Acetyl L-Carnitine Effects & Benefits for Cognitive Function

Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR, Acetylcarnitine, ALC) is a derivative of the athletic performance supplement Carnitine. Despite their similar names and chemical structures, there is actually a very different mechanism of action for Acetyl L-Carnitine.

This acetylated version of Carnitine offers more mental rather than physical benefits because it is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Its primary effect is on the production of Acetylcholine.

Acetylcholine is one of the main neurotransmitters involved in memory, learning, computation, analysis, perception and many more cognitive processes.

Elevated Acetylcholine levels can promote increased synaptic plasticity and boost memory formation. Acetyl L-Carnitine works particularly well when stacked with choline supplements and other nootropics that effect the Cholinergic system.

Acetyl L-Carnitine

Natural Nootropic

Mental Energy

Brain Function

Memory

How It Works:

• Increases mental energy & focus
• Promotes neuron health & anti-aging
• Improves memory, alertness & signalling

Dosage:

Between 500 - 2,500 per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Acetyl L-Carnitine Effects

Acetyl L-Carnitine has very high bioavailabilty and good transportation across the blood brain barrier (which is what makes it distinct from L-Carnitine).

Once it reaches the brain, ALCAR is broken down into Acetyl-COA which can then bind with choline to form Acetylcholine. The caveat is that there must be sufficient amounts of choline available in order for the Acetylcholine conversion to occur.

For this reason, ALCAR is not considered a direct precursor to Acetylcholine but it is an indirect supplement that contributes to increased levels of this important neurotransmitters.

It is interesting that most of the Acetylcholine supplement users out there only focus on boosting the amount of choline they have in their system and there is less attention paid to the acetate component.

However, by taking an Acetyl L-Carnitine supplement alongside a choline source you may make a dramatic change to Acetylcholine production and activity in the brain.

There are a few other nootropic effects of Acetyl L-Carnitine related to boosting brain health and improving the maintenance of your neurons.

This supplement is a highly effective anti-oxidant which can reduce signs of oxidative stress and remove toxins from the brain. Some experiments have also shown ALCAR to be effective at reducing excitotoxicity which occurs when levels of excitatory neurotransmitters are excessively high.

There is also research pointing to significant neuroprotective properties such as reducing signs of cerebral ischemia and treating nerve and spinal cord injuries. One study in the Annals of Neurology found benefits for using Acetyl L-Carnitine in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Acetyl L-Carnitine Benefits

What are some of the benefits that you may experience when using this supplement on its own or in a stack? Most Acetyl L-Carnitine benefits revolve around the fact that this compound increases cholinergic activity in the brain.

This increase may lead to better working memory capacity, long-term memory formation, improved recall, heightened reasoning abilities, and increased synaptic plasticity. All of these elements combine to cause improved learning and fluid intelligence.

Many people also notice higher levels of mental energy and better concentration and focus when taking this supplement. You may also feel increased clarity of thought, more alertness, and greater perceptual awareness.

Acetyl L-Carnitine Side Effects & Safety

Acetyl L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring compound that the body can produce on its own in small amounts.

It is considered very safe for almost everyone to take and side effects are rare. In fact, there have not been any recorded cases of dangerous side effects occurring from using or overdosing on Acetyl L-Carnitine.

Some mild side effects may be observed such as headaches, stomach discomfort, nausea, and diarrhea. In rare cases, individuals have reported that this substance produces an unpleasant body odor and bad breath.

If you are pregnant or currently breastfeeding you should avoid this and most other nootropic supplements due to a lack of research on potential effects on unborn and newborn children. It is also advised that individuals with a history of seizures and under active thyroid glands should not take this supplement.

Acetyl L-Carnitine Dosage

The following dosage recommendations are general guidelines only. Speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplements. Your doctor will be able to determine the best dosages for your needs, and also determine if the supplement will negatively interact with any supplements and/or medications you are currently taking.

The average Acetyl L-Carnitine dosage is 500 – 1000 mg taken two to three times a day. This supplement is water soluble and most people say that it works best when taken with food, though this is not necessary.

While ALCAR might have some nootropic effects on its own, the majority of benefits will come from stacking this compound with other brain supplements.

Any cognitive enhancers that work on Acetylcholine pathways will typically synergize well with Acetyl L-Carnitine. It is common to use this supplement with Racetams such as Piracetam, Aniracetam, Pramiracetam and even Noopept.

Of course, the greatest synergies will come from stacking it with Choline sources – especially Choline Bitartrate or Choline Citrate. You can also stack ALCAR with some of the stronger Choline supplements like CDP Choline and Alpha GPC, though you might want to use smaller dosages to prevent headaches from developing.

When used at appropriate dosages and combined with a good choline supplement, Acetyl-L-Carnitine may be a good Acetylcholine boosting supplement, and a great addition to many nootropic stacks.

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