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What is Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)?

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is an acetylated form of L-carnitine superior to normal L-carnitine in terms of bioavailability. It is used for fatty acid oxidation, the process by which fatty acids, one of the key energy sources the body uses, are broken down to create energy. L-Carnitine is used to transport fatty acids accross the mitochondria membrane to allow for oxidation of the fats. Derived from the amino acids lysine and methionine, Acetyl L-carnitine (ALCAR) is found in highest levels in tissues that use fatty acids as their main fuel namely the skeletal and cardiac muscles. Acetyl-L-carnitine is a dietary supplement that occurs naturally in animal products and is also used to support a healthy memory.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine and L-Carnitine (or L-Carnitine Base) are not the same thing. ALCAR is significantly more bio-active than L-Carnitine Base and costs considerably more to manufacture. Because of the attached acetyl group ALCAR is a cognitive enhancer and neuroprotective agent that helps to protect against a wide range of age-related degenerative changes in the brain and nervous system. ALCAR is an ester of carnitine that modulates cellular concentrations of free coenzyme A and Acetyl-Coenzyme A, two compounds integrally involved in numerous cellular functions, including the transfer of fatty acids across mitochondrial membranes for energy production. ALCAR also has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and into the brain blood circulation where it acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping to prevent the deterioration of brain cells that normally occurs with age. Because of this protective effect, ALCAR may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of free-radical mediated diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. If you are currently undergoing treatment for either of these diseases you should consult your physician before taking ALCAR (Acetyl L-Carnitine). Recent researches have demonstrated synergistic benefits from the combination of ALCAR and ALA (Alpha Lipoic Acid).

What is Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) used for and who uses it?

Acetyl-L-carnitine is one of many forms of carnitine in the human body. Carnitines take several particular fatty acids to mitochondria to be used up as fuel. They also remove the waste products of this process. In a healthy individual, the kidneys control the level of carnitine -- if you have more than what you need, it gets rid of the excess. If your intake is low in carnitine, the kidneys maintain what you have. This means those suffering from kidney failure and cancer stand to benefit the most from Acetyl-L-carnitine to make up and supplement their inability to process certain dietary nutrients.

Acetyl-l-Carnitine is also an amino acid the body utilizes to burn fat and thus convert it into energy. Since the body can manufacture all it needs, ALCAR is not normally considered an essential nutrient. Regardless, the ability of certain tissues to produce energy can improve with the help of supplemental carnitine. This property has led to the utilization of carnitine in various muscle diseases as well as heart conditions. ALCAR is a natural occurring form of L-carnitine that specifically benefits the brain because of its antioxidant properties. ALCAR also helps supply the brain with energy by improving energetics in the mitochondrion, the cell's energy generator. ALCAR aids in the biosynthesis of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter for brain and nerve function. Clinical studies have shown Acetyl-L-Carnitine can greatly benefit cognitive ability, memory and mood.

ALCAR also increases sperm motility. Motility pertains to the ability of sperm to swim strongly and vigorously. Since motility appears is one of the most important factors to determine the fertilizing capability of sperm, ALCAR can help sperm cells swim more vigorously which consequently leads to improved male fertility.

Acetyl L-Carnitine supports cellular energy production by assisting in the transport of fat into the mitochondria where it is oxidized and converted into ATP (chemical energy for the cell). Acetyl L-Carnitine helps maintain healthy cellular energy metabolism and supports brain function owing to the fact that it is a highly bioavailable form of L-Carnitine. The effects of supplementing with ALCAR have been extensively researched and proven beneficial in many areas including exercise performance, weight loss, treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, diabetic depression and many other neurological disorders.

How pure is your Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)?

This pharmaceutical grade amino acid Acetyl L-Carnitine Hydrochloride (more commonly referred to as Acetyl-L-Carnitine) is assayed by the manufacturer as 99.1% pure product (normal range 98.0 to 101.0%). You will receive a double sealed labeled bulk polyethylene bag containing this white powder product. It contains no fillers, taste additives, or anti-caking agents. The remaining .9% by weight are inactive byproducts of the extraction.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Acetyl L-Carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid work synergistically to enhance the benefits of each other in respect to cognitive function, memory and mental acuity. Both compounds display many impressive properties, and have many synergistic effects when combined. The ALA and ALCAR combination has significant anti-aging and cognition improving properties and can also be effectively used for fat loss and to increase athletic performance. Both of these supplements are good nootropics and you can see them blended together in a lot of retail products because this is the easiest way to enjoy the benefits of these supplements.

ALCAR is the acetylated version of L-carnitine, an important amino acid that improves mitochondrial function and plays a role in fatty acid oxidation. ALA (Alpha Lipoic Acid) is a naturally occuring antioxidant enzyme that is also an important mitochondrial component. ALA may synergize with ALCAR and further increase exercise performance in two ways. First, it may increase glucose transport to muscle, particularly because exercise is associated with a high degree of oxidative stress. Secondly, ALA and ALCAR may synergize to increase fatty acid utilization and cellular energy production.

Since ALA as a powder has an unpleasant chemical burning taste, we suggest using capsules. If you check the table above you'll see that we have a blended product also, our ALCAR/ALA capsules with 425mg ALCAR and 175mg ALA. We only offer this blended product only capsules, and you’ll see them listed there under both the ALCAR and the ALA categories.

Daily suggested dose of Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)

The commonly recommended dose for Acetyl L-Carnitine Powder (ALCAR) generally varies between 250mg and 1000mg per dose taken 3 or more times per day. One half level teaspoon will supply approximately 1524 milligrams, or just about 1.5 grams for the bulk density of this ALCAR powder. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for ALCAR here. Dosage of acetyl-L-carnitine varies greatly, depending on who's taking it and what that person is trying to accomplish. In some cases (such as pediatric uses), dosage is tied to the patient's body weight. In cases of chronic fatigue, heart disease or male infertility, the daily dose is 500 mg.

As always, if you have concerns or questions, consult a physician or a health care professional before taking any supplements. Before taking any kind of medicine, check with your doctor to ensure that the supplement you want to take is right for you. You may be allergic or you may have a sensitive stomach which may raise the need for special instruction as far as dosage goes.

Precautions and Potential side effects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)

Acetyl-L-carnitine is safe in general and in normal dosages side effects from using ALCAR are extremely unlikely and rare. In large dosages, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, and diarrhea are possible. Clinical trials produced no marked side effects, even for children. Usage of L-Carnitine by a healthy adult human is safe, however, people with borderline low thyroid levels may be advised against usage of L-Carnitine. Patients on dialysis should not use this (or any other supplement) without discussing with their doctor.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Taste, solubility, and suggested preparation of Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)

This product dissolves quickly in water and has a moderately sour but pleasing taste that mixes well with citrus drinks like lemonade. Just mix your usual dose with a citrus juice, or dissolve in water and drink. The taste of ALCAR is pleasantly sour and not bad at all when sweetened.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is used in the following Proprietary Formulas

Universal Animal Stak, Gaspari Nutrition SizeOn, Gaspari Nutrition Mitotropin, SciVation VasoCharge, German American Technologies Jetfuel, Biochem Acetyl L-Carnitine, IDS ALC 600, LiveLong Nutrition Acetyl L-Carnitine, MRM Liquid Acetyl L-Carnitine, NOW Acetyl L-Carnitine, Olympian Labs Acetyl L-Carnitine, PrimaForce Alcalean, S.A.N. Alcar, Source Naturals Acetyl L-Carnitine, Supplement Direct Acetyl L-Carnitine HCL, Twinlab Acetyl-L-Carnitine

References & Further Research

Stimulation of nerve growth factor receptors in PC12 by acetyl-L-carnitine
This study was based on the hypothesis that Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) prevents some deficits associated with aging in the central nervous system (CNS), such as the aged-related reduction of nerve growth factor (NGF) binding.

Neuroprotective activity of acetyl-L-carnitine: Studies in vitro
The neuroprotective properties of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) were investigated in primary cell cultures from rat hippocampal formation and cerebral cortex of 17-day-old rat embryos. This suggests an explanation of the positive results obtained with ALCAR in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Acetyl-L-carnitine: A drug able to slow the progress of Alzheimer's disease
This review of a series of controlled clinical studies suggests that ALC may also slow the natural course of AD.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) for International Customers

We have the most economical shipping costs & labeling practices for International orders. You can see our shipping costs here. Also, please note, that anything in a 1.5kg package can be shipped within a single flat rate envelope, however our shopping cart mistakenly displays 2 envelopes. Go ahead and ship the order, and you will notice that it only charges you the cost of 1 anyway. Look at the shipping costs tab above to see for yourself how you can calculate these charges.

Buying Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) Bulk or Wholesale

If you need ALCAR in bulk or wholesale quantities, please feel free to contact us with sourcing/shipping/fulfilment questions. If you have any questions about shipping or would like to arrange a shipment to an excluded country please use the contact page!