Acetyl-L-Carnitine FAQs
Acetyl-L-carnitine is an acetylated derivative of the naturally-occurring quats called L-carnitine. It is, in turn, biosynthesized from the amino acids methionine and lysine.
Where Can It Be Found?
As previously mentioned, acetyl-L-carnitine is a naturally-occurring quaternary ammonium compound. It is manufactured by the human body, with the cardiac and skeletal muscles possessing the highest concentrations. The liver and kidneys perform the synthesis process before it is transported to the rest of the body.
On the other hand, food sources like red meat, dairy, grains and vegetables are also rich in acetyl-L-carnitine albeit in varying degrees, with vegetables having the lowest concentration and red meat the highest doses. And of course, there are acetyl-L-carnitine diet supplements that deliver concentrated dosages of the compound.
What Does It Do?
In scientific studies conducted on acetyl-L-carnitine, it appears to enhance cognitive function in individuals with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Lyme diseases; relieve the pain in Peyronie's disease and diabetes; boost blood circulation to the brain; and even increase male sexual libido and fertility in male menopause.
For athletes and bodybuilders, however, the main benefit of acetyl-L-carnitine lies in its ability to facilitate fatty acid oxidation. With proper supplementation, users can burn unwanted body fat that leads to the creation of energy. In turn, this leads to a higher energy level that presents greater the opportunities to perform the activities necessary to sustain athletic performance.
How Does It Work?
To understand how acetyl-L-carnitine works vis-a-vis fat burning, the mechanism of fatty oxidation in relation to the mitochondria must be explained albeit briefly. Fatty acids are one of the body's most important sources of energy, the excess of which are efficiently stored as fat. These are then broken down in a process called fatty acids degradation (also called oxidation) that results in the release of energy.
These fatty acids must be activated and transported into the mitochondria as the first step in oxidation. This is where acetyl-L-carnitine comes in as the vehicle upon which fatty acids are transported from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane in preparation for the next two steps of the oxidation process, which is β-oxidation and electron transport chain. The final result of the oxidation process is Adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP), which is the cell�s energy currency.
How Much Should You Take as Supplements?
Although supplementation in the form of acetyl-L-carnitine capsules is unnecessary in most cases, athletes and bodybuilders often find it essential. This way, energy levels are at their peak and unwanted fat burning is at optimal levels, too.
Most manufacturers recommend taking 1000mg to 4000mg of acetyl-L-carnitine every day, which should be divided in 2-3 smaller doses. Capsules are usually sold at concentrations of 250 mg to 500 mg. Unless otherwise prescribed by a health professional, just follow manufacturer's dosage recommendation.
Also, it is very important to purchase from reputable manufacturers only. Although there are no known cases of overdosing on acetyl-L-carnitine, there are side effects to its use.
What Are the Side Effects?
The use of acetyl-L-carnitine produces side effects that include nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, agitation and confusion, aggression and depression, manic behavior as well as allergic reactions. Although these are not life-threatening, physician consultation must be made to avoid more serious complications.
Also, if you have a history of medical conditions like hypothyroidism, seizures and any chronic diseases, physician's advice must be sought before administration of acetyl-L-carnitine supplements.
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