N-Acetyl Carnitine Benefits, Reviews and Side Effects

N-Acetyl L-Carnitine is a well-researched nutritional supplement that has a number of functions and uses within the body.

The role of the amino acid L-Carnitine is to assist with the metabolism of fat into energy throughout the body.

Increasing levels of this nutrient promotes better energy production which can help you feel more focus and even lose weight.

N-Acetyl L-Carnitine HCL has been specifically formulated to improve mental energy levels because it is more active in the brain that other L-Carnitine supplements.

How does the nootropic compound N-Acetyl L-Carnitine work and what do user reviews say about its effectiveness? Also, what dosages are recommended and are there any side effects that you should be wary of?

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

Top ALCAR Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

N-Acetyl Carnitine Review

N-Acetyl L-Carnitine (or ALCAR as you may know it) is an acetylated form of the amino acid L-Carnitine.

Carnitine is naturally produced by the human body and found in almost every cell inside of you.

After being synthesized in the liver and kidneys from the amino acid Lysine, L-Carnitine is transported to other tissues and organs like the brain and the heart.

This energy-booster has the job of carrying fatty acids to the mitochondria of your cells where they can be burned for fuel. Research has shown that higher levels of L-Carnitine can lead to enhanced mental and athletic performance and weight loss.

N-Acetyl L-Carnitine is slightly different than standard L-Carnitine because this compound also features a molecule of acetate. Because of this modified structure, ALCAR has been found to possess greater activity in the brain than non-acetylated forms of the amino acid.

The acetyl component of N-Acetyl L-Carnitine helps it to cross something called the “Blood Brain Barrier” more readily so that it gets taken up by brain cells at a greater rate. This means one simple thing: the effects that N-Acetyl L-Carnitine produces are mostly concentrated in brain tissue.

As a result, when you use this supplement, your mental energy levels may increase because your brain cells are being supplied with more energy. Communication between neurons will be improved leading to enhanced mental functioning across the board.

This explains why so many users of ALCAR supplements say that it gives them improved focus, attention span, and even better memory.

Additional Benefits of N-Acetyl L-Carnitine

In addition to turning up the energy production in the brain, ALCAR is also believed to help slow down brain aging. It is a profoundly powerful anti-oxidant, working to remove toxins, strengthen neurons and repair receptors in the brain.

Taking N-Acetyl L-Carnitine with Alpha Lipoic Acid also reduces the presence of damaged fats, such as lipofuscin, which tend to accumulate in the brain. It is this kind of damage which is often implicated as a contributing cause of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s.

Research has also shown ALCAR supplementation may prevent brain deterioration during periods of stress. It protects the nerves when there is a lack of oxygen and it can help patients who are recovering from strokes.

This supplement is known to strengthen the myelin sheaths that surround and protect nerves, which is critical to a proper electrical signaling between nerve cells; weakening of these protective coverings can lead to conditions like double vision, hearing loss, and poor coordination.

Clinical Uses of N-Acetyl Carnitine

Studies show that children with ADHD who used this supplement for a period of time exhibited less severe symptoms. It has also been shown to help ease the symptoms of depression in elderly people, along with accompanied social phobias.

A number of studies have determined that regular supplementation can decrease anxiety related behavior.

Patients with diabetes often develop a condition called peripheral neuropathy in their feet, legs, hands, and/or arms. This results in nerve pain as a result of poor blood flow. ALCAR has shown promise in the reduction of pain associated with this condition.

N-Acetyl L-Carnitine is also frequently used as a weight loss supplement. Studies have shown Carnitine can improve body-fat composition, reducing fat mass and improving muscle mass. It does this while also reducing fatigue in both mental and physical areas of testing.

A 2010 study also showed that men who take ALCAR had higher sperm counts and mobility, leading to increasing male fertility and the likelihood of pregnancy.

The Natural Medicines database has rated Acetyl L-Carnitine as Possibly Effective for improving Alzheimer’s disease, age related and general cognitive impairment, chronic cerebral ischemia, male infertility, and diabetic neuropathy. Research on the benefits of N-Acetyl L-Carnitine are quite promising, however more research is still needed. At this time, the FDA has not approved ALCAR as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

N-Acetyl L-Carnitine Dosages and Side Effects

N-Acetyl Carnitine is one of the most highly bio-available forms of L-Carnitine sold today, meaning that a smaller dosage is required for effective results. Most individuals use between 500 and 1,500 mg per day of ALCAR capsules with some users taking as much as 3 grams a day and reporting no side effects.

Dosages for supplements always require some personalization as your own sensitivity level may not match those of other users. Start with the lowest effective dosages and slowly titrate until you reach a dose that produces suitable results. It is recommended that you always speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplements, as your doctor will be able to help determine the best dosage for your needs.

The Natural Medicines database has rated ALCAR as Likely Safe when used orally and appropriately. Side effects of N-Acetyl L-Carnitine are few and far between. Some individuals may experience restlessness, insomnia, and possibly a pounding heart. These side effects will be exacerbated if you take more than the recommended doses. The same effects may be noticed if it is taken too close to bed time.

Additional minor side effects can include headaches, nausea, or dizziness. Some medications may cause interactions with ALCAR and you should consult a doctor if you are taking AZT, Doxorubicin, Accutane, thyroid hormone, Depakote or Valproic acid.

You can buy N-Acetyl Carnitine online in a bulk powder form for $19.99 for 100 grams.

Rate This Article

(7 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5, rated)