Acetylcarnitine
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| ECHA InfoCard | 100.130.594 |
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| Formula | C9H17NO4 |
| Molar mass | 203.236 g·mol−1 |
Acetyl-L-carnitine or ALCAR, is an acetylated form of L-carnitine. ALCAR has been claimed to be superior to normal L-carnitine in terms of bioavailability. However, the acetylated form has been shown to have a lower oral bioavailability.[1]
It is claimed that ALCAR provides several benefits. Advocates of acetyl-L-carnitine market it as a life extension supplement. There may be some benefit in cases of end stage renal disease or peripheral arterial disease.[2] When supplemented alongside Lipoic acid, ALCAR appears to reverse some of the damage to mitochondria associated with aging.[3]
The percentage of L-carnitine that is absorbed when taken via oral supplementation is much lower than that from food sources. In one particular study, is was shown that approximately 20% of orally supplemented L-carnitine is absorbed, with a bioavailability of roughly 15% [4].
Choline supplementation may lead to increased L-carnitine retention.[5]
ACLAR supplementation has been shown to be neuroprotective in instances of cerebral ischemia,[6] periphiral nerve injury,[7] and to be beneficial in the treatment of Parkinson's disease in animals.[8]
ALCAR supplementation has also been shown to reverse syptoms associated with mental decline in the eldery.[9]
ALCAR is being researched in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.[10]