ALCAR 500mg - 100 capsules

ALCAR, also known as Acetyl-L-Carnitine, is an acetylated form of the amino acid L-Carnitine. L-Carnitine is an amino acid found naturally in the body and is involved in the transport of fatty acids to the mitochondria, the "powerhouses" of cells. Acetylation allows carnitine to more easily cross the blood-brain barrier, thus providing direct benefits to the brain.

Why is it considered a nootropic? ALCAR is classified as a nootropic due to its ability to improve cognitive function, protect neurons, and boost energy production in the brain. Its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier means it can act directly on the brain, offering neuroprotective and cognitive effects.

Mechanism of action: ALCAR has multiple mechanisms of action in the body and brain:

1. Energy Production: ALCAR facilitates the transport of fatty acids to the mitochondria, which increases energy production. This is essential to maintain cellular health and function.
2. Neuroprotection: ALCAR can protect brain cells against damage caused by oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial health.
3. Production of Neurotransmitters: ALCAR is a source of acetyl groups that can be used in the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for memory and learning.

ALCAR benefits:

1. Optimization of Energy Metabolism:
   • Mitochondrial Function: ALCAR is essential for transporting long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they are oxidized to produce energy. This function is critical to maintaining cellular vitality and preventing fatigue.
   • Reduced Oxidative Stress: By improving mitochondrial function, ALCAR can also reduce oxidative stress, which is a common cause of cellular damage and premature aging.
2. Neuroprotection and Brain Health:
   • Prevention of Neuronal Degeneration: ALCAR has been shown to protect neurons from various toxins and reduce cell death in experimental models.
   • Support in Neurodegenerative Conditions: Although more research is needed, there is preliminary evidence to suggest that ALCAR may be useful in diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other age-related disorders.
3. Improved Cognitive Function:
   • Boosting Learning and Memory: ALCAR may increase the release and production of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter for learning and memory, which could have positive effects on cognition.
   • Prevention of Age-Related Cognitive Decline: Some studies have shown that ALCAR can counteract some of the cognitive declines associated with aging.
4. Improved Mood and Mental Health:
   • Antidepressant Properties: ALCAR has shown antidepressant potential in some studies, possibly by influencing brain neurotransmitters.
   • Anxiety Reduction: In experimental models, ALCAR has been shown to reduce anxiety-related behaviors.
5. Visual Health:
   • Protection Against Degeneration: ALCAR may help prevent or slow the degeneration of nerve cells in the eye, which could be beneficial in diseases such as age-related macular degeneration.
6. Cardiovascular health:
   • Support of Cardiac Function: ALCAR has demonstrated benefits in patients with heart disease, improving exercise capacity and reducing fatigue.
   • Improved Circulation: ALCAR may improve circulation in certain conditions, which is beneficial for overall heart health and cardiovascular function.
7. Improved Exercise Tolerance:
   • By encouraging energy production and improving circulation, ALCAR may help improve exercise tolerance and speed recovery after an intense workout.

These benefits make ALCAR a highly regarded supplement in the world of health and wellness. However, it is critical that consumers understand that although ALCAR has many potential benefits, it is not a "magic pill" and should be used as part of a comprehensive approach to health and wellness. It is essential to combine it with a balanced diet, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle to obtain the best results.

Absorption: ALCAR is efficiently absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. Its absorption may be improved if taken on an empty stomach. Additionally, due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, ALCAR can directly reach the brain.

Adverse Effects: While ALCAR is generally considered safe when taken at recommended doses, some side effects may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and headache. In very high doses, it can cause insomnia or agitation.

Contraindications: Although ALCAR is generally well tolerated, those with thyroid problems should be cautious, as it may interfere with thyroid activity. It is always advisable for individuals to consult a health professional before starting any new supplement.

More information about ALCAR and its dosage: https://nootropicsexpert.com/acetyl-l-carnitine/

Study references:

[i] Rebouche CJ “Kinetics, pharmacokinetics, and regulation of L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine metabolism.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 2004 Nov;1033:30-41. ( source )

[ii] Liu J., Head E., Kuratsune H., Cotman CW, Ames BN “Comparison of the effects of L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine on carnitine levels, ambulatory activity, and oxidative stress biomarkers in the brain of old rats.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 2004 Nov;1033:117-31. ( source )

[iii] White HL, Scates PW “Acetyl-L-carnitine as a precursor of acetylcholine.” Neurochemical Research 1990 Jun;15(6):597-601. ( source )

[iv] Kalaria RN, Harik SI “Carnitine acetyltransferase activity in the human brain and its microvessels is decreased in Alzheimer's disease.” Annals of Neurology 1992 Oct;32(4):583-6. ( source )

[v] Berg JM, Tymoczko JL, Stryer L. Biochemistry . 5th edition. New York: W. H. Freeman; 2002. ( source )

[vi] Berg JM, Tymoczko JL, Stryer L. Biochemistry . 5th edition. New York: W. H. Freeman; 2002. ( source )

[vii] Costell M., O'Connor JE, Grisolía S. “Age-dependent decrease of carnitine content in muscles of mice and humans.” Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 1989 Jun 30;161(3):1135-43. ( source )

[viii] Gomez LA, Heath SD, Hagen TM “Acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation reverses the age-related decline in carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) activity in interfibrillar mitochondria without changing the L-carnitine content in the rat heart” Mechanics of Aging Development 2012 Feb-Mar; 133(0): 99–106. ( source )

[ix] Pettegrew JW, Levine J., McClure RJ “Acetyl-L-carnitine physical-chemical, metabolic, and therapeutic properties: relevance for its mode of action in Alzheimer's disease and geriatric depression.” Molecular Psychiatry 2000 Nov;5(6):616-32. ( source )

[x] Ferrari F., Gorini A., Villa RF “Functional proteomics of synaptic plasma membrane ATP-ases of rat hippocampus: effect of l-acetylcarnitine and relationships with Dementia and Depression pathophysiology.” European Journal of Pharmacology 2015 Jun 5;756:67-74. ( source )

[xi] Taglialatela G., Navarra D., Olivi A., Ramacci MT, Werrbach-Perez K., Perez-Polo JR, Angelucci L. “Neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells stimulated by acetyl-L-carnitine arginine amide.” Neurochemical Research 1995 Jan;20(1):1-9. ( source )

[xii] Montgomery SA, Thal LJ, Amrein R. “Meta-analysis of double blind randomized controlled clinical trials of acetyl-L-carnitine versus placebo in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease” International Clinical Psychopharmacology 2003 Mar;18 (2):61-71. ( source )

[xiii] Spagnoli A. et. Al. “Long-term acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in Alzheimer's disease.” Neurology . 1991 Nov;41(11):1726-32. ( source )

[xiv] Tomassini V., Pozzilli C., Onesti E., Pasqualetti P., Marinelli F., Pisani A., Fieschi C. “Comparison of the effects of acetyl L-carnitine and amantadine for the treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis : results of a pilot, randomized, double-blind, crossover trial.” Journal of Neurological Science 2004 Mar 15;218(1-2):103-8. ( source )

[xv] Alves E. et. Al “Acetyl-l-carnitine provides effective in vivo neuroprotection over 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced mitochondrial neurotoxicity in the adolescent rat brain” Cellular Neuroscience Volume 158, Issue 2, 23 January 2009, Pages 514–523 ( source )

[xvi] Cavallini G., Caracciolo S., Vitali G., Modenini F., Biagiotti G. “Carnitine versus androgen administration in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, depressed mood, and fatigue associated with male aging.” Urology 2004 Apr;63(4):641-6. ( source )

[xvii] Liu J., Head E., Gharib AM, Yuan W., Ingersoll RT, Hagen TM, Cotman CW, Ames BN “Memory loss in old rats is associated with brain mitochondrial decay and RNA/DNA oxidation: partial reversal by feeding acetyl-L-carnitine and/or R-alpha -lipoic acid.” Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 2002 Feb 19;99(4):2356-61. ( source )