What is Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)?
The acetyl ester of L-carnitine, Acetyl-L-carnitine, is a dietary supplement that occurs naturally in animal products used to support a healthy memory. Acetyl L-carnitine (ALCAR) is derived from the amino acids lysine and methionine. It is found in highest levels in tissues that use fatty acids as their main fuel namely the skeletal and cardiac muscles. Acetyl-L-Carnitine and L-Carnitine (or L-Carnitine Base) are not the same thing. ALCAR is significantly more bio-active than L-Carnitine Base and costs considerable more to manufacture. Because of the attached acetyl group ALCAR is a cognitive enhancer and neuroprotective agent that helps to protect against a wide range of age-related degenerative changes in the brain and nervous system. ALCAR is an ester of carnitine that modulates cellular concentrations of free coenzyme A and Acetyl-Coenzyme A, two compounds integrally involved in numerous cellular functions, including the transfer of fatty acids across mitochondrial membranes for en
