HEALTH SCIENCE LEXICON
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
What is Acetyl-L-Carnitine?
Acetyl-L-Carnitine, or ALCAR, is a modified version of the amino acid L-carnitine that the body can use for energy production. It’s special because it can get into the brain more easily than L-carnitine. Once there, it plays a role in energy production within brain cells and helps with the production of acetylcholine, a key brain chemical for memoryMemory is how your brain stors information for recall, later. It’s your own special filing system where it keeps information you’ve learned and experiences you’ve had. Sometimes you can recall this information easily, and sometimes you might find it hard… Continue to full entry and learning.
ALCAR is an acetylated form of L-carnitine that readily crosses the blood-brain barrierThe blood-brain barrier is like a security guard for your brain. It’s a special wall made up of cells that protects your brain from harmful things in your blood, like germs or poisons. But it also lets good things, like… Continue to full entry (BBB). Its dual function involves facilitating the transport of acetyl-CoA into the mitochondria for enhanced fatty acid oxidation, thereby promoting mitochondrial energy metabolism. Additionally, ALCAR acts as a precursor for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, thereby enhancing cholinergic activity crucial for memory and synaptic functioning. Studies suggest a role in slowing down cognitive decline, restoring cell membranes, and exerting neurotrophic effects. It’s been studied in the context of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and dementia.
Top Benefits of ‘Acetyl-L-Carnitine’
- May slow down cognitive decline
- Enhances cholinergic activity
- Promotes mitochondrial energy metabolism
- Supports memory and learning function
- Restores cell membranes and synaptic functioning
- Exerts neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects