Acetyl-L-Carnitine, or ALCAR for short, is a supplement that is making its way into many peoples daily regimen. Acetyl-L-Carnitine lacks many human studies conducted on healthy adults, but reports on mice are so compelling that it warrants further research on humans. Current research indicates that Acetyl-L-Carnitine has many positive effects on the brain in terms of increasing cognitive functioning, memory recall, and enhancing individuals learning capability.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Adenosine TriPhosphate
Acetyl-L-Carnitine may play a role in Adenosine TriPhosphate (ATP). First, though, what is ATP?
"Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is considered by biologists to be the energy currency of life. It is the high-energy molecule that stores the energy we need to do just about everything we do. It is present in the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm of every cell, and essentially all the physiological mechanisms that require energy for operation obtain it directly from the stored ATP." [1]
Acetyl-L-Carnitine gets studied frequently for its role in Alzheimer's research. ATP depletion plays a major role in neurological deterioration seen in patients suffering from Alzheimer's. A study conducted by the Center for Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research at the University of Massachusetts Lowell showed that "ALCAR prevented ATP depletion; therefore, ALCAR may mediate its protective effect by buffering oxidative stress and maintaining ATP levels." [2]
Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Fat Loss
Acetyl-L-Carnitine has long been theorized to aid in fat loss through its ability to increase fatty acid metabolism in the mitochondria.
"There is extensive research on carnitine, as seen in the following research overview. The focus is on athletic performance and enhanced endurance; increased fat metabolism; lowering of cholesterol and triglyceride levels; and heart protection. Because carnitine facilitates fatty acid transport into the mitochondria for oxidation, researchers initially theorized that it is possible that elevated carnitine levels would permit a greater/faster transport of fat leading to increased fat oxidation, which may impact weight loss and/or endurance performance." [3]
Research is not conclusive on its ability to aid in fat loss. More research is needed to discover ALCAR's true capabilities when it comes to aiding in fat loss.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Brain Functioning
A lot of users consumer Acetyl-L-Carnitine based on it's potential to increase brain functioning. Studies show that ALCAR can aid on this, but few if any studies are constructed on healthy, active adults. Most are on the already brain impaired or on older individuals who already may have intellect deterioration. Regardless, there is current research that shows Acetyl-L-Carnitine's ability to help with memory functioning and constructional thinking:
"Each subject was treated over 150 days, and a battery of tests (investigating cognitive functioning, emotional-affective state and relational behavior) was administered at the beginning on the treatment and the conclusion of each of its four phases. In the first and the last phases there was a 30 days placebo treatment (aimed respectively to wash-out the effects of previous drug and to assess the residual effects of the treatment), while in the second and the third ones (both 45 days long) the subjects took 1500 mg/day of Acetyl-L-carnitine. Repeated multivariate analysis of variance and of covariance (taking as independent variables phases of treatment, age, gender, etiology and severity of mental impairment, as dependent variables the scores either of each test administered or of groups of items and as covariants the level of depression and the sensitivity to placebo effect) showed that drug treatment significantly increased the effectiveness of performance on all the measures of cognitive functioning and of emotional-affective state and on some scores of the relational behavior." [4]
What does this mean for the future of ALCAR? Well, it clearly shows its ability to increase the effectiveness of:
- Cognitive functioning
- Emotional state
- Rational behavior
Another study was conducted on individuals with mild mental impairment:
"In the present controlled double-blind study the authors followed two randomized homogeneous groups of both sexes of 30 patients each, aged over 65 years and suffering from mild mental impairment. One group of patients underwent therapy with acetyl-L-carnitine, 2 g/day for three months, while the other group was treated with a placebo. The statistical evaluation of the results was carried-out using non-parametric methods (Friedman-Nemenyi two-way ANOVA). It was possible to affirm that the acetyl-L-carnitine treated patients showed statistically significant improvement in the behavioural scales, in the memory tests, in the attention barrage test and in the Verbal Fluency test." [5]
Overall, these two studies clearly show ALCAR has the capability to aid in items such as cognitive functioning/reasoning, memory, and oral articulacy.
There is an unpublished study that shows how ALCAR affects healthy college students.
"This research examined the effects of acetyl-l-carnitne(ALCAR)on memory and cognition. Forty college age students were randomly assigned into a Solomon four-group design. Groups recieved either ALCAR 500mg or placebo for a two-week treatment period. Testing was facilitated by computer software program. Results found that the treatment group outperformed the controls on 83% of the dependent measures." [7]
Acetyl-L-Carnitine as an Anti-Depressant
It's clear now that ALCAR has a host of positive nootropic effects. Acetyl-L-Carnitine may also aid in quality of life. In a study that was conducted in regards to individuals suffering from dysthymic disorders (depression as an example), one group was given a placebo, and another 3g of Acetyl-L-Carnitine daily.
The Acetyl-L-Carnitine group showed:
"that treatment with acetyl-L-carnitine induced a significant reduction, as compared to the placebo (p less than 0.002), in the severity of depressive symptoms and also a significant improvement (p less than 0.0027) in the items measuring the quality of life." [6]
Summary
The idea of being able to increase our cognitive abilities may be quickly approaching. With supplements such as Acetyl-L-Carnitine and the potential for future research, we may find ourselves in an era where people can get a leg up in the classroom or at work via supplementation. In conclusion, Acetyl-L-Carnitine MAY aid in:
- Cognitive functioning
- Learning capabilities
- Prevent ATP depletion
- Rational behavior
- Memory recall
- Verbal fluency
- Quality of life
Author's Note: This information is intended to supplement your knowledge, not to replace advice from your health care provider. Interactions between your current medications and the above topic are not noted, therefore never use supplements without approval from your health care provider.
References
- http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/biology/atp.html
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12199155
- http://www.lef.org/abstracts/codex/acetyl-l-carnitine_index.htm
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2140973
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2201659
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2099360
- http://clearinghouse.missouriwestern.edu/manuscripts/116.php
Acetyl L-Carnitine News on PricePlow
-
Sep 10, 2019 ![]()
Product News:
Myprotein Acetyl L Carnitine has new variations: Category: Acetyl L-Carnitine -
Sep 04, 2019 ![]()
Blog Post:
Darkside Supps Fires Up the Scene with ULTRA STIM Burner!
Darkside Supps is a hot new brand going after aggressive but PROFESSIONAL supplements, and the Ultra Stim Fat Burner is a phenomenal way to start! -
Aug 13, 2019 ![]()
Blog Post:
EVL LeanMode + Probiotic – Improve Gut Health for Weight Loss
EVL Nutrition takes a different angle on fat-burning, as LeanMode + Probiotic rights your gut health while also facilitating fat loss! -
Aug 05, 2019 ![]()
Blog Post:
Cutler Nutrition COGNITION Nootropic Elevates Jay Cutler’s CEO Status
Cutler Nutrition Cognition brings the WORK productivity supplement to Jay Cutler's brand. As the hottest CEO in the game, Jay needs to stay focused! -
Jul 29, 2019 ![]()
Blog Post:
Ghost Burn: Weight Loss Energy Drink that Melts Away Fat!
Ghost Burn is back, and they've set their sights on fat-burning! Burn is an extensive, effective, great-tasting fat burner... how effective is it? -
Jul 27, 2019 ![]()
YouTube Video:
Fight Fat and Combat Carbs! | Ghost Burn INGREDIENTS Reviewed -
Jun 14, 2019 ![]()
Product News:
SAN Alcar was created.
Category: Acetyl L-Carnitine -
Jun 09, 2019 ![]()
Product News:
PrimaForce Alcalean has new variations: Category: Acetyl L-Carnitine -
Apr 05, 2019 ![]()
Product News:
Country Life Acetyl L-Carnitine was created.
Category: Acetyl L-Carnitine -
Apr 05, 2019 ![]()
Product News:
Body First Acetyl-L Carnitine was created.
Category: Acetyl L-Carnitine -
Apr 04, 2019 ![]()
Product News:
Nature's Way Acetyl L-Carnitine was created.
Category: Acetyl L-Carnitine -
Apr 03, 2019 ![]()
Product News:
NutraKey Acetyl L-Carnitine was created.
Category: Acetyl L-Carnitine -
Apr 03, 2019 ![]()
Product News:
MRM Acetyl L-Carnitine was created.
Category: Acetyl L-Carnitine -
Apr 03, 2019 ![]()
Product News:
SNS ALCAR-500 was created.
Category: Acetyl L-Carnitine -
Apr 03, 2019 ![]()
Product News:
Twinlab Acetyl-L-Carnitine was created.
Category: Acetyl L-Carnitine -
Apr 03, 2019 ![]()
Product News:
MRM Liquid Acetyl L-Carnitine was created.
Category: Acetyl L-Carnitine -
Apr 03, 2019 ![]()
Product News:
Dymatize Acetyl L-Carnitine was created.
Category: Acetyl L-Carnitine -
Apr 03, 2019 ![]()
Product News:
NOW Acetyl L-Carnitine was created.
Category: Acetyl L-Carnitine -
Mar 19, 2019 ![]()
Product News:
Life Extension Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate was created.
Category: Acetyl L-Carnitine -
Mar 18, 2019 ![]()
Blog Post:
Fertility Supplements: Mike’s Ferodrox-Driven Male Fertility Stack
With fertility supplements for men, there's one supplement with four of the six ingredients we like: Kaged Muscle Ferodrox! Then add Maca and DAA! -
Feb 26, 2019 ![]()
Blog Post:
ProGBB: The Gamma Butyrobetaine Supplement that Enhances Carnitine
ProGBB is SYNMR's well-tested form of the carnitine-booster Gamma Butyrobetaine Ethyl Ester, more easily known as GBB! It may make you sweat though! -
Jan 31, 2019 ![]()
Blog Post:
NutraBio Alpha-GPC Puts Focus and Strength in One Capsule
NutraBio Alpha-GPC contains 300mg ACTIVE Alpha-GPC in each capsule for increased strength and nootropic focus. It uses calcium phosphate as a carrier. -
Nov 30, 2018 ![]()
YouTube Video:
BEST Nootropic Energy Drink | SNS Focus XT Review -
Oct 31, 2018 ![]()
Blog Post:
The Outbreak FPS Gaming Supplement Brings REAL Blood Flow to Gamers
Outbreak F.P.S. is a phenomenal gaming supplement made by gamers who design supplements for armageddon. FPS = Focus and Performance Supplement! -
Oct 26, 2018 ![]()
Blog Post:
Olympus Labs BloodShr3d Black Magic Brings Fiery Heat and Stims
Olympus Labs BloodShr3d Black Magic is a high-intensity fat burning powder with three SERIOUS stimulants, but no yohimbe! Get ready to sweat! -
Oct 16, 2018 ![]()
Blog Post:
SNS Focus XT: The Go-To Energy Nootropic Supplement Base.. Now in Candy Corn!
SNS Focus XT is the leading nootropic supplement that works as the ultimate productivity aid or focus-based pre workout. But now it's in CANDY CORN?! -
Sep 17, 2018 ![]()
Product News:
Thorne Research Carnityl was created.
Category: Acetyl L-Carnitine -
Aug 23, 2018 ![]()
YouTube Video:
VMI Sports L-Carnitine 1500 HEAT Review: Feel the Heat! -
Aug 21, 2018 ![]()
Blog Post:
L-Carnitine is Underrated. New Meta Review Reminds Us Why.
A new L-Carnitine review citing over 100 sources reminds us how incredibly good and safe this ingredient is... and we think L-Carnitine is underrated! -
Jul 12, 2018 ![]()
Blog Post:
GBB (Gamma-Butyrobetaine Ethyl Ester): Super Carnitine That Makes You Sweat?! -
Jul 10, 2018 ![]()
Product News:
GNC Acetyl-L-Carnitine was created.
Category: Acetyl L-Carnitine -
May 30, 2018 ![]()
Blog Post:
QUANTUMiND: An Energy Nootropic for a Quantum State of Mind
QUANTUMiND is an energy-based nootropic that hits all angles: mood-boosting, neuroprotection, anxiolytics, and energy! Prepare for cognitive clarity! -
Mar 07, 2018 ![]()
Blog Post:
Genius Consciousness: TEN Ingredient Nootropic Takes Living to the Next Level
The Genius Consciousness nootropic stimulant powder helps you achieve a higher state of being! Finally, The Genius Brand has a nootropic supplement! -
Feb 13, 2018 ![]()
Product News:
True Performance Nutrition ALCAR was created.
Category: Acetyl L-Carnitine -
Feb 13, 2018 ![]()
Blog Post:
Anarchy Labs Shogun — Obey the Master of Fat Loss
Anarchy Labs Shogun is a high powered fat burner featuring 300mg caffeine and 150mg DMHA alongside a host of proven thermogenic aids. -
Jan 30, 2018 ![]()
Blog Post:
Apollon Nutrition CHAOS Fat Burner Brings the Heat.. Yohimbe-Free!
Chaos is a well dosed fat burner from the hardcore brand Apollon Nutrition that's sure to crank up your thermogenic engine and have you sweating bullets. -
Jan 21, 2018 ![]()
Product News:
Platinum Labs Acetyl L-Carnitine was created.
Category: Acetyl L-Carnitine -
Jan 19, 2018 ![]()
Blog Post:
Controlled Labs Orange Brainwash – Supreme Cognitive Booster
Controlled Labs explodes back on the scene with a powerhouse nootropic supplement titled Orange Brain Wash, and it has nearly EVERY nootropic we love! -
Jan 13, 2018 ![]()
Product News:
Infinite Labs ALCAR was created.
Category: Acetyl L-Carnitine -
Dec 21, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
RAW Synergies Thermo Pre: 2-in-1 Fat Burning Pre Workout
RAW Synergies ThermoPre is a 2 in 1 thermogenic fat burner that can also double as a perfect moderate stim pre workout for fasted cardio days! -
Dec 19, 2017 ![]()
Product News:
Carlson Acetyl L-Carnitine was created.
Category: Acetyl L-Carnitine -
Dec 13, 2017 ![]()
Product News:
Myprotein Acetyl L Carnitine was created.
Category: Acetyl L-Carnitine -
Dec 03, 2017 ![]()
Product News:
Country Life L-Carnitine was created.
Category: Acetyl L-Carnitine -
Oct 15, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
Keto Connect Podcast with Mike from PricePlow: Supplements for Keto | #4
Need guidance about supplements for keto dieters? Check out Mike's 2017 Keto Connect podcast interview on "Keto for Normies" with Matt & Megha! -
Oct 06, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
Northbound’s All-Natural Blend: A Stevia-Sweetened Nootropic
Stevia-based nootropic powder! Northbound Nutrition has released a new naturally-flavored / sweetened tub of their popular nootropic supplement BLEND -
Aug 28, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
Primeval Labs Hurakan: The Hot-Headed Fat Burner
The Hurakan fat burner is a groundbreaking thermogenic from Primeval Labs that should heat you up and actually help burn fat, not just crack you out. -
Aug 17, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
EVL BCAA Lean Energy: Energy Aminos for Dieters
EVL BCAA Lean Energy provides a solid 5g dose of 2:1:1 BCAAs plus a host of ingredients to aid fat loss. -
Aug 05, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
Lumonol Nootropic: A Popular Memory Supplement But…
Lumonol is a popular nootropic supplement that may be great for memory, but can we build a better one for cheaper? We analyze the Lumonol Ingredients. -
Jul 14, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
MAN Sports Brain Bridge: Powdered Brain Power!
Brain Bridge is powerful nootropic supplement from MAN Sports to enhance cognition, focus, and productivity. -
Jul 02, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
Top Secret Nutrition Acquired by Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals
Top Secret Nutrition has been bought by Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, adding some mainstream supplements to their lineup. Check out their take on Carnitine -
Jun 14, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
EVL LeanMode: Fat Burning Powder Replaces Your Soda
LeanMode by EVL Nutrition is an all new powder-based version of the brand's popular stimulant-free weight loss supplement. Low-fat dieters check in! -
Apr 27, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
SNS Lean Edge – Stim Free Fat Burner
SNS Lean Edge is a prime option for those seeking a stimulant free, fully dosed fat burner with ingredients initially seen on shows like Dr. Oz. -
Nov 10, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post:
Phenylpiracetam: The Limitless Nootropic
Phenylpiracetam is a brain-enhancing nootropic also known as Phenotropil and Carphedon, similar to piracetam but with an added kick for motivation! -
Sep 28, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post:
ANS RAVE: Energy For Lifters, Gamers, and Hard Workers!
ANS Performance RAVE is the new mental productivity supplement with an extremely unique, and well-dosed ingredient list including Lion's Mane & DMHA! -
Sep 06, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post:
Northbound Nutrition BLEND – Cognitive Energy & Endurance
Blend from Northbound Nutrition is a clinically dosed cognition enhancing supplement perfect for work or working out. Maybe even a gaming supplement! -
May 23, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post:
Omnimind – Mental Potentiation Powered by Artichokes!
OmniMind is a revolutionary new cognitive enhancement supplement (nootropic) that aims to increase a concept known as Long Term Potentiation (LTP). -
May 18, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post:
Neogenix Velocity Ultra: Upgraded Fat Burning Workout Powder
Neogenix Velocity Ultra is coming, replacing Neurosurge 3.0 and Velocity 3.0, a dual fat burner/pre workout supplement that will boost mood with DLPA! -
Mar 01, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post:
Blue Star Nutraceuticals Blade – Fat Burning with an Edge!
Blue Star Nutraceuticals has reformulated their popular fat burner Blade to remove Picamilon and increase its fat-shredding capability. -
Jan 07, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post:
iSatori LipoDrex – Nutrient Partitioning Thermogenic
iSatori continues to roll out new products with Lipodrex, a fat burner that also utilizes nutrient partitioning agents to help with weight loss! -
Nov 25, 2015 ![]()
Blog Post:
Nitramine 2015: Myokem’s Reformulation for MORE Focus
Myokem Nitramine has been updated as the popular focus pre workout removes picamilon in favor of L-Theanine and Theacrine, and adds ALCAR over LCLT. -
Nov 23, 2015 ![]()
Blog Post:
Rich Piana’s MENTALITY – Cognitive Booster Leaves *Nothing* Out
Rich Piana's Mentality is a cognition boosting supplement that contains virtually every nootropic and amino acid to elevate memory and mental function. -
Jun 02, 2015 ![]()
Blog Post:
Magnum THRUST – This Testosterone Booster has Everything!
Magnum THRUST is a testosterone booster that we consider a "kitchen sink of manliness" - there are a LOT of testosterone boosting ingredients here!
Sign up for future Acetyl L-Carnitine news!
Click the button below to sign up for future Acetyl L-Carnitine news, deals, coupons, and reviews!
Acetyl L-Carnitine Price Alerts
The following price alerts are still active:
- Sep 27, 2019NutraBio Acetyl L-Carnitine 250 Grams dropped by 10.0% to $22.49 at NutraBio
Sign up for future Acetyl L-Carnitine deals and coupons!
Click the button below to sign up for future Acetyl L-Carnitine deals, news, and coupons!
Acetyl L-Carnitine Reviews & YouTube Videos
-
Jul 27, 2019Fight Fat and Combat Carbs! | Ghost Burn INGREDIENTS Reviewed
-
Nov 30, 2018BEST Nootropic Energy Drink | SNS Focus XT Review
-
Aug 23, 2018VMI Sports L-Carnitine 1500 HEAT Review: Feel the Heat!
Subscribe for more Acetyl L-Carnitine news and alerts!
Subscribe to PricePlow on YouTube or click the button below to sign up for our latest Acetyl L-Carnitine news and reviews!
