ALCAR (Acetyl L-Carnitine) 500 mg Capsules

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ALCAR (Acetyl L-Carnitine) Overview

Acetyl L-Carnitine is an acetylated version of L-Carnitine, which is derived from lysine and methionine. Despite being naturally produced by the body, L-Carnitine supplementation is used for its energy and performance benefits.*

The acetylated version of carnitine is preferred as a cognitive supplement due to its increased bioavailability and ability to pass the blood-brain barrier.

Acetyl L-Carnitine Benefits

ALCAR’s energy benefits aren’t as pronounced as caffeine, but it’s still anecdotally categorized as a stimulant.

Studies suggest that L-Carnitine may promote cardiovascular health. L-Carnitine also been proven to promote cognition.*

Due to carnitine’s role in fatty acid metabolism, it may theoretically contribute to fat burning potential. However, there is a lack of evidence supporting this. Due to this theoretical benefit, carnitine is sometimes paired with forskolin in supplement formulas.

Acetylated L-Carnitive or Regular L-Carnitine

The Acetyl group of ALCAR provides a greater ability for this supplement to cross the blood-brain barrier. This is why ALCAR is primarily used as a cognitive supplement, while L-carnitine is used more as a workout supplement.

ALCAR Dosage

Take 300mg to 600mg of ALCAR no more than once every 8 hours or a maximum of twice daily. The half-life of Acetyl L-Carnitine is just over 4 hours. Daily supplementation of ALCAR may lead to sleep quality issues, so do not take this supplement for more than 3 days in a row.

Capsules vs Powder

ALCAR, due to its acetylation, has a vinegar-like smell and a sour taste. Because of these characteristics, some prefer ALCAR capsules over powder. Acetyl-L-carnitine also tends to clump.

However, powder formats benefit from a shorter time until you experience effects due to the greater surface area.

If you take the powder format, the taste is easily masked in any citrus-based drink or flavoring.

What goes well with ALCAR?

Caffeine works synergistically with ALCAR since caffeine promotes acylcarnitine production. A choline source also goes well with Acetyl L-Carnitine as choline increases carnitine in the muscles.*

ALCAR and ALA

ALCAR and alpha lipoic acid work in synergy to promote brain health and maintain cognitive energy levels.* It’s no wonder that ALA and ALCAR are often sold together in supplement formulas which promote neuroprotection as a benefit.

Curator’s Experience

I often took the Artichoke and Forskilin Capsules at Powder City (We couldn’t call it CILTEP since it was trademarked). These capsules include ALCAR, and I experience a cognitive boost after taking these.

However, reddit debunked the CILTEP theory years ago. Despite this, I still felt the effects after taking the capsules, so it could have been the ALCAR alone which boosted cognition, or more likely its interaction with one of the other ingredients. I believe it’s the latter since taking ALCAR alone seems to provide a similar energy boost, but a less pronounced cognition boost.