Acetyl-L-carnitine

What is acetyl-L-carnitine?

Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) is L-carnitine with an acetyl group attached. L-carnitine itself is a compound the body makes from the amino acids lysine and methionine, and it is also found in meat and dairy. In supplements, ALCAR is one of several forms of carnitine, alongside:

• L-carnitine base – the plain form, often as a liquid or capsules,
• L-carnitine tartrate – bound to tartaric acid, common in sports powders,
• GPLC (glycine propionyl-L-carnitine) – a form bound to glycine and propionic acid.

The acetylated form is chosen by people who specifically want ALCAR. The products on this page contain acetyl-L-carnitine as the main ingredient.

Our range

• NOW Foods Acetyl-L-Carnitine – 500 mg capsules and a pure powder.
• Jarrow Formulas Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg and Swanson Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg – capsules.
• Doctor's Best Acetyl L-Carnitine 1000 mg and Skill Nutrition Acetyl L-Carnitine 1000 mg – higher amount per serving.
• Life Extension Acetyl-L-Carnitine 500 mg and Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate – the arginate version is ALCAR bound with the amino acid arginine.
• SAN ALCAR 750, Applied Nutrition Acetyl L-Carnitine and Raw Nutrition Acetyl L-Carnitine – from sports nutrition brands.

What to look for on the label

• Amount per serving: products range from 500 mg to 1000 mg or more. Check whether the figure refers to one capsule or to the full serving.
• Salt form: ALCAR is often listed as acetyl-L-carnitine HCl. The label may give the amount of the salt or of the carnitine itself.
• Form: capsules and tablets are easy to dose; pure powder lets you adjust the amount, but it has a slightly sour taste.
• Dose: follow the directions on the label.

Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine?

Acetyl-L-carnitine is L-carnitine with an extra acetyl group. They are different forms of the same compound, so compare the form and the amount on the label.

What does ALCAR stand for?

ALCAR is a common abbreviation for acetyl-L-carnitine. SAN uses it in the name of its product ALCAR 750.

Powder or capsules?

Capsules are convenient and taste of nothing. Powder suits you if you want to measure the amount yourself; use an accurate scoop or scale.