Nootropic
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
Also known as: ALC, Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl, ALCAR, Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Acetyl L-Carnitine is a form of carnitine that crosses the blood-brain barrier and supports mitochondrial energy production and acetylcholine synthesis. It has shown modest benefits for cognitive function and energy metabolism in some studies, with stronger evidence in elderly populations and carnitine-deficient states.
Daily target & upper limit
1000 mg / dayAcetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) has an established daily reference intake. See best forms, label synonyms, upper-limit warnings, and top-scoring supplements:
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) dosage reference →Primary uses
- Brain energy
- Memory
- Neuroprotection
- Mood
- Cognitive support
- Energy and fatigue
- Brain health and neuroprotection
- Age-related cognitive decline
How it works
- Crosses BBB
- Acetyl donor for acetylcholine
- Supports mitochondrial function in brain
Dosage
- Typical range
- 500-2000 mg daily
- Timing
- Morning (mildly stimulating)
- With food
- Optional
- Duration
- Safe long-term
- Special populations
- Cognitive aging, depression
Forms
- Capsules
- Powder
- HCl salt (hydrochloride)· 70/100
- Tablets· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- GI upset
- Fishy odor
- Insomnia if late
Contraindications
- Seizure disorders (caution)
Products containing Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Brain-penetrating carnitine
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Cited research for Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
Clinical studies referenced across Formulate guides that mention acetyl-l-carnitine (alcar). Each links to the full study page with PubMed source + the guides that cite it.
- Sima AA, Calvani M, Mehra M, Amato A (2005)Diabetes Care
Acetyl-L-carnitine for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a long-term, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
- Montgomery SA, Thal LJ, Amrein R (2003)International Clinical Psychopharmacology
Acetyl-L-carnitine for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease: a meta-analysis of clinical trials
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) compared head-to-head
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