Veg Capsule
Acetyl L-Carnitine
Cognitive Function
$20.00
$0.67 a day · 30-day supply
Acetyl L-carnitine crosses the blood-brain barrier and supports normal cognitive function. Carnitine also brings long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria to be burned.
In depth
About this supplement
What Is Acetyl L-Carnitine?
L-carnitine with an acetyl group attached, a small change with large consequences for where the molecule goes and what it hands over. The body makes carnitine from lysine and methionine, then acetylates it inside mitochondria. There is 1 g per serving, from 1,205 mg of the hydrochloride salt.
How It Works in the Body
Carnitine's day job is transport. Long-chain fatty acids cannot cross the inner mitochondrial membrane while attached to coenzyme A. Carnitine takes them on instead, a translocase carries the acylcarnitine across, and a second enzyme hands them back on the other side. The acetyl form joins that traffic at the short end: carnitine acetyltransferase moves acetyl groups between carnitine and coenzyme A, keeping coenzyme A free when acetyl units build up. The acetyl group also lets the molecule cross the blood-brain barrier.
What It Supports
- Energy metabolism: Carnitine is the carrier that brings long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria to be burned for fuel.
- A free coenzyme A pool: Carnitine acetyltransferase parks surplus acetyl groups on carnitine, keeping coenzyme A free for other reactions.
- Cognitive function: Supports normal cognitive function, since the acetyl group it delivers to the brain is a building block for acetylcholine.
- Made, not required: The body builds carnitine from lysine and methionine, with vitamin C, vitamin B-6, niacin and iron along the path.
Who It May Suit
Vegetarians and vegans, since dietary carnitine comes mostly from red meat and the body's own synthesis covers the rest. It also suits people who want the acetylated form rather than plain L-carnitine, and anyone who prefers a single-ingredient capsule.
Good To Know
This is the acetylated form; plain L-carnitine is usually a tartrate salt with no acetyl group. Talk with your provider before use if you take thyroid medication or a blood thinner such as warfarin, since carnitine has been reported to interact with both. Ask as well if you are pregnant.
At a glance
Allergens and certifications
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01
Vegan
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02
Kosher
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03
Halal
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04
Non-GMO
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05
Gluten free
FAQ
Common questions
What is it?
L-carnitine carrying an acetyl group on its hydroxyl. Carnitine itself is built in the body from lysine and methionine, and the acetylated form is made inside mitochondria. There is 1 g of acetyl-L-carnitine per serving, supplied as 1,205 mg of the hydrochloride salt.
How does it work?
Carnitine ferries fatty acids. Long-chain fats cannot enter mitochondria on coenzyme A, so carnitine takes them across and hands them back inside. The acetyl form works at the short end, where carnitine acetyltransferase trades acetyl groups with coenzyme A and keeps that pool free, and it crosses into the brain.
What makes this form different?
The acetyl group. Plain L-carnitine is usually a tartrate salt and stays largely in muscle and blood. The acetylated form crosses the blood-brain barrier and brings an acetyl unit with it, which the brain uses to make acetylcholine. There is 1 g per serving, and a serving is two capsules.
Who is it for?
Vegetarians and vegans in particular, since carnitine in food comes mainly from red meat. It also suits people who want the acetylated form rather than plain carnitine, and anyone who prefers one ingredient in a plant cellulose capsule with rice flour rather than a blend.
What should I know before taking it?
Talk with your provider before use if you take thyroid medication or a blood thinner such as warfarin, since carnitine has been reported to interact with both. Ask as well if you are pregnant or nursing, or living with kidney disease. Carnitine sometimes gives sweat or breath a faintly fishy smell.
Ingredients
What is in it
Every ingredient, as listed on the label.
Supplement Facts
Serving Size 2 veg capsules
| Ingredient | Amount Per Serving | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Acetyl-L-Carnitine (from 1,205 mg Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl) | 1 g | † |
† Daily Value not established.
Other Ingredients: Hypromellose (cellulose capsule), Rice Flour, Stearic Acid (vegetable source), Silicon Dioxide.
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