Many people may wonder what the most common Acetyl L Carnitine side effects are before they begin taking this nootropic supplement.
Acetyl L Carnitine is one of the more common formulations of L-Carnitine, which is itself an amino acid that is produced from two other amino acids (Lysine and Methionine).
This version, or form, of L-Carnitine is significantly more active than its parent compound due to a higher degree of bioavailability.
ALCAR is an acetylated version of Carnitine, that can cross over the Blood-Brain Barrier and cause meaningful positive changes in cognitive function and brain health.
But is ALCAR safe? What are the Acetyl L Carnitine side effects that you need to keep in mind when using this supplement?



- Increases mental energy & focus
- Promotes neuron health & anti-aging
- Improves memory, alertness & signalling
What are ALCAR’s Positive Effects?
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Acetyl L Carnitine side effects are few and far between when taken at the proper dosage levels.
Any negative effects that you may experience should be weighed against the potential for numerous positive effects that comes with the use of this supplement.
One of these key benefit is that Acetyl L-Carnitine acts as an antioxidant. It is thought to lead to the production of a substance called Glutathione in your cells, which acts as a very effective free radical scavenger.
This means that it helps to fight and remove harmful particles and toxins from the body. Free radicals can damage cells and even tamper with DNA, leading to serious health problems such as cancer. ALCAR is capable of neutralizing these free radicals and reducing or preventing some of the damage they may otherwise cause.
As an antioxidant, it is thought that ALCAR may also be able to help with the treatment of numerous other conditions. This includes heart conditions like angina. There is also evidence supporting the use of ALCAR after a heart attack or during heart failure to improve and strengthen cardiovascular function.
Numerous studies have also linked ALCAR supplementation to improved blood flow. These effects may lead to improvements in peripheral vascular disease and also diabetic neuropathy, which can both cause aches and pains in the legs, arms, feet, and hands along with other side effects.
Acetyl L Carnitine for Energy and Focus
Another important bodily process this supplement is responsible for is the transportation of fats and fatty acids into the mitochondria within cells.
This is where the majority of the body’s energy production occurs and this activity also helps the body to burn stored fat for energy rather than just glucose.
Dieters may be familiar with the Acetyl L Carnitine as an important ingredient in a number of weight loss supplements these days. As stated above, this supplement is very effective at influencing the transportation and burning of fats and lipids within the mitochondria.
Not only that, but the activity of ALCAR actually forces the cells to take up and burn this stored fat. It also works in synergy with a number of other metabolism boosting and weight loss ingredients.
ALCAR has a number of Nootropic effects as well, producing positive changes in mental abilities with little to no adverse side effects. This is most likely due to the fact that the supplement acts as a precursor for Acetylcholine, which is an important brain chemical or neurotransmitter that influences multiple cognitive processes.
You will most likely see an increase in memory and learning capacity, an expanded or lengthened attention span, improved ability to concentrate and focus, and even the potential for increased sensory perception.
Many users report that they feel less susceptible to brain fog with this nootropic and experience more mental clarity and cognitive energy.
The Natural Medicines database has rated Acetyl L Carnitine as Possibly Effective for improving Alzheimer’s disease, age-related and general cognitive impairments, chronic cerebral ischemia, and diabetic neuropathy. Despite promising research on the effects of ALCAR, more research is still need to understand its full effects. At this time the FDA has not approved Acetyl L Carnitine as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.
Acetyl L Carnitine Side Effects
It is recommended to always speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplements, as your doctor can help determine the best dosage for your needs, as well as determine if there may be any negative interactions with any existing supplements or medications you are currently taking.
Research shows that using an appropriate dosage of ALCAR is likely safe – even for long-term daily use. No doubt, this is partially due to the fact that this nutrient is naturally produced in the body already by the liver and kidneys.
After this, the supplement is generally transported to other tissues throughout the body and stored in places as varied as the skeletal muscles, brain, and heart.
Our bodies always have a small amount of ALCAR working in them, but we can boost the effects by supplementing our diet with additional sources of this natural chemical.
When used properly, according to the recommended daily dosage guide, ALCAR is certainly one of the safest supplements around. As a natural compound it is very well-tolerated and generally considered to be free of serious safety concerns.
There really are no side effects to speak of when used according to the recommendations and dosage guidelines. In high doses, of more than 5 grams per day, you might see diarrhea, increased appetite, body odor, and rash, along with possible headaches.
None of these side effects are believed to be long-term and most symptoms subside within a few hours. Speak with your doctor if you are concerned about any side effects that do not improve with a reduced dosage, as some people are sensitive to this compound.
How to Take ALCAR Safely
Experts recommend that you take ALCAR up to three times a day, generally either with meals of before/after a workout.
When used with food, it helps the supplement to be absorbed more readily by the body as well as maintaining a consistent supply within your system. This may eliminate any side effects such as stomach discomfort or diarrhea that could otherwise occur.
As far as dosing, most users suggest somewhere between 500 and 1,500 mg per day, although doses of up to 4 grams have been shown to be safe.
The best advice, of course, is to always consult a medical professional before considering adding a new supplement to your routine. Start with the lowest effective dose and work your way up from there in a very careful and controlled manner only after knowing all of the effects and possible side effects.
For improved effects, it is common to stack ALCAR with Alpha Lipoic Acid and/or a high quality choline supplement.
Who Should Use ALCAR?
Many different types of people can benefit from this supplement. This includes those who are simply looking to lose weight, athletes including body builders, weight lifters, runners, and even those who like playing sports on a recreational basis.
Elderly individuals find that ALCAR gives them greater mental energy and concentration while eradicating any confusion or mild memory loss.
Nootropic users will often take ALCAR with choline to ensure optimal Acetylcholine levels in the brain for enhanced intelligence and memory. Ultimately, this is a supplement with widespread benefits that can help almost anyone.
While there may be some mild Acetyl L-Carnitine side effects, these can be lessened by using a safe dose, and should not keep you from trying out this nootropic supplement.
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Article last updated on: March 31st, 2018 by Nootriment