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Acetyl-L-Carnitine, also known as ALCAR for short, is an acetylated version of a popular sports supplement (L-Carnitine).
It is important in many different bodily functions including energy metabolism, and it can improve your memory function as well as boost neuroplasticity.
As a modified version of Carnitine, it is much more active, has higher bioavailability, and even metabolizes differently.
Unlike L-Carnitine, ALCAR is considered to be a Nootropic supplement which means it is able to positively affect brain function and intellect.
Many people who use ALCAR as a brain booster say that it can improve the clarity of their thoughts and make basic mental tasks seem much easier.
Mental Energy
Brain Function
Memory- Increases mental energy & focus
- Promotes neuron health & anti-aging
- Improves memory, alertness & signalling
Top ALCAR Products* ❯ALCAR Effects
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After being ingested, whether in powder or capsule form, ALCAR is absorbed through the intestinal tract into the bloodstream.
Unlike many other supplements it is actually capable of crossing over the blood-brain barrier and entering into the central nervous system.
From here it goes to work by acting as a precursor to the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine.
This is a powerful brain chemical noted for its ability to influence a number of cognitive processes like memory formation, learning capacity, recall, attention, focus, and concentration.
ALCAR is first converted into one of its amino acid components, L-Carnitine. From here, the acetyl components break off and bind with Coenzyme A to create Acetyl-COA.
Acetyl-COA then combines with free floating Choline and is catabolized by another enzymatic process to be converted into Acetylcholine. This also means that taking ALCAR together with Choline can improve its effects.
It also is believed to work as a potent anti-oxidant and neuro-protector. ALCAR functions by helping to reduce elements of oxidative stress. It is also believed to help calm the brain down, preventing excitotoxicity and even cell death in the presence of toxins.
Acetyl L-Carnitine Benefits
There are two different categories of benefits offered by ALCAR. These include Nootropic benefits and neuro-protective benefits. Since this supplement helps to increase the amount of Acetylcholine within the brain the associated benefits usually relate back to this fact.
This will normally lead to an increased memory and enhanced learning capacity. Some users will also experience an improved speed of memory recall and even lengthened attention span and attention switching abilities.
Higher concentration, focus, and mental clarity are additional benefits. Some users even experience enhanced sensory perceptions, although this can be different for each user.
As a neuro-protectant, Acetyl L Carnitine supplements can help to keep the brain healthy. This includes reducing nerve pain and possibly even promoting heart health. It is also considered to be a powerful antioxidant.
This means that it will help eliminate toxins in brain including free radicals which it helps to scavenge. Neurons will also see improved efficiency in terms of their communication with each other.
ALCAR Dosage
It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplements. The below dosage recommendations are general guidelines only, and your doctor will be able to determine the best dosage for your personal needs.
The most commonly used and recommended dosage of ALCAR is between 500 and 1,000 mg.
This can be taken all at once, although it is considered to be much more effective if split into several equal administrations throughout the day.
It is always advisable to start with the lowest effective dose. Then, you should only increase as you become more familiar with the actual effects and benefits resulting from the supplement.
Do not exceed the recommended dosage unless advised to do so by a qualified medical professional. Doses much higher than the 1,000 mg level increase the chances of side effects.
ALCAR Side Effects
Most of the side effects which are associated with ALCAR are very mild. This primarily includes headaches. This is thought to be a result of too much Acetylcholine within the brain burning out their receptor sites.
If you are taking a Choline source with Acetyl L Carnitine and experience headaches, stop using the Choline for a while. If this still does not resolve itself, take a break from the ALCAR for a week or so and only slowly start back up again at a lower dosage level.
ALCAR Review
Acetyl L-Carnitine supplements generally work best when stacked together with Choline and other Nootropic supplements. The Choline source used for any of these stacks is very important in order to help you avoid headaches.
Alpha GPC and Citicoline (Choline CDP) are considered the highest quality but they may also lead to more negative side effects due to their higher potency level.
You might want to consider stacking it with a supplement such as Centrophenoxine, but it will also work well with the more affordable Choline Bitartrate.
ALCAR is sometimes used with the Racetam Nootropic supplements. ALCAR helps to potentiate the effects of the Racetams including Piracetam which remains the most popular cognitive enhancer sold today.
- Roscilli G, Marra E, Mori F, Di Napoli A, Mancini R, Serlupi-Crescenzi O, Virmani A, Aurisicchio L, Ciliberto G. Carnitines slow down tumor development of colon cancer in the DMH-chemical carcinogenesis mouse model. J Cell Biochem. 2013
- Hudson S, Tabet N. Acetyl-L-carnitine for dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2003
- Rosca MG, Lemieux H, Hoppel CL. Mitochondria in the elderly: Is acetylcarnitine a rejuvenator? Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2009
- Arnold LE, Amato A, Bozzolo H, Hollway J, Cook A, Ramadan Y, Crowl L, Zhang D, Thompson S, Testa G, Kliewer V, Wigal T, McBurnett K, Manos M. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a multi-site, placebo-controlled pilot trial. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2007
- Malaguarnera M, Risino C, Cammalleri L, Malaguarnera L, Astuto M, Vecchio I, Rampello L. Branched chain amino acids supplemented with L-acetylcarnitine versus BCAA treatment in hepatic coma: a randomized and controlled double blind study. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2009
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
2 Comments
muito boa avaliaçao , onde e possivel comprar plcar ?
I’ve been taking this for a couple months now.
It increased both my physical and mental energy significantly. Increased energy levels lead to more positive mood, but I don’t know that it has an intrinsic mood boosting effect.
I haven’t noticed any memory enhancing effect, but I’m not sensitive to that, mostly I took it looking for a metabolism boost. I have noticed an increase in mental clarity however.
No side effects so far, except maybe poop smelling a little odd.
I take 500mg 2x a day, in the morning and before bed. It doesn’t interfere with my sleep, but does make it easier to wake up when I want to. You can experiment with doses (reasonably) as the risk of side-effects is low in my experience.
Makes it harder to get drunk, and I sober up faster. Also reduces hangover effects.
full effects might take a few days.
Worth a try, especially given bulk powder is cheap. You can buy capsules because it is quite sour, or man up and take it in powder form with a swig of coffee/milk/tea.
I don’t feel like I need caffeine when I take this stuff, especially given it doesn’t have the jittery side effects of caffeine.
Stack with l-tyrosine for extra effect. Cholinergic supplements have been known to lower mood in some cases.