Acetyl-L-Carnitine

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What is Acetyl-L-Carnitine?

Acetyl-L-Carnitine is an acetylated form of carnitine, which is found in our bodies. It is an amino acid that transports fatty acids to mitochondria. These fatty acid are then used as fuel, which produces cellular energy. Our kidneys typically regulate the amount of carnitine in our bodies. If we have too little, the kidneys will hold onto what we have. If we have to much, the excess is excreted.

It is not considered an essential nutrient because our bodies can produce it. However, majority of people are deficient. This is usually because of complications with genetics or medication. These individuals cannot process certain nutrients within their diet, creating deficiencies. Vegetarians are also commonly deficient, as individuals source Acetyl-L-Carnitine from red meat.

It is not only known to boost energy levels, but also memory and mood. This is a great nootropic to use in a stack. When doing so, you can boost energy production in your brain, while increasing levels of acetylcholine.

History of Acetyl-L-Carnitine

In the early 1980s, Acetyl-L-Carnitine was approved in Europe for both heart and neurological diseases. You could not legally buy Acetyl-L-Carnitine is the United States until 1994. Currently, it is sold as a dietary supplement in the United States. Since it is sold as a ‘drug’ overseas, it tends to cost more.

Since it’s release, there have been many studies conducted. Most of these studies have focused on cognitive functioning and overall brain health. You can access some great study results regarding brain function.

How to Use Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Acetyl-L-Carnitine is available in both powder and capsule form. Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a water-soluble supplement that should not be taken on an empty stomach. When consuming this supplement, take it with food.

Once ingested, Acetyl-L-Carnitine is absorbed into the blood stream where it then travels towards the brain. It crosses the blood-brain barrier with ease, which is what makes it distinct from L-carnitine. Once broken down in the brain, Acetyl-COA can bind with choline, forming the essential neurotransmitter acetylcholine. If there isn’t enough choline present, acetylcholine will not be produced.

This is why Acetyl-L-Carnitine is an indirect supplement that contributes to production. By taking a stack involving both Acetyl-L-Carnitine and choline supplements, you can highly influence acetylcholine levels. Once this neurotransmitter is increased, cognitive function improves.

Alpha GPC and Citicoline are both great choices. Just be careful with your dosage as these are fairly potent. To start, you can stack with a weaker acetylcholine supplement like Centrophenoxine. You need to find what works best for you. When experimenting, make sure you have a thorough understanding and start with small doses. Acetyl-L-Carnitine also works well when stacked with racetam supplements.

How Does Acetyl-L-Carnitine Work?

Acetyl-L-Carnitine is more bioavailable than L-Carnitine, as it is more effective at crossing over into brain cells. Once taken orally, Acetyl-L-Carnitine travels to the brain as well as your heart. It is not only known as an effective nootropic, but also an effective tool for overall health and wellness. It works as an antioxidant, targeting free radicals.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine has an acetyl group that is key for producing a crucial neurotransmitter. The acetyl component contributes to the production of acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is directly related to memory and reasoning. When levels are increased, you are able to learn more effectively. Since Acetyl-L-Carnitine helps with fat metabolism, researchers believe it can have a positive effect on myelin sheath as well.

Myelin sheath coats our nerve cells, and fat is a key component. The higher the fat content, the more effective it is at sending impulses across synapses. When this myelin sheath is broken down, communication within the nervous system breaks down. This is seen in multiple sclerosis patients.

Benefits of Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Since L-carnitine is already naturally found in the body, it’s no wonder that there are numerous benefits. Not only are there benefits regarding brain function, but also various others benefits for your overall health and well-being.

L-carnitine is associated with athletic performance, as it increases energy levels and produces physical benefits. Acetyl-L-Carnitine on the other hand, offers more mental benefits.

  • Increases motivation through higher energy levels. Dopamine levels are supported, which plays a role in motivation and a sense of well-being.
  • Acetyl-L-Carnitine is an antioxidant that detoxifies the brain. It carries poisons and toxins out of the brain, including damaging free radicals. Due to the elimination of free radicals, aging is slowed down.This leads to an overall healthier, more efficient brain. As well, neurons will improve in terms of efficiency and communication.
  • Memory and learning improve, due to an increase in acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is directly linked to improved cognitive processes. Due to the increase in cholinergic activity, working memory, long-term memory formation, and increased plasticity have all been reported.
  • Acetyl-L-Carnitine has helped patients suffering from degenerative cognitive disorders. It has also helped individuals who have suffered a stroke by increasing blood flow to the brain.

Research for Young Healthy Minds

There have been numerous studies conducted, focusing on overall brain function and cognitive disorders. In healthy adults, the standard dose is anywhere from 1500 to 3000 mg per day. When participants (aged 22-27), were given Acetyl-L-Carnitine for a month, they performed 3 to 4 times better on video-game maze in comparison to a control group. They also had better reflexes regarding an auditory stimulus in comparison to the control group.

Possible Side-Effects

In general, Acetyl-L-Carnitine is safe to use. There have been clinical trials involving children, with no side-effects reported. Our kidneys and liver already naturally synthesize small amounts of this substance, so it is well-tolerated.

In some cases, mild symptoms have been reported. These symptoms include; vomiting, rashes, agitation, headaches, and body odour. These are generally reported when taking fairly high doses. A great way to combat headaches, is to stack with a choline supplement. If this does not help, decrease your dose. Remember, speak to your doctor about any concerns or if negative symptoms arise.

There have been negative effects associated with those patients who are already taking the following medications; Cisplatin (for chemotherapy), Didanosine and Stavudine (for HIV), and Taxol (cancer treatment). Like always, speak to your doctor before beginning use.

Recommended Dosage

The general recommended dose is between 500 mg and 1500 mg per day. If you are trying to achieve nootropic effects, it’s generally recommended that you take doses over 1000 mg per day. Those who take Acetyl-L-Carnitine for overall health tend to take lower doses.

Order Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplements Online

If you want to buy Acetyl-L-Carnitine supplements online to try them for yourself, this is not only possible, it’s impossibly easy – and safe too. In the past trying to get a good nootropics stack would take a lot of work, but today you can purchase Acetyl-L-Carnitine online without any hassles. After reading the information about Acetyl-L-Carnitine above, you’re probably ready to purchase some for yourself. Order some today and take it for a month to see if you can see the results or not.

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