Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is an acetylated form of L-carnitine, a compound involved in mitochondrial energy metabolism. Scientific interest in ALCAR’s impact on the mitochondria stems from its role in transporting long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria, facilitating β-oxidation and ATP production. Several studies have explored ALCAR in the context of mitochondrial dysfunction, neurodegenerative diseases, and age-related energy decline.

Animal and in vitro research shows that ALCAR can enhance mitochondrial function, reduce oxidative stress, and promote mitochondrial biogenesis. Clinical trials in humans are more limited but suggest potential benefits for conditions associated with mitochondrial impairment, such as age-related cognitive decline and neuropathies. For example, some studies report improved mitochondrial energy production and reduced fatigue in elderly subjects and in certain neurological conditions. However, most trials are small, short in duration, or focus on secondary endpoints.

Overall, there is scientific rationale and preclinical evidence supporting ALCAR’s use for mitochondrial health, but robust clinical validation in healthy individuals or for general mitochondrial support is lacking. Thus, while there is a scientific basis for its use, especially in specific disease contexts, the overall evidence quality rates as moderate (3/5).

More about Acetyl-L-Carnitine
More about Mitochondria

Other ingredients that support Mitochondria

7-Keto-DHEA
acetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
amylopectin
ashwagandha
bovine liver
caffeine
catechins
citicoline
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coffee fruit
copper
creatine monohydrate
d-alpha tocopherol
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fisetin
fish oil
flavonols
fructose
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
glycerophosphocholine (GPC)
gooseberry
grape
greens blend (proprietary)
hesperetin
knotweed
krill oil
l-carnitine
l-carnosine
l-citrulline
l-glutathione
l-glycine
l-taurine
lentinula edodes mycelia
linoleic acid (LA)
liquid liver fractions
luteolin
mackerel
magnesium
maitake mushroom
malic acid
maltodextrin
maltose
manganese
maqui berry
marine lipid
matcha
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
melatonin
moringa
niacin (vitamin B3)
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
nicotinamide riboside
oleanolic acid
pantethine
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
phenolic acids
phosphatidylcholine
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quercetin
quinoa
resveratrol
rhodiola
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rosemary
sardines
selenium
black ginger
spinach
starch
stearic acid
strawberry
succinic acid
sulforaphane glucosinolate
thiamin (vitamin B1)
tocotrienols
trans-geranylgeraniol
trans-pterostilbene
tributyrin
turkey tail mushroom
ubiquinol
Urolithin A
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin B
vitamin B
vitamin D3
water
watermelon
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
lingzhi
cistanche
ganoderma
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
polyphenols
trace minerals
fulvic acid
goji berry
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
thyroid substance
ashitaba
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
5-Aminoimidazole-4-Carboxamide Ribonucleotide
Alpha polylactate
Apigenin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Ampelopsin
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Animal protein
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Beef liver
berry
Caffeic Acid
Centrophenoxine
Camellia sinensis
Cardarine
Cocarboxylase
Capsinoids
Coenzyme A
Cardiolipin
Cyanidin
Capsiate
Chocolate
Creatine
C-Phycocyanin
Dihydrolipoic Acid
D-Ribose
Eriocitrin
Ergothioneine
glucose
Ketone Salts

Other body systems supported by Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Acetylcholine
Blood
Brain
Circulatory System
Dopamine
Heart
Mitochondria
Muscles
Nerves
Specific Neurotransmitters

Products containing Acetyl-L-Carnitine

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.