ALCAR?
We wrote about it before supplements that work against stress, anxiety and depression and about amino acids against depression, compulsions, addictions and inflammatory diseases. If you have read these messages, you are also the amino acid ALCAR encountered. ALCAR stands for acetyl L-carnitine. Acetyl L-carnitine and L-carnitine are similar, but there is a real difference in effect.
What is the difference?
The short answer when it comes to the difference between the two is that L-carnitine is popular among exercise enthusiasts or those seeking help with weight management because of the body's role in converting fat into energy. Acetyl L-carnitine, also called ALCAR, goes one step further. While acetyl L-carnitine can also help convert fat into energy, it is also able to cross the blood-brain barrier to support brain energy and function.
The blood-brain barrier is a protective mechanism that prevents pathogens or toxins from passing through the endothelial membrane. Although it is highly selective and often blocks the passage of beneficial molecules and compounds, some amino acids, such as acetyl-L-carnitine, are able to reap the brain health benefits.
What is L-Carnitine?
L-carnitine is an amino acid found in foods such as beef, chicken, fish, dairy and other natural sources. L-carnitine nutritional deficiencies are often compensated with L-carnitine supplements.
So how does L-carnitine work? Think of an incinerator that burns to release energy. Adding carbohydrates and fats releases energy. L-carnitine's role is to transport fatty acids into the mitochondria of cells (where energy is produced) to be burned off and used for energy to fuel the body and keep you moving all day.
This explains why many turn to L-carnitine to improve their weight management and exercise regimens, as it is excellent at promoting the mobilization of fat from storage deposits to be burned as energy and by encouraging physique building exercises.
What is Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR)?
Another version of the same amino acid as L-carnitine, acetyl L-carnitine is often used to support brain health due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. That's why acetyl L-carnitine supplements are used to boost brain energy and focus, a healthy mood, memory health, and more. Acetyl L-carnitine is also sometimes used to promote men's reproductive health.
How Does Acetyl L-Carnitine Affect the Brain?
Once it crosses the blood-brain barrier, acetyl L-carnitine helps promote the synthesis of a primary neurotransmitter in the brain known as acetylcholine. The main role of acetylcholine is to enable communication between nerve cells. By stimulating acetylcholine synthesis, acetyl L-carnitine plays an essential role in supporting memory health, focus and alertness, improved sleep and muscle contractions.
Use L-Carnitine or Acetyl L-Carnitine?
This depends on your goals. If you are strictly looking for a supplement to promote increased fat burning for your weight regimen, L-carnitine supplements could be the answer. However, if you are looking for broader results with different functions for improving brain health, acetyl L-carnitine may be a better choice.
How do I dose and which form?
- To support proper L-carnitine levels: 2-3×1 gram per day to achieve proper L-carnitine levels
- L-carnitine for heart health: 2-3×1 gram per day for a maximum of 3 years.
- L-carnitine for kidney function: 1-3×1 gram of acetyl L-carnitine per day for one year.
- Acetyl L-carnitine for memory health: 1.5 grams of acetyl L-carnitine per day for a period of 3 months.
- Supporting Male Reproductive Health: 2×1 gram of acetyl L-carnitine per day for six months.
- Acetyl L-carnitine for energy: 2×1 gram of acetyl L-carnitine per day for six months.
- Acetyl L-carnitine against depression: 2-3×1 gram of acetyl L-carnitine per day as long as necessary