Difference between ALCAR and L-carnitine

ALCAR?

We wrote earlier about supplements that work against stress, anxiety, and depression and about amino acids for depression, compulsive behaviors, addictions, and inflammatory diseases. If you have read these messages, you are also the amino acid ALCAR encountered. ALCAR stands for acetyl L-carnitine. Acetyl L-carnitine and L-carnitine are similar, but there really is a difference regarding their effects.

What is the difference?

The short answer regarding the difference between these two is that L-carnitine is popular among sports enthusiasts or people seeking help with weight management due to the role the body plays in converting fat into energy. Acetyl L-carnitine, also known as ALCAR, goes a step further. While acetyl L-carnitine can also help convert fat into energy, it is also capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier to support brain energy and function.

The blood-brain barrier is a protective mechanism that prevents pathogens or toxins from passing through the endothelial membrane. Although it is highly selective and often blocks the passage of beneficial molecules and compounds, some amino acids, such as acetyl-L-carnitine, are able to achieve benefits for brain health.

What is L-Carnitine?

L-carnitine is an amino acid present in foods such as beef, chicken, fish, dairy, and other natural sources. Dietary L-carnitine deficiencies are often compensated for with L-carnitine supplements.

So how does L-carnitine work? Think of an incinerator that burns to release energy. The addition of carbohydrates and fats causes the release of energy. The role of L-carnitine is to transport fatty acids to the mitochondria of cells (where energy is produced) to be burned and used for energy to fuel the body and keep you moving all day long.

This explains why many turn to L-carnitine to improve their weight management and exercise regimens, as it excels at promoting the mobilization of fat from storage deposits to be burned as energy and by stimulating exercises for building physique.

What is Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR)?

Another version of the same amino acid as L-carnitine, acetyl L-carnitine, is often used to support brain health due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, acetyl L-carnitine supplements are used to boost brain energy and focus, a healthy mood, memory health, and more. Acetyl L-carnitine is also sometimes used to promote male reproductive health.

How does Acetyl L-carnitine affect the brain?

Once it crosses the blood-brain barrier, acetyl L-carnitine helps promote the synthesis of a primary neurotransmitter in the brain known as acetylcholine. The main role of acetylcholine is to enable communication between nerve cells. By stimulating acetylcholine synthesis, acetyl L-carnitine plays an essential role in supporting memory health, focus and alertness, as well as improved sleep and muscle contractions.

Use L-Carnitine or Acetyl L-Carnitine?

This depends on your goals. If you are strictly looking for a supplement to promote increased fat burning for your weight management regimen, L-carnitine supplements may be the answer. However, if you are looking for broader results with various functions for improving brain health, acetyl L-carnitine might be a better choice.

How do I dose, and which form?

• To support proper L-carnitine levels: 2-3 x 1 gram per day to achieve the correct L-carnitine levels
• L-carnitine for heart health: 2-3 x 1 gram per day for a maximum of 3 years.
• L-carnitine for kidney function: 1-3 x 1 gram of acetyl L-carnitine per day for a year.  
• Acetyl L-carnitine for memory health: 1.5 grams of acetyl L-carnitine per day for a period of 3 months.
• Support for male reproductive health: 2 x 1 gram of acetyl L-carnitine per day for six months.
• Acetyl L-carnitine for energy: 2 x 1 gram of acetyl L-carnitine per day for six months.
• Acetyl L-carnitine for depression: 2-3 x 1 gram acetyl L-carnitine per day for as long as needed