Acetylcarnitine

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, at least one study has suggested that the acetylated form may have a lower oral bioavailability.

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. When supplemented alongside Lipoic acid, ALCAR appears to reverse some of the damage to mitochondria associated with aging.

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, it was shown that approximately 20% of orally supplemented L -carnitine is absorbed, with a bioavailability of roughly 15%, as compared to a bioavailability of between %60 and %75 when absorbed from food.

Choline supplementation may lead to increased L -carnitine retention.

ALCAR supplementation has been shown to be neuroprotective in instances of cerebral ischemia, periphiral nerve injury, and to be beneficial in the treatment of Parkinson's disease in animals.

ALCAR supplementation has also been shown to reverse syptoms associated with mental decline in the eldery.

ALCAR is being researched in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Other reviews

 * "Carnitine (L-carnitine)", University of Maryland Medical Center
 * "Carnitine (L-carnitine)", University of Maryland Medical Center