will find an examination of exactly what ALCAR is, the major benefits, mechanisms of action, some user experiences, and potential side effects.



- Increases mental energy & focus
- Promotes neuron health & anti-aging
- Improves memory, alertness & signalling
What Is Acetyl-L Carnitine?
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Acetyl-L Carnitine is a derivative of the amino acid Lysine.
As it was first isolated from meat back in 1905, it was named carnitine (a derivation of the latin word for meat).
It is now considered to be an acetylated form of this amino acid which naturally occurs in both plants and animals.
The supplement is absorbed through the intestines and this absorption rate actually improves with sodium.
While bodybuilders and athletes use L-Carnitine to help them build muscle, the acetylated version is more commonly used for cognitive enhancement.
The ALCAR form offers users a much better bioavailability rate than other forms of carnitine supplements and can cross the blood-brain barrier.
Acetly-L Carnitine Review
One of the best benefits of this supplement is the potential to improve various brain functions related to intellect and mental processing.
Due to an increase in the levels of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine, users will see an increase in their memory, learning capacity, and overall mental energy. This helps users to maintain a clarity of thought and improved focus.
There is also a lot of evidence to suggest that this supplement acts a neuroprotectant. As a powerful anti-oxidant there is no doubt that it neutralizes free radicals and remove other toxins and poisons.
This also helps to improve the efficiency of communication and function between neurons within the brain while keeping your brain cells healthier in the long run.
There are many studies which show the effectiveness of Acetyl-L Carnitine in the prevention and treatment of a number of diseases. This includes cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and possibly alleviating some of the symptoms associated with HIV and AIDS.
It has also been shown to increase sperm motility, which is very meaningful for anyone suffering with fertility issues.
Mechanisms Of Action:
Acetyl-L Carnitine is absorbed through the intestines and is capable of crossing over the blood-brain barrier. Once this happens, the supplement enters into the central nervous system and begins exerting its effects.
As the supplement breaks down it is thought to actually become a precursor for Acetylcholine, which is a powerful neurotransmitter that plays a key role in memory formation and a number of other cognitive processes. Acetylcholine is made up of choline and acetate which you can get from ALCAR.
While most nootropic users only focus on taking additional choline supplements, stacking Alpha GPC or CDP Choline with Acetyl-L Carnitine can actually produce a much greater nootropic benefit.
User Experiences With Acetyl-L Carnitine:
Many users have reported that one of the first things they notice about Acetyl-L Carnitine is a feeling of absolute and total mental clarity. This may also extend into improved memory and learning capacity, but not always.
Results in this area depend on your natural levels of acetylcholine, but if you are lower than the average you may see a significant memory boost with this nootropic.
Another common user experience is a reduction in fatigue and better focus and concentration. Many Acetyl-L Carnitine reviews also state that it helps them to lose weight, especially targeting fat loss.
This supplement seems to complement a number of others, including many Cholinergic Nootropics. For example, taking this with one of the Racetams can actually promote synergistic effects with some of the memory and cognition benefits.
A common nootropic stack with Acetyl-L Carnitine would be a Racetam and a Choline source such as Aniracetam and Citicoline. It also works well with DAA and most other amino acids (making it safe and effective for body builders and weight lifters).
Acetyl-L Carnitine Side Effects:
While ALCAR is generally well-tolerated and regarded as safe, there are a few side effects associated with its use. These are generally very mild and can include gastrointestinal issues like nausea and abdominal cramps, headaches, and increased agitation or restlessness.
The best way to avoid the GI tract issues is by taking the supplement with food. If you are getting headaches, one possible remedy cited in many reviews of Acetyl-L Carnitine might be adding some Choline to your diet.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment