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Thinking about starting to use Acetyl L-Carnitine supplements to improve your energy levels and brain functioning?
Nutraceuticals are often the first choice for people looking to upgrade their brain and body but who don’t want to take drugs or other chemical compounds.
Nutraceuticals are essentially comprised of substances which the body makes naturally, or they are derived from the plant kingdom.
Many people use Acetyl L-Carnitine as a nootropic nutraceutical supplement to improve cognitive function and boost mental energy.
Many health resources have been promoting Acetyl L-Carnitine as one of the best natural brain boosters you can use, but does this supplement really work? Why should you use Acetyl L-Carnitine and what should you expect if you decide to take this nootropic?
Mental Energy
Brain Function
Memory- Increases mental energy & focus
- Promotes neuron health & anti-aging
- Improves memory, alertness & signalling
Top ALCAR Products* ❯Acetyl L-Carnitine Supplements
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Acetyl L-Carnitine, commonly referred to as ALCAR, is sometimes confused with L-Carnitine, but these two dietary supplements are not the same, nor do they serve the same functions.
L-Carnitine is a derivative of the amino acid lysine. L-Carnitine is made naturally in the body by the liver and kidneys, after which it is transported to other organs like the brain and heart.
L-Carnitine is used by body builders and other athletes to generate overall energy and as a building block for protein.
L-Carnitine transports fatty acids from foods you eat to the mitochondria, which results in increased energy throughout the body.
It doesn’t benefit the brain, however, because it cannot cross the blood-brain barrier.
ALCAR is an acetylated form of L-Carnitine. It is used by smart drug connoisseurs to boost brain processes and mental energy. Unlike L-Carnitine, because of the added acetyl groups, ALCAR is able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Once in the brain it is utilized to boost energy metabolism in the brain cells.
Mental clarity, memory, concentrative ability and the feeling of being mentally energized are commonly reported by users.
Why Use Acetyl L Carnitine?
Besides working to increase cognitive functions like focus and mental energy, ALCAR also has a neuroprotective capacity. It helps to reduce elements of oxidative stress such as protein oxidation.
ALCAR has been studied as a possible adjunct treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Taking the supplement daily may have a protective effect on the central nervous system as well as slowing age-related cognitive decline unrelated to Alzheimer’s disease.
ALCAR has mostly been studied in rodents. This is important because their genetic, biological and behavior characteristics closely resemble those of humans, and many symptoms of human conditions are easily replicated in mice and rats.
Rodent studies show ALCAR reduces excitotoxicity (the process wherein nerve cells are damaged and killed due to too much stimulation from neurotransmitters like glutamate). In one experiment, using ALCAR powder was shown to help reduce cell death after exposure to two excitotoxic agonists.
ALCAR works as a precursor to Acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter for memory consolidation and recall ability. The acetate portion of ALCAR combines with choline in the brain to synthesize this brain chemical. Acetylcholine is then used to store memories as well as in directing attention and ignoring distractions.
When using Acetyl L-Carnitine with a choline source like Citicoline or Alpha GPC, you can experience robust improvements in your ability to remember newly presented information as well as accessing seemingly forgotten memories.
The Natural Medicines database has rated Acetyl L Carnitine as Possibly Effective for improving age-related cognitive impair, general cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, and neuropathy. Research on the use of Acetyl L Carnitine benefits are very 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.
What to Expect with ALCAR Use
For nootropic purposes, usually a dose of 200-500mg of ALCAR, divided into 2 equal doses throughout the day will produce beneficial results.
Most nootropic consumers use Acetyl L Carnitine in a stack with other cognitive enhancing supplements, but ALCAR can be taken on its own to great effect, as well.
There are reports from users that it has been helpful in those with depression. This is probably dependent on the user’s unique neurochemistry and how it interacts with ALCAR supplementation.
Most users experience a subtle but palpable increase in mental energy. This might be felt as better mental alertness and clarity, or increased vigilance. You may find yourself more observant, able to remember and to recall things more readily.
Use of Acetyl L Carnitine will not turn anyone into a genius overnight, but when taken regularly, improved mental function can occur.
A good means of monitoring cognitive increases with nootropic supplements is to use some kind of brain training program. Doing so will enable you to chart even slight cognitive boosts over time.
Side Effects of Using Acetyl L Carnitine
Though not frequent, there are some side effects associated with using ALCAR. The most common side effects are nausea, headache, cramping and agitation.
Use of Acetyl L Carnitine is not recommended for people with acid reflux (GERD), seizure conditions, and pregnant or lactating women. There are indications it may have some effect on thyroid function, though this is not established.
Adding ALCAR to Your Stack
ALCAR is available through pharmacies, online nootropic stores and drugstores. It is recommended to take this supplement with a meal to offset any gastrointestinal side effects. If you use Acetyl L Carnitine supplements late in the day it may contribute to difficulty sleeping, so it is recommended to take it early in the day with breakfast or lunch.
Use of Acetyl L-Carnitine in your dietary regimen can be a simple, safe and cost-effective way to improve your cognitive ability, memory, and mental energy.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment