Scientific Review of Nootropic Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR). Usage, Benefits, Effects, Mechanism of Action, Dosage, Side Effects, FAQs.

1. Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
Overview – Bene ts and E ects – Mechanism of Action – Dosage – Side E ects – User Experience –
F.A.Q
Summary: Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a popular multi-functional nutrient, amino acid type nootropic. It
bene ts the body and brain. A potent antioxidant and neuroprotectant, and a powerful energizing
nootropic that promotes anti-aging and longevity.
Table of Contents
1 Overview
1.1 What is Acetyl-L-Carnitine?
1.2 ALCAR vs L-Carnitine vs Carnitine
2 Bene ts and E ects
2.1 What Are Acetyl-L-Carnitine Bene ts?
2.1.1 Enhances Brain Function and Stamina
2.1.2 Provides Neuroprotection Against Brain Cell Death
2.1.3 Restores Cognitive Function and Repairs Impairment
2.1.4 Support Mitochondria and Nervous System
2.1.5 Regulates Sexual Infertility and Erectile Dysfunction
3 Mechanism of Action
3.1 How Does Acetyl-L-Carnitine Work?
3.1.1 On Neurotransmitters
4 Dosage
4.1 How to Take Acetyl-L-Carnitine?
5 Side E ects
5.1 What Are the Side E ects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine?
6 User Experience
6.1 Reddit 1
6.2 Reddit 2
6.3 Reddit 3
6.4 Tim Ferris
7 Conclusion

2. 8 Frequently Asked Questions
8.1 Further and Related Readings
Acetyl L-Carnitine Video TTS
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Overview
What is Acetyl-L-Carnitine?
Acetyl-L-Carnitine, also known as ALCAR and ALC, is an amino acid naturally produced in your body to
generate energy. It’s also found in animal proteins such as red meats. Many people supplement with
acetyl-L-carnitine because of its potential bene ts. Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a more bioavailable form of
amino acid l-carnitine, a derivative of amino acid lysine. The body continuously produces L-carnitine,
and furthermore gets it from the foods you eat.
Although research shows actual carnitine insu ciency is uncommon in healthy people with no
metabolic disorders, supplementation with addition of it is proven to be bene cial in many di erent
ways. Ranging from improving heart health [1] to enhancing brain function. [2]
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is L-carnitine with the addition of an acetyl group, thereby making it the most
bioavailable form of L-carnitine and it readily crosses the blood-brain barrier. Its primary actions work
towards brain functionality. Its nootropic properties seem to magnify when taken with other
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) - Nootropics InformationAcetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) - Nootropics Information
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3. nootropics. The combination makes it a potentiating agent allowing nootropics to work more
e ectively.
Other forms of L-carnitine include L-carnitine L-tartrate (LCLT) which is typically assessing physical
performance, and Glycine Propionyl L-carnitine (GPLC), which relieves blood ow issues. The only L-
carnitine form that possesses nootropic properties is Acetyl L-carnitine, and it furthermore provides
both L-carnitine and acetyl groups (molecule) that act towards the development of the learning
neurotransmitter, acetylcholine.
From Nootropics Depot product description:
Acetyl L-Carnitine, also commonly known as ALCAR, is an acetylated version of L-Carnitine. L-Carnitine
is an amino acid naturally produced but is also taken in supplement form. It is a natural nootropic
supplement that may aid in delivering fatty acids to our cells’ mitochondria to be broken down. Acetyl
L-Carnitine has superior absorption in comparison to standard L-Carnitine. Acetyl L-Carnitine
promotes energy.
Acetyl L-Carnitine HCL Capsules are best known for supporting brain health and cognitive function,
but it has many other potential uses.
ALCAR vs L-Carnitine vs Carnitine
ALCAR: supplies acetyl group and carnetine, and crosses the blood brain barrier easier. The acetyl
group detaches from the amino acid and helps to recycle acetylcholine.
L-Carnetine: the same as carnitine. The ‘l-‘ pre x is just a part of the chemical notation and is often
omitted because cells only make ‘l-‘ form (as only those forms are used in proteins) and it’s implied
that it’s the ‘l-‘ form if it’s not speci ed (if you imagine a molecule as a 2D picture of structure, then
‘l’ and ‘d’ pre x speci es whether the molecule is ipped or not; ipped version can have totally
di erent properties; the ‘l-‘ version of amino acids is the one you supplement and your cells use).
Carnitine: Refrence the above. It is also involved in energy metabolism.
Taking Acetyl-L-Carnitine or ALCAR, therefore, supplements both and gets both the e ects.
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Bene ts and E ects
What Are Acetyl-L-Carnitine Bene ts?

4. 1. Enhances Brain Function and Stamina
2. Provides Neuroprotection Against Brain Cell Death
3. Restores Cognitive Function and Repairs Impairment
4. Support Mitochondrial Function and Nervous System
5. Regulates Sexual Infertility and Erectile Dysfunction
Supporting research:
Enhances Brain Function and Stamina
Research proves ALCAR bene cial to the brain and body in many ways. From enhancing cognitive
abilities [3] to increasing energy [4], reducing pain, and even preventing damage from alcohol
consumption. [5]
Studies show that it successfully lowers mental exhaustion and improves cognitive function as well as
learning capability. In a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, 2-phase study, 66 participants
with fatigue were given 2 g of L-carnitine once a day. By the end of the study, the group taking L-
carnitine showed signi cant improvements in physical fatigue, mental fatigue, fatigue severity
amongst other physical enhancements, as compared to those receiving a placebo.
Moreover, the study con rms that oral supplementation of L-carnitine reduces the total of fat mass,
increases muscular mass, increases capacity for physical and cognitive activity, improves cognitive
functions, all while reducing fatigue as well. [6]
Provides Neuroprotection Against Brain Cell Death
Due to its potent antioxidant attributes, ALCAR acts as a neuroprotectant, blocking and restoring
damage from free radicals that injure brain cells. It also helps the brain clear itself of other toxins and
decreases cell death due to excitotoxicity, a neurotic process that triggers by the over-activation of
glutamate receptors. It enhances the neural network by stimulating nerves and signal receptors and
additionally protects the brain against the damaging in uences of drinking alcohol. [7]
Restores Cognitive Function and Repairs Impairment
One of Acetyl-L-Carnitine’ many exciting prospects is as a treatment for age-related neurological
disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. It has been con rmed to dramatically slow decline in
Alzheimer’s patients and decreases age-related recall failure. Other studies showed that ALCAR
supports repair ambulatory capability in the elderly and functions as a mood lifter as well as working
as an anti-depressant in the elderly. [8]
Support Mitochondria and Nervous System

5. ALCAR promotes mitochondrial function and serves to support the nervous system overall
performance. Especially in the case where an individual is subject to neurodegenerative disease. It can
be of signi cant bene t to people with physical disorders typically correlated with aging, including
high blood pressure, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. It has shown to be e cient in managing
nerve pain, enhancing kidney function, and improving heart health. [9] [10]
Regulates Sexual Infertility and Erectile Dysfunction
ALCAR regulates men’s infertility and improves signs of andropause and erectile dysfunction. It is also
in use to ght Peyronie’s disease, an in ammatory disease that a ects the penis. [11] [12]
Additionally, it is under clinical trials as a possible treatment for chronic fatigue.
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Mechanism of Action
How Does Acetyl-L-Carnitine Work?
ALCAR synthesizes primarily in the liver and kidneys, after which it travels to other tissues. ALCAR has
excellent bioavailability. The gastrointestinal tract quickly digests it. Its actions di er considerably
from other forms of L-carnitine, which don’t cross the blood-brain barrier. The acetyl groups that
make ALCAR unique, enable it to cross the blood-brain barrier readily and rapidly. Its most e ective
role is within the cerebellum.
Acetyl-l-carnitine skeletal structure
Another one of ALCAR’s nootropic bene ts involves the acetyl groups, which produce the support for
the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Often referred to as “the learning
neurotransmitter,” acetylcholine is accountable for learning, memory, and cognitive function.
Increased levels of acetylcholine result in an improvement in cognitive function, and low levels of that
essential neurotransmitter risks neurological complications similar to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
On Neurotransmitters

6. ALCAR resumes showing increasing levels of norepinephrine and serotonin. They are vital
neurotransmitters that play an essential part in mood and brain function. The capacity to improve
neurotransmitter production is one of the principal techniques that ALCAR complements nootropics
attributes. Similar to those of the racetams, which enhance the action of neurotransmitter receptors
in the cerebellum.
Moreover, ALCAR targets brain metabolism, promoting cellular energy and serving as a potent
neuroprotectant. Its critical antioxidant qualities combat the impressions of cellular oxidation. It
further decreases the number of damaged cells in an individual brain, thereby becoming a useful
longevity tool.
Damaged fat cells identi ed as lipofuscin (age spots) also happen in the brain and are actively
correlated amidst age-related neurological dysfunctions, lack of energy, and weak memory. By
supporting the brain excrete those damaged cells. ALCAR increases brain function and signi cantly
lessens the risk of neurodegenerative disorders. It has also been shown to limit brain deterioration
during times of stress.
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Dosage
How to Take Acetyl-L-Carnitine?
Typical Acetyl-L-Canritine dosage is 500 mg per day once in the morning, and up to 1,500 mg split into
three doses of 500 mg. From there, adjust dosage to your need without exceeding 1,500 mg. At least
not during trial period. It is water-soluble, therefore it can be taken with or without food. However,
taking ALCAR late in the evening can result in disruption of sleep.
Recommended ALCAR dosage, active amounts, other details:
“The standard dose for L-carnitine is between 500-2,000mg. There are various forms of carnitine
supplementation available.Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is used for cognitive enhancement. L-Carnitine L-
Tartrate (LCLT) is typically used for physical performance and power output. Glycine Propionyl L-
Carnitine (GPLC) is used to alleviate intermittent claudication and blood ow issues. L-carnitine is
supplemented daily. The equivalent dosage range for other forms of L-carnitine are as follows: 630-
2,500mg (ALCAR), 1,000-4,000mg (LCLT) and 1,000-4,000mg (GPLC).”
Examine.com
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Side E ects

7. What Are the Side E ects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine?
Headaches may occur in cases of consuming high doses before allowing the body to adapt to the
additional amount of Acetyl-L-Carnitine that it is receiving.
Nausea is the most common side e ect. It is easily preventable by taking ALCAR alongside food
rather than on an empty stomach.
Headaches are the second most common side e ect, which may imply an excessive amounts of
choline.
Users report that headaches from ALCAR use decrease when they reduce the amount of choline in
their stacks and diets.
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User Experience
To be fair in sharing the Reddit community experiences, I will add the rst 3 that I see whether the
experience is positive or negative. Three Acetyl-L-Carnitine reddit experiences:
Reddit 1
Reddit 2
Reddit 3
Tim Ferris
Measuring the e ects of acetyl-L-carnitine on various aspects of cognitive performance. Alas, after
multiple consecutive nights of vivid nightmares (which I rarely have), I wondered if ALC might play a
role. I only experienced this when taking ALC in the later afternoon or evening, and daily total
consumption never exceeded 1,500mg. After nding a few reports like this, I decided to call it quits
with my protocol. Thus far, I have found ALC to produce unpleasantly vivid dreams to a much greater
extent than, say, galantamine or huperzine-A, which enhance vividness but don’t seem to create the
same degree of negative tone. Of course, this is an N of 1 (single subject) amateur hour, but the
really good. Mornings are good, everything is really clear. Honestly this feels a lot like amphetamine.
So much so that I cancelled my pdoc appt to get a re ll. I was basically o the meds but wanted to
have a few around but now I really don’t think I need them. Very glad people on here have posted
performance. It seems to make me really smart. Your mileage may vary though. To OP: I get results in
a day. Be careful for not overdoing it. I’ve posted before that acetylcholine overload tends to make you
depressed and function worse. – eastmangobo
like an electric switch was turned on, as that s what it felt like … electric..I always bought it in bulk
powder and almost always used 1 gram in my morning shake (180lb Male). DO NOT use it after noon
…. you will NOT sleep !!!! You should notice a di erence within 3-4 days. As I did mention, I am noticing
now that I am a ected by Acetyl less and less If I miss a few days I don’t really notice it like I did years

8. contrast has been both remarkable and remarkably consistent. I’d be curious to hear if anyone else
has experienced something similar. And be careful with those cholinergic neurons…
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Conclusion
ALCAR is an outstanding amino acid nootropic. It o ers many bene ts to both the body and the brain.
In addition to its potent brain boosting e ect, it is also a healthy nutrient. Acetyl-L-Carnitine is safe,
a ordable, very tolerable, and easily accessible in department and drug stores. It enhances cognitive
function, supports ant-aging and longevity, which makes it a nootropic worth adding to any stack.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the di erence between L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, L-Carnitine Tartrate, and Acetyl L-
Carnitine?
L-Carnitine L-Tartrate and L-Carnitine Tartrate are the same thing, they just truncate the L-Tartrate for
brevity. This is the form of L-Carnitine that is in supplements that some studies have linked to possibly
helping recover times from work outs (speci cally it was shown that people taking L-carnitine had less
damage to their leg muscles after a workout versus people that weren’t taking it), there weren’t any
other observations of it’s added use outside of that.
Acetylcarnitine is an alternative form of l-carnitine for supplementation that has been pushed
because of it’s bioavailability. The downside is that it’s less concentrated in the bloodstream after
digestion. It doesn’t appear that any studies have been performed linking acetylcarnitine to exercise
performance, but it’s only proven use has been in increasing sperm mobility. A few proposals have set
out to use it treat neurological conditions, but none have yet been proven.
Can I take 5-HTP and Acetyl L-Carnitine together?
To date there has been no evidence that either counteract the other or have negative e ects. Both
substances are great for many aspects of brain health. You can be pretty safe in the assumption that
it’s worth testing out for yourself to see how you react to this combination.
Can I take acetyl-l-carnitine & taurine together with antidepressants, antipsychotics and NAC?
They don’t interact, in fact, Acetyl-L-Carnitine is used as “complementary” therapy along with Psych
Meds. Taurine is as well. Taurine is also VERY much so present in Energy Drinks like Red Bull &
Monster. It is responsible for much of the “kick” and focus Energy Drinks give us.
Is ALCAR e ective?

9. Yes. ALCAR has nootropic and neuro-protective bene ts. This compound works great alone if you
want a substance to help protect your brain from oxidative stress. Better cognitive results often
happen when ALCAR is stacked with other nootropics.
The main nootropic bene ts of ALCAR will be consistent with higher acetylcholine levels. Low
acetylcholine is linked to cognitive de cient and low energy levels. Although ALCAR helps in the
production of Acetylcholine, nootropic bene ts may not be apparent when taken alone. For this
reason, ALCAR is highly recommended to stack with other nootropics. Below is a list of typical bene ts
seen in an ALCAR + racetam/ampakine combination.
Better memory
Faster learning
Higher concentration
Heightened perception
ALCAR is often stacked with a cheap choline salt like choline bitartrate or citrate because it acts
synergistically to produce Acetylcholine. Some people will use this stack as a cheaper alternative to
more expensive acetylcholine intermediates such as alpha GPC or citicoline.
ALCAR by itself or in a choline stack will also work great with the racetams and ampakines. Boosting
the level of Acetylcholine will allow for a synergistic combination with racetams which act as
Acetylcholine receptor agonists. ALCAR is suggested to help protect from excitotoxic situations
resulting from excess glutamate that may be a result of taking certain ampakines. For this reason,
ALCAR may be bene cial when stacked with certain glutamate agonists like sunifram and unifram.
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Further and Related Readings
1. N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine (NALT)
2. L-Theanine
3. N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)
4. Agmatine Sulfate
5. The Ultimate Nootropics FAQ
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