Acetyl-carnitine (Acetyl-L-carnitine or ALCAR for short) is an ester form of the amino acid L-carnitine to which an acetyl group is attached. Manufacturers of sports supplements containing ALCAR claim that this form of L-carnitine is more effective for use in sports, as it has a higher bioavailability, and therefore can be used in reduced dosages with the same effect. However, it should be borne in mind that this argument has not been confirmed.
Features of the acetyl form, the difference between L-carnitine and acetylcarnitine
Acetylcarnitine and L-carnitine are two different forms of the same compound that have similar chemical structures but differ in properties.
L-carnitine
L-carnitine (levocarnitine) is an amino acid, a compound related to B vitamins, and is one of the main links in the metabolism of fats in cells. This substance enters the human body with food (meat, milk and dairy products, poultry), and is also synthesized in the liver and kidneys, from where it is distributed to other tissues and organs.
Some important biochemical processes in the body cannot proceed correctly without L-carnitine. The lack of this substance may be due to a hereditary predisposition or pathological conditions, for example, chronic kidney disease. Also, a decrease in the synthesis of L-carnitine can provoke the intake of certain medications, for example, meldonium.
With a lack of carnitine in the body, doctors prescribe drugs that restore and maintain its content in tissues. For therapeutic purposes, L-carnitine is used to treat diseases of the heart and blood vessels, some forms of progressive muscular dystrophy, thyrotoxicosis, growth retardation in children, skin and many other pathologies.
L-carnitine is also taken by people who are actively involved in sports. Sports nutritional supplements containing amino acids are used as an accelerator of metabolic processes.
With intense physical activity, L-carnitine helps to convert fatty acids into energy, so it is recommended to take it to accelerate weight loss and burn fat. A large release of energy helps to increase the efficiency of training by increasing endurance.
It was previously thought that L-carnitine activates anabolic functions, but this point of view has been refuted. Nevertheless, supplements with this substance continue to be popular in sports. When taken together with steroids, the effects of L-carnitine are enhanced.
Acetylcarnitine
Acetylcarnitine is an ester form of L-carnitine to which an acetyl group is attached. Unlike other forms of this amino acid, it can cross the brain's protective filter called the blood-brain barrier.
Supplement manufacturers often argue that acetylcarnitine is a more innovative and "advanced" form of L-carnitine, a long-standing sporting agent, thus encouraging people to buy their products. However, in fact, when using the same doses of the substance, the concentration of the acetyl form in the blood is lower, that is, its bioavailability is lower than that of the simple form of levocarnitine. Therefore, you should not trust the promises of marketers.
If the goal of a person is to lose weight, normalize the mass of fat in the body, then supplements with L-carnitine in the usual form or in the form of tartrate are preferable. But the ability of the acetyl form to overcome the blood-brain barrier is widely used in medicine for both therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.
Acetylcarnitine penetrates the tissues of the central nervous system, thereby increasing the total level of carnitine in the brain. Such properties of acetylcarnitine make it possible to use drugs based on it in the treatment of the following diseases and conditions:
- Alzheimer's disease;
- cerebrovascular dementia;
- peripheral neuropathies, regardless of origin;
- vascular encephalopathy and involutional syndromes developing on their background;
- deterioration of cognitive functions of the brain, including age-related changes, as well as a decrease in brain functioning against the background of prolonged intoxication (for example, with alcohol);
- high intellectual fatigue;
- mental retardation in children.
Acetylcarnitine is used as a neuroprotector, a neurotrophic drug, has a cholinomimetic effect, since its structure resembles the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
It is recommended to improve cerebral circulation, enhance the regeneration of nerve fibers.
Mode of application
Different manufacturers recommend different dosages and routes of administration. Most often, sports supplements with acetylcarnitine are advised to be taken before or during meals, as well as 1-2 hours before training. Medicines based on this compound are drunk regardless of meals.
The daily requirement for carnitine has not been established as it is not an essential nutrient.
The optimal dosage is considered to be 500-1,000 mg of pure acetylcarnitine per dose. It is available in both capsules and powder for reconstitution with water.
With the use of drugs and supplements with acetylcarnitine, side effects are almost not observed. Occasionally, nausea, heartburn, digestive disorders, headaches are possible, but, as a rule, such reactions are associated with incorrect use of funds, arbitrary changes in dosages.
Contraindications to admission are pregnancy, breastfeeding, individual intolerance.
Be sure to consult a doctor before using drugs with acetylcarnitine for people suffering from the following diseases:
- renal, liver failure;
- epilepsy;
- diseases of the heart, blood vessels;
- violations of the level of blood pressure (both increase and decrease);
- cirrhosis;
- diabetes;
- sleep disorders;
- respiratory function disorders.
Acetylcarnitine is hydrolyzed in the blood, which may indicate its lower biological activity. The advantage of this substance in sports over the usual forms of L-carnitine is doubtful, and the cost of supplements with it is significantly higher.
Perhaps it makes no sense to purchase more expensive dietary supplements with acetylcarnitine. On the other hand, this substance also enhances the production of energy during exercise, while also having a beneficial effect on brain activity.
