Even if you’ve heard of acetyl L-carnitine before, you might have had some trouble recalling its name – there’s a reason lots of folks like to reduce it to just “ALCAR” or “ALC.” 

Regardless of what you may choose to call it, though, there’s little denying that, for the health-conscious among us, there are a considerable number of benefits to taking acetyl L-carnitine – especially in regards to losing weight. 

What Is Acetyl L-Carnitine?

But just in case you’ve not heard of it yet: carnitine is an amino acid produced by our liver and kidneys, playing a significant role in giving our cells energy. Acetyl L-carnitine is a particular form of carnitine; and it’s chiefly of interest to us health-conscious folks because, aside from being found in red meats, it’s also available as a supplement. 

Benefits Of ACLAR

xray of brain

Brain Function & Mental Health Support

So what, exactly, are the benefits of taking extra ALCAR as part of your health routine? Well, there’s a number of them. For instance, the acetyl properties can help the carnitine bypass the blood-brain barrier and give it access to the mitochondria of the brain. As a result of this, increased levels of ALCAR can enhance the brain’s functions in some ways, including improved focus, improved cognitive functions, and higher mental energy. As a result, acetyl L-carnitine has become increasingly popular as a nootropic; and has even been used as a form of supplement treatment by sufferers of ADHD, Alzheimer’s, and other disorders affecting the brain. 

weight loss scale

Natural Fat Burner & Energy Booster

On the physical front, however, acetyl L-carnitine has also proven popular as a supplement to promote fat burning and gaining lean muscle. 

When you have low insulin, your body when in need of energy, begins to draw increasingly upon stored fat for energy. However, this is a process dependent upon the carnitine in your body, as fatty acids can latch upon “carnitine shuttles” that carry the fat directly to the mitochondria and provide energy. Through taking ALCAR and enhancing one’s carnitine levels, one also increases the efficiency of burning fat for energy. 

Summing it up basically: acetyl L-carnitine helps encourage your body to draw upon stored fat for energy, thus ensuring you burn through it quicker. 

Determined male working out in gym lifting weights

Lean Muscle Builder

Of course, this is hardly the only physical enhancement ALCAR provides. This supplement has been popular for several years now among fitness enthusiasts – particularly for its noted ability to enhance the growth of muscles, reduce muscle fatigue, and intensify power output during muscle-building exercises. 

Dosage & Side Effects of ALCAR

But what of dosage? How much acetyl L-carnitine ought one to take? Well, it depends significantly upon just what purpose you’re taking it for; but if you’re after its muscle-building and fat-burning effects, it’s generally advised that you stick to around 2-3g per day. For best results, half of this dosage ought to be taken about 90 minutes before exercise to enhance performance, while the other half should be taken afterward to improve recovery. 

The risks of taking ALCAR are pretty minimal; however, its effects may not gel well with those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, on blood-thinning medication, or have underactive thyroids. As a result, it is a good idea to consult your doctor before embarking on an acetyl L-carnitine routine.

Natural Bodybuilding Supplements with ALCAR

This favorite ingredient is used in bodybuilding supplements to help burn fat, build lean muscle, and enhance performance through natural energy. ALCAR is an essential component to add to cutting cycles when working out to lose weight and build muscle.

Acetyl L-Carnitine can be found in premium all-natural bodybuilding supplements such as: