Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR, ALC or LAC) is a synthesized version of L-Carnitine. Which is a derivative of the amino acids lysine and methionine.
ALCAR is more bioavailable than L-Carnitine. It easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. And delivers L-Carnitine across cell membranes (which it would not be able to cross on its own).
L-Carnitine is naturally made in your liver and kidneys. And then transported to other tissues including your brain and heart.
ALCAR helps:
- Brain Energy Metabolism. ALCAR helps transport of fatty acids into mitochondria where they’re needed for energy metabolism. Fueling your cells “power plants” can boost physical and mental energy.
- Neurotransmitters. ALCAR is a necessary ingredient for acetylcholine formation. Which boosts memory, mental alertness, and fluid thought.
- Brain Optimization. The antioxidant properties of Acetyl-L-Carnitine provides neuroprotective qualities, boosts Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), and promotes cerebral blood circulation.
Table of Contents
Overview
L-Carnitine is an amino acid that’s synthesized in your body. You also get it from red meat and dairy.
L-Carnitine is considered a “conditionally essential” nutrient because when your body uses it faster than it can produce it, you need supplemental L-Carnitine either from food or a supplement.
L-Carnitine is used throughout your body. Here we’re talking about the Acetyl-L-Carnitine form of L-Carnitine because of its affects on brain health and chemistry.
L-Carnitine vs. Acetyl-L-Carnitine: What’s the Difference?
L-Carnitine and Acetyl-L-Carnitine are often referred to as Carnitine. But each are structurally different, and each has its advantages.
L-Carnitine: Provides energy for the mitochondria of your cells, but is not capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. Supplemental L-Carnitine is difficult for your body to absorb; only 18% of it reaches your bloodstream.
L-Carnitine is favored by athletes and dieters who want Carnitine’s fat-metabolizing benefits. But are not seeking any brain benefits.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine: Is easier to absorb and used by your body than L-Carnitine. One study showed using 2 grams daily for 50 days boosted blood ALCAR levels by 43%.[i]
ALCAR does everything that L-Carnitine does, but can also cross the blood-brain barrier. In another study, researchers found that ALCAR protects brain cells from oxidative stress, while L-Carnitine does not.[ii]
How does Acetyl-L-Carnitine Work in the Brain?
Acetyl-L-Carnitine boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- ALCAR boosts acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter tied to memory and overall brain function.Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a precursor to acetylcholine in the presence of Coenzyme-A. ALCAR donates a “methyl group” to make acetylcholine.[iii]
Alzheimer’s-diseased brains show a 25% to 40% reduction in carnitine acetyltransferase, a brain enzyme that works with L-Carnitine & Acetyl-L-Carnitine.
This brain enzyme decline led researchers to link low ALCAR with low acetylcholine, and Alzheimer’s onset. They went on to suggest ALCAR as a viable therapy for brain regeneration.[iv]
- ALCAR promotes brain energy by fueling your brain cell’s mitochondria.[v]
ALCAR works as a shuttle transport for fatty acids through cell membranes. Right to the cell powerplant mitochondria.[vi]
- As ALCAR shuttles fatty acids into mitochondria, it provides the fuel that is burned for energy.
- As ALCAR shuttles fatty acids out of mitochondria, it flushes out toxic byproducts.
ALCAR maintains mitochondria in nearly every cell of your body. Your brain consumes at least 20% of your body’s energy. And generates a lot of toxic byproducts. So ALCAR is particularly important for a healthy brain.
How things go bad:
As we get older, our brain chemistry and energy metabolism changes.[vii]
↓ Nerve growth factor in the brain declines
↓ Acetyl-L-Carnitine levels decline
↓ Acetylcholine levels decline
↓ Mitochondria loses efficiency
All of these age-related changes are contributing factors to the neurodegenerative diseases of aging, including Alzheimer’s and dementia.
ALCAR to the rescue.
Research from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University shows that Acetyl-L-Carnitine will:[viii]
- Restore efficient mitochondrial energy production
- Replenish age-related changes to mitochondrial structure
- Replenish ALCAR and acetylcholine levels in the brain and body
ALCAR’s has the ability to boost acetylcholine and rejuvenate brain cells (including mitochondria). This has been proven to benefit those with age-related brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and major depression.[ix]
How does Acetyl-L-Carnitine feel?
You may not feel ALCAR… unless you’re elderly or have Erectile Dysfunction. Within those specific groups, Acetyl-L-Carnitine helps with memory, mood, mental performance and the ability to get and maintain an erection.
ALCAR’s brain support and its ability to fuel the mitochondria in your brain cells should boost cognition in all age and gender groups.
As a nootropic, ALCAR user reviews report a boost in energy and quick thinking.
The Research
In one study, researchers showed that ALCAR may have positive effects for depression and dementia.[x]
Another study out of Italy; researchers showed that Acetyl-L-Carnitine stimulated the growth of new neurites. More of these minute projections from nerve cell bodies meant increased signaling between cells throughout the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).[xi]
And a study conducted at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York found that ALCAR has potential in treating the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. By directly affecting mitochondrial respiration and assisting dopamine neurons and the use of dopamine in the brain.
ALCAR helps with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
A gold-standard double-blind, randomized controlled trial on 1,204 people showed significant effect on attention, mental performance, memory and higher mental functions.[xii]
In this study ALCAR seemed to ward off further brain deterioration. And could be considered as therapy for brain degeneration.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine slows rate of cognitive decline
130 Alzheimer’s patients were given ALCAR or a placebo daily for a year. They were tested across 14 points of cognitive performance.
This research showed a slower decline in cognitive performance with the ALCAR group compared to the placebo group.[xiii]
ALCAR effective for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Acetyl-L-Carnitine has been shown to improve fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.
In a randomized, double-blind, crossover study; 36 people were treated for 3 months with either amantadine (used to treat Chronic Fatigue), or 1 gram of ALCAR twice daily.
The results of the study showed that ALCAR was better tolerated and more effective than the pharmaceutical for fatigue.[xiv]
Acetyl-L-Carnitine protects from oxidative damage of Ecstasy (MDMA)
Research has shown ALCAR to be effective in protecting your mitochondria from oxidative stress. But these guys took it a step further.
Male rats were given Acetyl-L-Carnitine before a dose of Ecstasy (MDMA). ALCAR pretreatment “exerts effective neuroprotection against MDMA-induced neurotoxicity at the mitochondrial level”, said the researchers.[xv]
Keep that in mind before your next party.
ALCAR for Erectile Dysfunction?
In this study, 120 patients were split into 3 groups. Group 1 was given 160 mg of testosterone per day. The 2nd group was given 2 grams of Propionyl-L-Carnitine plus 2 grams of Acetyl-L-Carnitine per day. And the 3rd group a placebo.
Did you know that there’s an International Index of Erectile Function?
Turns out the Propionyl-L-Carnitine/Acetyl-L-Carnitine stack was better than testosterone for erectile dysfunction. Without the side effects of an enlarged prostate, better orgasms, more sexual desire and improved mood.[xvi]
Dosage Notes
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine suggested dosage for cognitive benefits is 1 – 4 grams per day.
- For improved mood and elimination of chronic fatigue, 1 – 3 grams of ALCAR per day.
- For age-related memory concerns, 1 – 2 grams of ALCAR per day.
ALCAR is water-soluble and can be taken on an empty stomach with water. A few supplement manufacturers recommend taking their Acetyl-L-Carnitine with a meal. Which implies that it’s fat-soluble for which I’ve found no evidence in the scientific literature.
Side Effects
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is produced naturally in your body. So is considered well-tolerated and safe.
Side effects are rare but can include nausea, vomiting, increased agitation, weight loss, and restlessness.
You can also see an increase in seizure frequency if you have any kind of seizure disorder.
Available Forms
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine: L-Carnitine with an extra acetyl group. This version is more bioavailable and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier.
- L-Carnitine: This is the standard form of carnitine found in food.
- Lipo-Carn®: A proprietary blend of Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Acetyl-L-Carnitine. Studies show this combination is a powerful anti-aging duo.
Together, these two help combat diabetes, boost energy production, maintain proper cognitive function, protects the body from radiation and chemical toxins and helps immunity.[xvii] - Propionyl-L-Carnitine: L-Carnitine combined with propionic acid. This form is noted for its antioxidant activity, and is used for heart health applications. Also useful for erectile dysfunction.
ALCAR 750 mg is also included in the Performance Lab Energy nootropic stack.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Acetyl-L-Carnitine 500 – 1,500 mg per day
We recommend using Acetyl-L-Carnitine as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does synthesize some ALCAR on its own. And from the food you eat. But most Acetyl-L-Carnitine comes from red meat. And unless you eat a lot of great quality grass-fed beef or mutton…
ALCAR is especially helpful for those suffering from age-related cognitive decline. Studies show it helps stop or reverse brain degeneration with Alzheimer’s Disease, and depressive disorders. Particularly in the early stages of the disease.
We suggest starting with a dose of 500 mg daily. ALCAR is a great compliment to a stack including Piracetam. Add a choline source (Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline) at a ratio of 1:4. 1 gram of Alpha GPC to 4 grams of Piracetam. Take enough choline to eliminate a racetam-induced headache. Then add 500 mg of ALCAR.
Some have found ALCAR stacked with Coenzyme Q-10 has a profound effect on everything from mood to bipolar disorder. Especially combined with Alpha-Lipoic Acid.
Age-related cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s may want to up the dose to 1,500 mg per day.
[i] Rebouche C.J. “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 C.W., Ames B.N. “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 Sciences2004 Nov;1033:117-31. (source)
[iii] White H.L., Scates P.W. “Acetyl-L-carnitine as a precursor of acetylcholine.” Neurochemical Research 1990 Jun;15(6):597-601. (source)
[iv] Kalaria R.N., Harik S.I. “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 J.M., Tymoczko J.L., Stryer L. Biochemistry. 5th edition. New York: W H Freeman; 2002. (source)
[vi] Berg J.M., Tymoczko J.L., Stryer L. Biochemistry. 5th edition. New York: W H Freeman; 2002. (source)
[vii] Costell M., O’Connor J.E., Grisolía S. “Age-dependent decrease of carnitine content in muscle of mice and humans.” Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 1989 Jun 30;161(3):1135-43. (source)
[viii] Gomez L.A., Heath S.D., Hagen T.M. “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 J.W., Levine J., McClure R.J. “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 R.F. “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 M.T., Werrbach-Perez K., Perez-Polo J.R., 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 S.A., Thal L.J., 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-methylenedioximethamphetamine-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 A.M., Yuan W., Ingersoll R.T., Hagen T.M., Cotman C.W., Ames B.N. “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)
Hey David,
I was wondering if I should take ALCAR or CDP Choline? I’m looking to add it to my stack and was just prescribed a stimulant. Which would be better to take? I don’t want to increase the acetylcholine too much.
Noah, CDP-Choline requires L-Carnitine as a cofactor to make acetylcholine. It can’t do it on its own.
Hey David, I’m thinking of using ALCAR and Alpha alpha-lipoic acid to try to repair my brain, however, I am 35, I eat a mixed diet too much dairy (e.g junk food chocolates potato chips) healthy foods yogurt occasionally fruit, avocados occasionally vegetables with dinner a few times a week 1 egg every day, mostly Chicken, red meat once a week twice if lucky
However, I want to make sure I can take this without any issues I wanna start maybe a bit low say 500mg ALCAR and 200MG Alpha once per day would this be to start out? I just want some advice before I take anything or do you think I get enough in my diet alone?
Thanks
Andy, that’s a good start. I suggest changing “Alpha Lipoic Acid” to R-Lipoic Acid. And if you’re going to make the investment in these two you might as well get more “bang for your buck” and use Performance Lab Energy instead which I’ve described in this review: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-energy-supplements-to-buy/
One thing I can promise you is you’ll never get this in “diet alone” in 2021. It just isn’t there.
I’ve ordered this hope this is the right stuff
California Gold Nutrition, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, 500 mg
to start off with do I need to take it with anything, again I’m wanting it for brain function mostly
So I just want to make sure that this isn’t going to give me too much energy else where. What’s the best time to take it?
Andy, you definitely ordered ALCAR. But like most other manufacturers they include Silicon Dioxide and magnesium stearate in their supplement.
I prefer avoiding toxic “other ingredients” whenever possible. In the future you may want to consider an ALCAR supplement like this instead: https://amzn.to/3s9Rj7P
I suggest using 500 mg ALCAR morning and again at noon.
David
I am
61…Good shape 6’2″ 220
Is it safe to take both
2 Grams of Propionyl and
2 Grams of Acetyl L- ALCar like in the test’ ?
Thanks
Dave
Dave, it’s safe for most people. Only you can know how you react to supplements. But that is a normal dose for both.
Did I miss a discussion on stability. What is your comment on the following quote.
I get mine in Performance Lab Energy and no stability warning;
Acetyl-L-carnitine may be taken with or without food. Acetyl-L-carnitine should be taken immediately after removing it from the blister package. It is extremely important that you take Acetyl-L-carnitine exactly as directed.
Bill, where did you find that quote? I’ve been using ALCAR as a separate supplement 3-times daily for the last 13 years. Capsules out of a bottle.
And Performance Lab Energy daily since it was released. And both work for me.
HI David does ALCAR helps with muscle energy too or it’s just for brain?
Jason, L-Carnitine is favored by athletes and dieters who want Carnitine for its fat-metabolizing benefits. But are not seeking any brain benefits. If you want it to cross the blood-brain barrier for its nootropic benefit you use ALCAR. Then you’d get the advantages of both.
oh thanks great, I thought it only benefit the brain, Thank You David
I tried ALCAR today 500 mg single dose and it has definitely increased my anxiety, increased the number of thoughts coming to my head and I’ve felt my hearth bumps much more than usual. Why could it have had such an affect on me? Are those common side effects and should I look for an alternative or should I give it a try a few more days with smaller doses?
Sven, those side effects are rare for ALCAR. But if you are experiencing this with only 500 mg then it sounds like ALCAR is the wrong supplement for you.
Do you need a choline source for ALCAR to work? Because I don’t have one, could that cause the issues or not?
Sven, you don’t need a ‘external’ choline source for ALCAR to work. It is a cofactor in the synthesis of acetylcholine. And that process using existing choline molecules already in your system.
ALCAR also helps transport fatty acids across cell membranes into mitochondria for ATP synthesis. And transports the oxidized ‘garbage’ out of cells.
Hello, for my ED which is the best day protocol with alcar and propionil l carnitine together? Thanks
Max, studies show (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15072869/) that propionyl-L-carnitine 2 g/day plus acetyl-L-carnitine 2 g/day works best for ED.
The Propionyl-L-Carnitine/Acetyl-L-Carnitine stack was better than testosterone for erectile dysfunction. Without the side effects of an enlarged prostate, better orgasms, more sexual desire and improved mood.
Hi david
Is Carnipure™ the purest form of L carnitine? I am trying to get the purest form of Acetyl-L-Carnitine. It seems the vitamin shoppe is currrently one and only selling this pure form. I am currently on Performance Lab energy and would like to supplement more of ALCAR. kindly advise any brands which i can buy. Thanks.
Wong, Carnipure™ is made by the Swiss company Lonza and as far as I can tell like other forms of L-Carnitine it cannot cross the blood-brain barrier.
That’s why I prefer Acetyl L-Carnitine for nootropic use because it can cross the blood-brain barrier. No company that I’m aware of make a patented version of this nootropic. So the best you can do is find an ALCAR supplement that has zero “other ingredients”. It should be plain ALCAR in a capsule with nothing else.
Hello David
How often to use propionyl-l-carnitine?
Thanks
Serge, depends on how much you are using and why you are using it. If for example, you plan on using 1,500 mg per day you would do that in 3 doses of 500 mg. Morning, noon and later in the afternoon.
Hello David
Can L-carnitine lower prolactin levels?
Thanks
Serge, not according to this study: https://www.rejuvenation-science.com/research-news/l-carnitine/n-carnitine-male-infertility?print=yes
Hello David,
Can ALCAR help/reduce hyperthyroidism symptoms?
Sven, several decades of studies show that L-Carnitine can help reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Recommended dosage of Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is 800-2,000 mg/day.
When you say that alcar helps the transport of fatty acids, does this mean that alcar improves the effectiveness of dha?
taking alcar together with dha has additional benefits?
Paul, fatty acids used in the synthesis of ATP.
Sure, ALCAR stacked with DHA works great. But I don’t believe they provide a synergistic type of benefit.
Please i need to know the safest dose for my son he is 8 years , may it help his memory and focusing
Yassmine, the lowest recommended dose of ALCAR for adults is 500 mg. There is no known dosage for children. This is something you should check with your doctor. If it was my child I’d try 1/4 the adult dose.
Whew! I don’t even know where to begin. I guess I’ll start by saying I have combo ADHD, but it doesn’t behave like most people’s I’ve encountered. 1) I’m not impulsive at all, but my hyperactivity is insane. 2) I didn’t always have combo. Inattentiveness only manifested later in life. Also, I was diagnosed as an adult, not a child, even though I clearly had it from childhood. With all that said, here is my stack
Phosphatidylserine – 300mg
CDP-choline – 250mg
Acetyl-L-Carnitine – 1000mg
Alpha lipoic acid – 400mg
L-Theanine – 200mg
Pine Bark extract – 100mg
Lions Mane – 500mg
Ashwagandha – 125mg
Vegan Omega 3 – 2000mg (800mg DHA)
Magnesium – 200mg
Sam-e – 600mg
Performance lab multi
Vyvanse – 50mg
These are total numbers for the day; they are broken into three dosages with a separate time given to Vyvanse. I have been doing fairly well on this combination, and am actually dropping to 40mg Vyvanse at my next refill. My question is do you see anything that looks too low or to high? I’m asking because I am making tweaks to really get the best result. I have no problem focusing once I get going, but I do still have problems getting started. I’m still quite hyper, but I’m fine with this level of hyperactivity. My main hurdle is the ability to start. I’m trying to figure out what it could be.
K, I don’t see any L-Tyrosine or NALT in your stack. If that’s the case then I think that’s your problem. Try adding 500 mg L-Tyrosine twice a day and see if that helps.
Thank you! Will do
Okay, I have been taking 500 mg of L-Tyrosine every morning since I last left this comment. I wanted to start at 500 mg before increasing. What I have noticed is that I have a bout of dizziness that lasts for roughly 15 minutes everytime I take my afternoon stack. That contains 500mg Lion’s mane, 400mg Sam-e, 100mg phosphatidylserine, 500mg ALCAR, 200mg alpha lipoic acid, multivitamin, and Omega.
I have also noticed that I am exhausted by 9pm, and have been falling asleep between 9-10pm each time. What do you think is causing this?
Also, I haven’t felt much improvement in my executive function. I’m still struggling to get started. I am well aware that supplements take time to work, but my body has always responded fairly quickly to anything I take. Usually no later than a week I will feel something.
K, while have haven’t the evidence handy I think it’s likely 500 mg ALCAR in the afternoon. Try eliminating only ALCAR from your afternoon stack and see if that solves the problem.
I have been taking Acetyl Carnitine for cognition but its only partially effective, and i have had to escalate the dosage to keep functioning. Without it i am almost a vegetable, unable to think straight, make decisions, concentrate, follow instructions or a recipe, watch TV shows, read books or anything as complex as news articles.
With it (now at 4500mg/day) i can read simple stuff, post replies, follow conversations (for a while) and make simple decisions.
I don’t know what to try next as the dose escalations are too expensive to maintain on my income and i don’t know what the long term effects are of going above the recommended dose (the package says do not exceed 2000mg/day).
Bob, ALCAR is likely effective for you because it helps transport fatty acids into brain cells where mitochondria uses L-Carnitine for ATP production. Which is your primary source of energy.
Where do you get your ALCAR from? Is it powder from a company like Bulk Supplements?
You can further support this energy product function by using R-Lipoic Acid, CoQ10 and PQQ. You can save some money by getting all 4 of these nootropics in Performance Lab Energy: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-energy-supplements-to-buy/
David, I have read one of your free e booklets, very helpful. I take 550 MG ALCAR / 225 MG ALA & 500 MG. NAC.At 70 years of age I wanted the benefits of ALCAR; for my brain and non diabetic neuropathy pain.First started with 4 days on 3 off. Then I began taking ALCAR/ALA every day. During the last few months I began to notice sleep disruption every night. I would wake in 3 hours, stay awake for 1/2 hr to an hour then go back to bed. I blamed it on stress from COVID / working from home but I stopped taking ALCAR / ALA for 7 days before a minor surgery and noticed the sleeping through the night resumed! Have you heard of sleep problems wit ALCAR before? I can feel a change in my mood and the return of sluggishness. Can you make any suggestions or possibly a replacement nootropic with similar properties to ALCAR? I would be all ears to learn your opinion. Regards, Andy
Andrew, there really isn’t an ‘alternative’ to ALCAR other than L-Carnitine. An acetyl group is added to L-Carnitine to improve bioavailability. It’s a necessary cofactor in the synthesis of acetylcholine. And helps transport fatty acids into cells for mitochondrial metabolism (i.e. to make ATP).
Insomnia is a rare side effect of ALCAR and hardly ever happens. No one has a good explanation for why this happens when it does. Seems you’re one of the lucky ones. 🙂 You could try reducing your doses in half and try 250 or 300 mg and see if that helps. And make sure you’re taking it first thing in the morning.
You can try replacing it with a direct precursor to acetylcholine such as Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline.
I just started using ALCAR powder. I’m getting minor headaches and hypertension. I don’t have a scale, but I use a 1/8 tsp measure and only fill it 1/4 of the way full. So around 1/32 of a tsp. I can’t imagine it’s more than 100-200mg.
So I have two questions,
1. Is there an other supliment/Nootropics I could take that would help with tension? Like maybe NALT?
2. How safe is ALCAR and other Nootropics on the stomach lining?
Background:
I have ADHD and really really bad memory. Did I mention I have a bad memory? Word recall, names, and anything beyond yesterday are very difficult to access for me.
I also have crazzy leaky gut and so everything effects me extra powerfuly. I only just reallized that I should be using tiny servings of supliments. Using half or less of what is suggested. Thats why I’m really taking as little ALCAR as possible, but it’s still effecting me. Magnesium L Threonate did the same thing with tension, but no headache. the Caffeen in a tsp of cocoa and keep me focused buy also gives me tension.
I’m guessing that I should probably stick to less concentrated supplements like bacopa?
Thanks so much!
Louis, sound like you need to heal your leaky gut before you can do much of anything else. I wrote an article on how to heal a leaky brain which directly applies to the gut as well. You can find that here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/how-to-heal-a-leaky-blood-brain-barrier/
ALCAR is perfectly safe for gut lining for most people. But like any nootropic, YMMV (https://nootropicsexpert.com/nootropics-glossary/#ymmv).
The only way to deal with ADHD naturally is described in detail here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/. But you need effective dosages of each of these nootropics to make it work. Using tiny amounts of nearly every natural nootropic has no therapeutic value at all.
You need to heal your gut Louis before you can expect to heal things like memory and severe anxiety.