Acetyl-L-Carnitine or ALCAR is a natural nootropic agent that bears energy levels in both the brain and the body, strengthens motivation, clarity of mind, memory and supports the brain.
What is Acetyl-L-Carnitine?
ALCAR (Acetyl-L-Carnitine) is a modified version of carnitine, which is a popular supplement for athletes. Although we can take a lot of benefits from the intake of carnitine, it is thought that Acetyl-L-Carnitine has an additional nootropic effect and can positively affect the work of the brain.
Let's start with what is carnitine. This amino acid is produced in the liver and kidneys in very small amounts. The main advantage of this amino acid is that it helps to convert fat into energy, which also has some effect on the brain.
Carnitine transports fatty acids and breaks them down. In this process, more carbohydrates are consumed than normal and they are transformed into a source of energy. This means that it supports the uptake of fatty acids from mitochondria and converts stored fats into energy. Thanks to this process, it is combined with potential weight loss. It is also often used in sports supplementation for energy injection and endurance.
Some people are unable to produce enough L-carnitine in the body so that it can be transported to create cellular energy. Food sources that contain carnitine are beef, chicken, milk and cheese, but these are very small amounts. Deficiencies of this amino acid are very common and can cause muscle aches, fatigue, confusion and hypoglycaemia. No matter if it's due to other drugs, genetics or dietary choices, L-carnitine is needed for the body's health, muscle mobility, energy and motivation.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is beneficial for your brain!
Acetyl-L-Carnitine more effectively reaches brain cells and is more bioavailable than carnitine itself. Carnitine is not easily transported to cells, especially the brain cells, which are protected by the blood-brain barrier. This means that Acetyl-L-Carnitine can get into the circulatory system and act actively.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is considered to be a brain booster that increases its ability to form and modify neural connections. During supplementation, it is absorbed into the bloodstream, reaching the central nervous system and the brain.
ALCAR combines with choline, which the body produces in minimal amounts from the nutrients contained in food and produces a chemical called acetylcholine. This is why Acetyl-L-Carnitine is often combined with choline in supplements.
Acetylcholine is a powerful neurotransmitter that sends signals between neurons and is known for its impact on many cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and learning. This can help to clean up thoughts, strengthen vigilance and improve intellectual processes, but individual effects may vary depending on the user.
Supplementing people can feel the improvement of the ability to perform multiple tasks at the same time and may notice improvement in learning and memory abilities. In addition, they will be accompanied by a feeling of sharper mind and longer attention. The clarity of thinking and focus will become easier as well as the memory loss associated with age will improve.
ALCAR can also potentially support memory processes and problems with thinking related to alcohol addiction.
It is also believed that Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a powerful antioxidant that removes toxins from the brain and helps to get rid of harmful free radicals that accumulate with age and can lead to many diseases. In addition, it is considered a substance that protects neurons, creating a specific shield for the brain against toxins associated with aging, which kill brain cells and promote brain health.
Finally, Acetyl-L-Carnitine is also associated with reducing physical and mental fatigue and cognitive impairment in old age.
Why should you supplement ALCAR?
- Improvement of physical and mental energy
- More concentration
- Improvement of memory, lost with age
- Improved motivation
- Improving the clarity of mind
- Brain health
Is ALCAR safe?
The reported side effects associated with taking ALCAR are minimal. It is believed that this agent is very low-toxic and well-tolerated, however, some side effects reported in some cases are:
- Mild headaches (which may be due to a higher level of acetylcholine)
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- Insomnia
- Overstimulation
In order to combat potential headaches, it would be a good idea to consider supplementation with good quality choline, e.g. Citicoline or Alpha GPC together with ALCAR. If your headaches persist, stop taking ALCAR for a few weeks and slowly increase the dose when we start taking the supplement again.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is not recommended for people who take drugs for HIV, cancer or take chemotherapy, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers or blood thinners.
If you have any doubts or concerns, talk to your doctor before you start taking ALCAR.
Dosage of Acetyl-L-Carnitine
It is recommended to always start with the lowest dose when trying any new nootropic supplement. This will help you evaluate your body's reactions and estimate the best dose for you.
The most popular dose is 500 - 1000 mg consumed at once or divided into several servings per day. For some users, 250 mg once a day or even several times a week may be a sufficient and effective dose. Do not exceed the 1000 mg dose per day. The half-life of Acetyl-L-Carnitine is about 4-5 hours. It is better to take the supplement in the morning than in the evening.
To prevent potential headaches while taking ALCAR, it is often used in combination with choline. Because of its power, it's a good idea to first evaluate the effects to see if it works for you. Another common combination that should be considered is the simultaneous use of centrophenoxin, which works similar to choline with some additional benefits for cognitive function.
However, these are only guidelines, and if you have any doubts, consult your doctor.
Summary
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is a nootropic supplement that improves concentration, mental energy, clear thinking and memory. This is an improved version of L-Carnitine, a supplement for athletes, used to convert carbohydrates into energy with additional cognitive benefits.
Many people use this supplement to support their thinking skills and notice the improvement of mental clarity, greater sharpness of thinking, concentration and focus. Basic everyday mental tasks become easier.
ALCAR is believed to be well tolerated, and the side effects associated with its use seem to be very mild. If you are looking for a way to improve the clarity of mind, mood, physical and mental energy, and even neuroplasticity, it is a supplement that you should consider.
