By Alissa B Daschbach MA BS BA MH

N-Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl (ALCAR) increases the levels of acetylcholine (the learning neurotransmitter) in human brains.  Acetylcholine is responsible for enhancing memory and overall brain executive function. ALCAR also increases brain energy metabolism, critical for increasing mental alertness and clear thinking.

The human brain is a wondrous organ, with the ability to execute simple and complex actions at lightning-fast speeds. However, damage to the human brain can slow these processes and recovery can be slow and difficult. Acetyl-l-carnitine (ALCAR) is unique in its ability to help people who have suffered acute or chronic brain damage (such as from traumatic brain injuries, strokes, or dementia) recover cognitive abilities. Research studies have shown that ALCAR may help to slow and even stop the deterioration of the brain, especially in cases of dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

What is N-Acetyl-L-Carnitine?

N- Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) is a byproduct of L-carnitine - an essential amino acid that is responsible for transporting fatty acids into the energy producing parts of the cell known as mitochondria. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) is naturally produced in the body in the brain, kidneys, and liver. You will also find acetyl-L-carnitine in protein-rich foods like dairy products, lamb, beef, chicken and fish. Acetyl-L-carnitine is highly absorbable, and crosses the blood brain barrier to help boost brain functions in several ways.

In human studies, ALCAR has been shown to have several beneficial effects on the health and function of the brain, including:

Boosts acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that is intimately linked to executive brain function, especially memory.

Increases brain energy. ALCAR transports nutrients (fatty acids) to the mitochondria of brain cells. Mitochondria are the biological factories that produce energy within cells.

Detoxifies brain cells. ALCAR is an antioxidant, helping to shuttle toxins out of brain cells while protecting against further toxins entering the cell. These detoxifying activities encourage the regeneration of neurons.

Lifts mood and combats depression. Studies show that acetyl-L-carnitine causes a long-lasting antidepressant effect in rats and mice exposed to chronic unpredictable stress.

Dementia and Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Studies show that regular supplementation with acetyl-l-carnitine may delay the onset of dementia and slow the progression of the disease. Common symptoms of dementia include: 

• Mental slowness
• Memory problems
• Behavioral and psychological symptoms
• Problems with executive function (for example, planning and decision-making)

A major cause of dementia in aging populations is cognitive impairment caused by restricted blood flow to the brain and drops in levels of essential nutrients, such as acetyl-l-carnitine. N-Acetyl-L-carnitine has been shown by scientific research to have beneficial activity against the symptoms of dementia due to its ability to boost levels of acetylcholine and improve restricted blood flow to the brain. ALCAR has a remarkable ability to reverse age-related deterioration of mitochondria, the energy-producing parts of brain cells. All these activities promote regeneration of brain functioning, improvement of memory, clarity of thought, and improvement of mental and physical energy stores.

Acetyl-L-carnitine may help slow down the progression of aging brain diseases (such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia) and improve brain functioning. It is believed that these activities are promoted by ALCAR’s ability to cross the blood brain barrier and promote the production of acetylcholine, the learning and memory neurotransmitter while detoxifying brain cells and encouraging neuron repair and regeneration. For these reasons, BrainPower utilizes acetyl-l-carnitine to help boost mental clarity and protect the brain from neurodegeneration.

Cautions and Contraindications

As with any supplement, talk to your physician before taking acetyl-L carnitine to make sure it is safe to use and does not interact or counteract medications you are currently taking.

Common side effects of acetyl L carnitine include stomach upset, dry mouth, restlessness, vomiting, and nausea.

Acetyl L carnitine is not advised if you have the following conditions:

• Nerve damage in the hands and feet stemming from cancer drug treatment
• Bipolar disorder
• Nerve pain caused by chemotherapy drug treatment (Naxane)
• Underactive thyroid
• History of seizures

Acetyl-L-carnitine may thin the blood. It is advised that you do not take this supplement if you are on any blood thinners, including acenocoumarol, warfarin, and aspirin. Acetyl-L-carnitine may also interact with medication that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Avoid this supplement if you are taking any medications that increase serotonin. Lastly, if you are taking thyroid hormone replacement therapy, check with your physician to see if this supplement is safe to use (it may decrease the effectiveness of thyroid hormone).

References

Hudson, S. A., & Tabet. N. (2003, April). Acetyl-l-carnitine for dementia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2003(2). Retrieved from Cochrane Library: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6991156/

Malaguarnera M., et., al. (2008 ). Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue. Archives of  Gerontology and Geriatrics, 46(2),181-90. Retrieved from PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17658628/

Salvioli G, Neri M. (1994). L-acetylcarnitine treatment of mental decline in the elderly. Drugs Under Experimental and Clinical Research. 20(4), 169-76. Retrieved from PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7813389/

Vermeulen R.C., & Scholte H. R. (2004) Exploratory open label, randomized study of acetyl- and propionylcarnitine in chronic fatigue syndrome. Psychosomatic Medicine, 66(2), 276-82. Retrieved from PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15039515/

Yang, Y., et., al. (2018, March). A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial for Efficacy of Acetyl-L-carnitine in Patients with Dementia Associated with Cerebrovascular Disease. Dementia and Neurodegenerative Disorders, 17(1), 1-10. Retrieved from PubMed Central: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6427993/