Acetyl L-carnitine: what's in it?
This supplement provides you with 1,000 mg of acetyl L-carnitine (ALCAR for short) per capsule, a special form of L-carnitine that your body can absorb particularly well. The difference to the standard version: an additional acetyl group ensures that ALCAR can pass through the blood-brain barrier.
In the body, ALCAR plays a central role in energy metabolism. It transports fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they are converted into energy. Although your body produces L-carnitine itself from the amino acids lysine and methionine, the quantities are often insufficient under high levels of stress or on a plant-based diet.
This is exactly where this dietary supplement comes in: One capsule a day covers the requirement without you having to eat large amounts of meat.
A special form of L-carnitine
What sets this capsule apart from simple L-carnitine products is its acetylated structure. Thanks to the acetyl group, the acetylated form not only reaches the muscles, but also the brain. This makes this product the first choice if you want to support mental performance as well as fat metabolism.
L-carnitine vs. acetyl form: what's the difference?
Both forms transport fatty acids into the mitochondria. The decisive advantage of the acetylated form in this product is that it also reaches the brain, not just the muscles. This makes it more versatile than standard L-carnitine.
| Property |
L-carnitine |
Acetyl L-carnitine (this product) |
| Bioavailability |
standard |
Higher |
| Blood-brain barrier |
No |
Yes |
| Main function |
Fatty acid transport |
Fatty acid transport + cognitive function |
| Typical use |
Sports, fat loss |
Sport, fat loss, mental performance |
How this supplement works
The 1,000 mg per capsule supports your body in three areas at the same time: fat metabolism, cognitive function and athletic regeneration.
Energy metabolism and fat metabolism: The active ingredient in this capsule acts as a transporter in the so-called carnitine shuttle. It transports long-chain fatty acids to where your body burns them to generate energy: the mitochondria. This can make a noticeable difference, especially during endurance sports and in the diet phase.
Cognitive function: Because this acetylated form also reaches the brain, it can act as a precursor to acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter plays an important role in focus and concentration. This also makes this product interesting for anyone who is mentally challenged.
Sport and regeneration: In the context of training, regular intake can support regeneration and improve energy metabolism under stress. An additional aspect from research: ALCAR can influence the density of androgen receptors in muscle tissue, which also makes this supplement interesting for strength athletes.
Who is this product suitable for?
Athletes and active people: Do you train regularly and want to support your fat metabolism during exercise? One capsule before training provides 1,000 mg ALCAR for energy metabolism. This makes a difference, especially in the diet phase or during intensive endurance sports.
Professionals and mentally challenged people: Long working days, lots of screen time, few breaks? The acetylated form in this product also reaches the brain, where it can contribute to cognitive performance as a precursor to acetylcholine.
Vegans and vegetarians : L-carnitine is mainly found in meat. Those who eat a plant-based diet often have a lower intake. This supplement provides 1,000 mg per capsule in a vegan capsule shell made from vegetable cellulose.
Dosage and intake
The recommended daily dose is one capsule. This corresponds to 1,000 mg acetyl-L-carnitine. Take the capsule in the morning or about 30 minutes before training with plenty of water.
The 120 capsules in the can last for four months if taken daily. Do not exceed the recommended intake. Food supplements are no substitute for a varied diet.
What to look out for when buying?
Not every ALCAR product on the market delivers what it promises. You should pay attention to these four points:
Dosage per capsule: Many products only provide 500 mg and require two capsules a day. Here, one a day is enough. This saves capsules and makes it easier to take.
Purity of the formula: Look at the ingredients list. You will find two entries for this product: Acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride and the capsule shell. No fillers, no anti-caking agents, no colorants. We make sure that you know what you are taking.
Capsule form: The capsule shell is made of vegetable cellulose (HPMC), not gelatine. This also makes this supplement suitable for anyone who does not use animal additives.
