ALCAR
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is an acetylated form of L-Carnitine that crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than regular L-Carnitine. In the brain, it donates its acetyl group for acetylcholine synthesis and supports mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation for energy. Used clinically for age-related cognitive decline, depression, and diabetic neuropathy.
Dosage
Standard: 500-2000 mg daily in 1-2 doses. For cognitive support: 1000-2000 mg daily. For neuropathy: 1500-3000 mg daily. Take in the morning — may be mildly stimulating.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
4-5 hours
Administration
Oral (capsules, powder). Well-absorbed on an empty stomach.
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99%+ purity · third-party lab tested
Mechanism of Action
ALCAR crosses the blood-brain barrier via the organic cation transporter (OCTN2) more effectively than L-carnitine. In neurons, it is hydrolyzed by carnitine acetyltransferase to donate its acetyl group to coenzyme A, forming acetyl-CoA—which can then be used for acetylcholine synthesis via choline acetyltransferase, effectively providing raw material for the memory neurotransmitter. ALCAR also transports long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane via the carnitine palmitoyltransferase system for beta-oxidation and ATP production. ALCAR activates nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling, possibly through modulation of NGF receptor (TrkA) expression or downstream MAPK/ERK pathways. It has antioxidant properties, reducing lipid peroxidation in mitochondrial membranes and scavenging free radicals. These mechanisms support cognitive function and neuroprotection.
Regulatory Status
Dietary supplement in the US. Prescription medication in some European countries for cognitive decline and neuropathy.
Risks & Safety
Common
Nausea, fishy body odor, restlessness, gastrointestinal discomfort.
Serious
May increase agitation in Alzheimer's patients. TMAO production may be a cardiovascular concern with chronic high doses.
Rare
Seizures in susceptible individuals, increased thyroid activity.
Compare ALCAR With
Research Papers
9Published: June 15, 2017
AI Summary
There is compelling evidence from preclinical studies that L-carnitine and ALCAR can improve energy status, decrease oxidative stress and prevent subsequent cell death in models of adult, neonatal and pediatric brain injury. Administration of ALCAR after brain injury in rat pups improved long-term functional outcomes, including memory.
Published: August 10, 2023
AI Summary
Different mechanisms of ALCAR actions have been suggested in this study, but the underpinnings of the neuroprotective effects of ALCAR are still unclear. Based on the results of existing studies, ALCAR effectively increases the tolerance threshold of thermal and mechanical stimuli, reduces latency, and reduces apoptosis; finally, adjusting the d...
Published: October 1, 2023
AI Summary
In both cases, ALCAR significantly reduced the establishment of visceral hyperalgesia in DNBS-treated animals, though the interventive protocol showed a greater efficacy than the preventive one. These findings suggest the putative usefulness of ALCAR as a food supplement for patients suffering from IBDs.
Published: September 30, 2017
AI Summary
Interestingly, chronic treatment with ALCAR (100 mg/kg/day, i.p) potentially enhanced proliferation, long term survival and neuronal differentiation of NPCs in rat model of PD-like phenotypes. We conclude that ALCAR exerts neuroprotective effects against 6-OHDA-induced impairment in hippocampal neurogenesis by regulating cell survival and c...
Published: September 29, 2016
AI Summary
Functional deficits were restored following ALCAR pretreatment in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats as demonstrated by improved motor coordination and rotational behaviour, confirming protection of DAergic innervations in lesioned striatum.
Published: April 3, 2013
AI Summary
Our results showed that the concentration of methionine and ALCAR in cochlear fluids significantly increased after their respective systemic administration. Our results also showed that the delivery routes differently affected the bioavailability of administered [(14)C]d-met as well as the concentrations of methionine, ALCAR and the ratio of oxi...
Published: April 2, 2017
AI Summary
The results showed that only alcar has a beneficial effect on the regeneration of unmyelinated axons. Neither melatonin and leptin nor alcar were observed to have any therapeutic effect on the regeneration of myelinated axons.
Published: July 24, 2012
AI Summary
To determine the putative role of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) in maintaining normal intercellular communication in the lens through connexin.
Published: April 13, 2016
AI Summary
While surgery is effective in mild and moderate cases, nerve and functional recovery are often not complete in severe cases. Although it has been shown to be effective in various forms of neuropathies, it has not been used in traumatic or compressive peripheral nerve injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ALCAR used for?
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is an acetylated form of L-Carnitine that crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than regular L-Carnitine. In the brain, it donates its acetyl group for acetylcholine synthesis and supports mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation for energy. Used clinically for age-related cognitive decline, depression, and diabetic neuropathy.
What are the side effects of ALCAR?
Common: Nausea, fishy body odor, restlessness, gastrointestinal discomfort. Serious: May increase agitation in Alzheimer's patients. TMAO production may be a cardiovascular concern with chronic high doses. Rare: Seizures in susceptible individuals, increased thyroid activity.
How is ALCAR administered?
ALCAR is administered via oral (capsules, powder). well-absorbed on an empty stomach..
What is the half-life of ALCAR?
The half-life of ALCAR is 4-5 hours.
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