Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR)

Contents

About Acetyl L-Carnitine?

Acetyl L-Carnitine is actually a form of a derivative of a naturally occurring amino acid within the body, known as carnitine. Carnitine plays an essential role in fat metabolism as it basically functions as a transporter for fatty acids within the body. This compound actually transports fatty acids into the mitochondria of cells, which is where cells get their energy. Within the body, it is primarily produced within the kidneys and within the liver. Carnitine is produced naturally by the body from amino acids such as methionine and lysine. Acetyl L-Carnitine supplements are ideal however, as they ensure the body has a constant supply of this highly beneficial ingredient.

How does it work?

Acetyl L-Carnitine basically helps the body to metabolize body fat as you exercise and exert yourself physically. It is able to do this by lessening the passage of long chain fatty acids through the walls of the mitochondria within the cells. During the initial stages of exercise, glycogen stores quickly diminish and so the body is forced to find an alternate source of energy, which it gets in the form of body fat. Your endurance will help determine how much fat you actually use up. Acetyl L-Carnitine however, basically helps to ensure that you burn more fat and therefore not only lose weight, but also that you have more energy in the process.

What are the main benefits of Acetyl L-Carnitine?

There are many benefits associated with this supplement, and whilst some of them we’ve already looked at, others you may be surprised to learn of. Here’s a more detailed look.

Fat Loss

Obviously the biggest benefit associated with Acetyl L-Carnitine is the fact that it helps the body to burn off body fat. It helps ease long chain fatty acid passages through mitochondrial cell walls, meaning that the cells can utilize them quicker and more efficiently. Put simply, it allows the body to burn off more body fat for energy than it would ordinarily.

Increased Energy Levels

Another great benefit of Acetyl L-Carnitine is that as it allows more fat to be utilized by the body for energy, you will have more energy than you would have had previously. Simply put, your energy will come from your stored body fat reserves, so by exercising you will be fuelling your workouts with your fat.

Enhanced Mental Focus

Remember, we’re comprised of billions of microscopic cells and this includes our brains. Acetyl L-Carnitine supplementation can therefore enhance brain focus and health so you will think clearer, concentrate more, and will just generally enjoy more mental health benefits.

Increased Testosterone Production

For men with low testosterone levels, studies have also found that Acetyl L-Carnitine could help to boost natural testosterone levels, with levels thought to begin increasing in a matter of weeks with regular supplementation.

Increased Muscle Mass

There are two ways in which this supplement is able to promote increases in lean muscle mass and definition. The first way is simply down to the fact that, as the supplement ramps up your metabolism, the more energy you have, the more efficient your workouts in the gym will become, and therefore the more muscle you will be able to build. The second reason however, is down to the fact that it helps increase testosterone levels. Testosterone is the dominant male sexual health hormone that plays a key role in a number of processes, including muscle growth and repair.

So, to summarize, the main benefits are:

• Increased fat loss
• More energy
• Increased muscle mass
• Improved mental health and function
• Increased testosterone production
• Helps to support cognitive health and/or brain function

How and when should you take it?

Health Canada Recommended Dose (capsules): 3 - 4 Capsule(s) 1 - 2 time(s) per day. 

Health Canada Recommended Dose (powder): Adults: 2 - 4 Scoop(s) 1 time(s) per day.

L-Carnitine VS Acetyl L-Carnitine

People may find themselves confused by L-Carnitine and Acetyl L-Carnitine, wondering what the main differences are. Put simply, if you ever see the two together on store shelves, and wonder what the difference between the two is, the short answer is that they both come from the same amino acid, but happen to function differently. L-Carnitine provides the fat loss benefits, whereas the Acetyl L-Carnitine provides those same benefits, with the added bonus of being processed, so that it penetrates the blood-brain barrier quicker, and therefore also provides mental health benefits.

What can you stack it with?

In reality, you can stack Acetyl L-Carnitine with a number of other supplements, including potent fat burners. The most valuable thing to take the supplement with however, is a form of carbohydrate as this will ensure the supplement makes its way into the muscles due to the insulin spike. Because of this, Dextrose works very well.

Acetyl L-Carnitine Ingredients

Per Capsule

Medicinal Ingredients (per capsule): Acetylcarnitine ((2R)-2-(Acetyloxy)-3-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-1-propanaminium inner salt, Acetyl-L-Carnitine) .......................... 500 Milligrams
Non-Medicinal Ingredients: Brown rice flour, Gelatin.

Per Scoop

Medicinal Ingredients (per scoop): Acetylcarnitine ((2R)-2-(Acetyloxy)-3-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-1-propanaminium inner salt, Acetyl-L-Carnitine) ............................. 1 Grams
Non-Medicinal Ingredients: none.

Potential Side effects

Like all supplements, always consult your doctor before using any new product, and always use it as instructed. Though side effects are minimal and rare, some users have reported the following:

• Stomach upset
• Pungent urine smell
• Bad breath
• Upset stomach
• Dizziness
• Restlessness

Known Adverse Reactions: May cause digestive problems.
Contraindications: N/A

Cautions and Warnings

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have liver disease, kidney disease and/or a seizure disorder, consult a health care practitioner prior to use.

Allergen warnings

Allergy Statement: This product is made in a facility that handles milk products, gluten, shellfish, soy, peanuts and other tree nuts.

This product may contain milk, gluten, shellfish, soy, peanuts and other tree nuts.