ALCAR
Cas No.: 14992-62-2
What is ALCAR?
ALCAR, or acetyl-L-carnitine, is a compound formed by the attachment of an acetyl group to the amino acid L-carnitine. Other names used for the compound are ALC, L-acetylcarnitine, N-acetyl-L-carnitine, acetylcarnitine, Acetyl-Levocarnitine, Levacecarnine, Carnitine Acetyl Ester, BT vitamin.
L-carnitine itself is mainly used by athletes for muscle support. In turn, the acetylated form of the amino acid gains new valuable properties – it has a beneficial effect on brain function. Therefore, ALCAR is used as a nootropic preparation.
Application of ALCAR
Acetyl-L-carnitine is used as a complex brain booster. It improves memory and concentration, can add energy and reduce feelings of fatigue. The product can be used by people who are studying, studying, working mentally and who need support with a nootropic preparation. This makes it easier to cope with daily duties. In addition, ALCAR can improve cognitive function in the elderly, whose memory and information processing speed deteriorate with age.
The product exhibits neuroprotective effects, so it can be used for the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, it can promote peripheral nerve regeneration, such as in diabetic neuropathy.
Mechanism of action
Acetyl-L-carnitine has high bioavailability and, most importantly, can cross the blood-brain barrier. This compound can stimulate cellular metabolism and increase glucose utilization by brain neurons. Another mechanism of action is the ability to affect neurotransmitter levels. Acetyl-L-carnitine increases the brain’s uptake of choline, thereby increasing the synthesis of acetylcholine. In addition, ALCAT can increase levels of other neurotransmitters – serotonin and norepinephrine.
ALCAR dosage
The recommended dosage of acetyl-L-carnitine is 1,000 to 3,000 mg, taken as several smaller doses per day. To increase the effectiveness of supplementation, choline, caffeine, noopept or alpha-lipoic acid can be used in addition.
References:
- Garzya G, Corallo D, Fiore A, Lecciso G, Petrelli G, Zotti C. Evaluation of the effects of L-acetylcarnitine on senile patients suffering from depression. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1990;16(2):101-6. PMID: 2205455; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2205455/
- Carta A, Calvani M, Bravi D, Bhuachalla SN. Acetyl-L-carnitine and Alzheimer’s disease: pharmacological considerations beyond the cholinergic sphere. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1993 Sep 24;695:324-6; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8239306/
- Malaguarnera M, Gargante MP, Cristaldi E, Colonna V, Messano M, Koverech A, Neri S, Vacante M, Cammalleri L, Motta M. Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2008 Mar-Apr;46(2):181-90; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17658628/
- Anders A.F. Sima, Menotti Calvani, Munish Mehra, Antonino Amato, for the Acetyl-l-Carnitine Study Group; Acetyl-l-Carnitine Improves Pain, Nerve Regeneration, and Vibratory Perception in Patients With Chronic Diabetic Neuropathy: An analysis of two randomized placebo-controlled trials. Diabetes Care 1 January 2005; 28 (1): 89-94; https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/28/1/89/25830/Acetyl-l-Carnitine-Improves-Pain-Nerve
