Evidence supporting the use of: Acetyl-L-Carnitine
For the body system: Muscles
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is an acetylated form of L-carnitine, a compound involved in mitochondrial energy metabolism. Scientific evidence for ALCAR’s support of the muscle system centers on its role in fatty acid transport into mitochondria for β-oxidation, thereby facilitating energy production, especially during exercise or periods of increased energy demand. While L-carnitine supplementation has been studied in the context of exercise performance, muscle recovery, and muscle fatigue, the evidence for direct benefits of ALCAR specifically on muscle function in healthy individuals is limited and mixed.
Some studies suggest that ALCAR may help reduce muscle damage and soreness after exercise, particularly in older adults or those with certain health conditions (e.g., peripheral arterial disease). There is also modest evidence suggesting potential benefits in reducing muscle fatigue and improving exercise tolerance in these populations. However, large-scale, well-controlled studies in healthy, athletic populations are lacking, and results from existing studies are inconsistent. The majority of research on L-carnitine (including ALCAR) focuses on populations with muscle-wasting diseases, chronic fatigue, or age-related muscle decline, rather than enhancement of muscle function in the general population.
In summary, while there is a scientific rationale and some supporting evidence for using Acetyl-L-Carnitine to support aspects of muscle health, the strength of the evidence is moderate at best, and its application for general muscle support is not robustly validated.
Other ingredients that support Muscles
acetyl l-carnitineadenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
amylopectin
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
beet
beta-alanine
bovine
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bromelain
caffeine
calcium
cherry
chloride
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
turmeric
d-alpha tocopherol
devil's claw
dong quai root
fish protein
forskohlii root
l-isoleucine
iron
kale
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-carnosine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-proline
l-taurine
l-threonine
l-valine
magnesium
malic acid
maltodextrin
maltose
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
milk
nicotinamide riboside
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
phosphorus
phytocannabinoids
potassium
protein
quinoa
rhizome
sardines
black ginger
soybean
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spinach
spirulina
tongkat ali
ubiquinol
Urolithin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
water
watermelon
whey protein
white willow
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
suma
squawvine
sodium salt
solomon's seal
siler root
eucommia
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
guelder rose
polyphenols
trace minerals
wintergreen
camphor oil
menthol oil
wheat germ
wood betony
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
chickpea protein
brown rice protein
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
arnica
17 alpha methyl 17 beta hydroxy 5 alpha androst 2 ene
17a-di methyl-bol
11-Ketotestosterone
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-1-ene-3-one
2a, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-3-one
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Animal Tissue
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Avocado
Anserina
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Acetylcholine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine alpha-ketoisocaproate
Arginine silicate
Animal protein
Blue Cohosh
Biopeptide
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Black galingale
Beef
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
Black Gram
Black willow
Ba Ji Tian
Bee products
banana
BCAA
Chia seed
Casein
Cardarine
Chinese Mountain Ant
Carnosine
Citrate malate
Cyathula
Curcuminoid
Cramp Bark
Chuchuhuasi
Cyanotis Vaga
Coca
Coconut Water
Cetylated Fatty Acids
Creatine
Chicken
Curcuma
C-Phycocyanin
Cyanotis arachnoides
DL-Methionine
Deer Velvet
Date
D-Ribose
Dextrose
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Dipsacus
Dipeptide
epicatechin
Epistane
Egg
Erythrina
Elk antler
Eurycoma Longifolia
Emu Oil
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Essential Oil Blend
Egg protein
Fish
Fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
glucose
Glycine
Isoleucine
Milk Protein
Phosphate Salt
Potash
Quinoa Protein
salt
Soy Protein
Other body systems supported by Acetyl-L-Carnitine
AcetylcholineBlood
Brain
Circulatory System
Dopamine
Heart
Mitochondria
Muscles
Nerves
Specific Neurotransmitters