Discover the Differences Between L-Carnitine and Acetyl L-Carnitine

When it comes to popular amino acid supplements, L-carnitine and acetyl L-carnitine often cause confusion. Given their similar names and their slightly different forms of the same essential amino acid, the mix-up is understandable. But don't worry: we're here to clarify!

The short answer is that L-carnitine is popular among exercise enthusiasts or those looking for weight management support because it aids in converting fat into energy. Acetyl L-carnitine, also known as ALCAR, offers additional benefits. While ALCAR also helps convert fat into energy, it is 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 penetrating the endothelial membrane. Although it is highly selective, often blocking beneficial molecules and compounds, certain amino acids like ALCAR can pass through to deliver their brain health benefits.

What is L-Carnitine?

L-carnitine is an amino acid found in foods such as beef, other red meats, chicken, fish, dairy, and other natural sources. Dietary gaps are commonly addressed with L-carnitine supplements.

L-carnitine functions similarly to a person shoveling coal into a locomotive’s furnace to keep the train moving. However, instead of coal, it transports fatty acids to the mitochondria of cells where energy is produced. This process allows fatty acids to be burned off and used for energy, fueling your body and keeping you active throughout the day.

Consequently, many people turn to L-carnitine to enhance their weight management and exercise programs, as it plays a crucial role in fat metabolism and helps improve exercise performance and muscle tissue development.

What is Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR)?

A variant of the same amino acid, ALCAR includes an added acetyl group. This modification enables it to cross the blood-brain barrier, making it beneficial for supporting brain health. Thus, acetyl L-carnitine supplements are used to enhance brain energy and focus, support a healthy mood, improve memory health, and more.¹ 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, ALCAR aids in the synthesis of acetylcholine, a primary neurotransmitter in the brain. Acetylcholine is vital for communication between nerve cells. By enhancing acetylcholine synthesis, acetyl L-carnitine plays a crucial role in supporting memory health, focus, alertness, improved sleep, and muscle contractions.

Should I Take L-Carnitine or Acetyl L-Carnitine?

Your choice depends on your goals. If your primary aim is to enhance fat burning for your weight management regimen, L-carnitine supplements may be suitable. However, if you are seeking broader results, including various brain health benefits, ALCAR might be a better option.

L-Carnitine Dosages for Adults

• To Support Proper L-Carnitine Levels: Research suggests that taking 990 mg orally in supplement form, two to three times daily, may support proper L-carnitine levels for those who may have lower levels.²
• L-Carnitine to Promote Heart Health: Studies have focused on doses between 1.5 to 3 grams orally every day for up to 34 months for those with heart concerns.²
• L-Carnitine for Kidney Function: For kidney health, research has used a dosage of between 0.64-3 grams daily for three weeks to one year.²

Acetyl L-Carnitine Dosages for Adults

• Acetyl L-Carnitine for Memory Health: Research has focused on an oral dosage between 1,500-2,000 mg of ALCAR for three months for memory health.¹
• To Support Male Reproductive Health: Research has concentrated on two grams of ALCAR and two grams of propionyl L-carnitine each day for six months to boost testosterone levels in men.¹
• Acetyl L-Carnitine for Energy: Studies have explored the effectiveness of ALCAR in boosting energy with age, involving a dosage of two grams twice daily for 180 days.¹

As you can see, while L-carnitine and acetyl L-carnitine are closely-related amino acids, each plays a unique role in enhancing your body's health. This overview should provide greater insight into which supplement is right for your specific health goals.

Whether you're looking to boost your workouts with an L-carnitine supplement or add a brain health boost with an acetyl L-carnitine supplement, these amino acids are excellent additions to any wellness regimen.

You be well, now.

BubbForest

About Amy Sunderman, MS, RD

Amy is a registered dietitian, nutritionist, and author with over 20 years of experience in the supplement industry. Amy is passionate about dietary supplements and the health benefits they offer. She enjoys working to find novel nutritional ingredients supported by strong clinical research to drive innovation and provide health-promoting products to consumers.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sources

¹ Acetyl L-Carnitine. WebMD. Read source

² L-Carnitine. Center for Internal and Integrative Medicine. Read source