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Acetyl-l-Carnitine Review – 8 Facts to Consider
Acetyl-l-Carnitine promotes cognitive enhancement and supports a healthy brain function. Particularly, the core advertised benefits for the formula manufactured by Advance Physician Formulasare improved focus, attention, concentration, and overall mental stamina and performance.
The manufacturing company activates in the nutritional supplements industry since 2003 and is located in Irvine, California. The company offers a wide range of dietary supplements (vitamins, herbal formulations, etc) for a variety of health conditions. The most popular products include Mind Power Rx, Joint Power and Diet Rx. The company operates a 90,000 square feet state-of-the-art FDA cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) facility in Santa Fe Springs, California. In developing the dietary formulations, specialized personnel is involved and some of the products are created using the vast expertise of MD Ray Sahelian.
Acetyl-l-Carnitine is designed for adults only. People taking other brain boosting supplements (based on such ingredients as Ginkgo Biloba, Bacopa Monnieri, DMAE, Huperzine, etc) are advised to be cautious and not take them the same day as Acetyl-l-Carnitine. No special precaution warnings are issued other than this one.

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1) Acetyl-l-Carnitine at a Glance
Acetyl-l-Carnitineis a single ingredient formula for brain health enhancement.
The manufacturer claims the product is formulated by Dr. Ray Sahelian, M.D., bestselling author of Mind Boosters book and developer of a number of herbal natural medicines with the manufacturer of this formula, Advance Physician Formulas.
Acetyl L Carnitine’s (or ALCAR) most important role is the one it plays in energy production processes that take place inside the body on a daily basis. Particularly, it is involved in the transportation of fatty acids from the cytosol into the mitochondria (known as the power plant of the cell). Preliminary studies have shown that Acetyl-L-Carnitine may facilitate synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in sleep cycles regulation and reward system.
Acetyl L Carnitine is important for heart and brain function, muscle movement, age related memory loss, late-life depression, poor brain circulation and other body processes.
The manufacturer warns that, even though a daily dosage for Acetyl-l-Carnitine has not yet been established, dosages above 500 or 600 mg per day may cause side effects such as over-stimulation, nausea and insomnia in some rare cases.
We could not identify any consumer reviews for Acetyl-l-Carnitine to this date. The manufacturer mentions potential side effects and interactions with the formula including nausea, over-stimulation and insomnia (for doses exceeding 600 mg daily), and also details dosages and administration conditions. Optimum benefits should be obtained when taking 1/2-1 capsule per day.
2) What Are Acetyl-l-Carnitine Ingredients?
Acetyl-l-Carnitineincludes the following ingredients: Acetyl L-Carnitine 300 mg, Rice Flour, Gelatin, and vegetable magnesium stearate.
3) Does Acetyl-l-Carnitine Work?
Promoted as a product designed to help enhance overall cognitive functions, the supplement being reviewed is based on the properties of a single ingredient: Acetyl-L-Carnitine. This ingredient is an amino acid that was demonstrated effective when it comes to increasing the overall levels of energy while also determining a noticeable mental effect in the sense of sharpening the mind.
Scientific evidence has shown that the substance possesses a series of benefits on the human body, such as enhancement of cellular energy in the brain and improvement of mental performance (memory, concentration, and alertness). Also, it plays a role in the production of energy, weight loss, and supports bodily functions and organs that have high energy demands.
Several studies suggest the effectiveness of the amino-acid when it comes to people who have ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or other behavioral disorders. Other possible properties are related to Alzheimer’s disease and Chronic fatigue syndrome; however, research is still ongoing.
Although deficiencies are rather uncommon, in some cases they may occur. Carnitine deficiencies are the result of a relatively rare hereditary disorder that manifests in the form of reduced Carnitine levels, caused by a poor absorption of the substance. On the other hand, should the recommended dosage (500-600 mg) be exceeded, side effects may occur? These include increased blood pressure, fever, faster heartbeats, or diarrhea.
The suggested dosage 1/2 to one capsule in the morning a few times a week, unless otherwise advised by a health care provider. There are no online testimonials related to this supplement.
4) What Acetyl-l-Carnitine Does?
- The core ingredient has been extensively tested, although not sufficient evidence exists in some areas
- The formula is available for an excellent price
- The manufacturer enjoys a good reputation
5) What You Need to Know Before Taking Acetyl-l-Carnitine
- Lack of consumer testimonials on the formula makes it hard to assess its potency
- Potential side effects and other drug interactions may occur
- Lack of differentiation from other Acetyl-L-Carnitine-based products
6) Acetyl-l-Carnitine Price
Sold in bottles containing 90 capsules, the formula is an average priced product, offered at a cost very much similar to other formulas featuring this same core ingredient. A bottle should suffice for a three month period or more, depending on the daily dose each consumer chooses to use. By purchasing this product in larger volumes, you might take advantage of some discounts and other promotions facilities that the manufacturer is offering. Currently, free samples are offered for other formulas that belong in the product portfolio, encouraging us to believe that this formula too may enter such a policy. You should refer to the manufacturer’s website for updates.
7) Acetyl-l-Carnitine Serving Size
8) Bottom Line – Does It Really Work?
Acetyl L Carnitine is a very popular memory enhancer ingredient, extensively used either as an ingredient in this type of formulations or as a single ingredient remedy. The Advanced Physician Formulas product bears little differentiation from these other products. Also, we could not find any consumer reviews to either back up or dismantle the benefit claims.
Still, the manufacturer goes to great length to explain potential side effects, administration circumstances, potential drug interactions and precautions. It also offers a complete list of questions and answers, which covers a wide array of potential consumer concerns regarding the supplement. We recommend caution and to take a decision based on specialized advice.
Beginning a journey towards a healthier brain will challenge you to make significant lifestyle changes. A product that was formulated specifically for calm and focus can help you along this journey.
Among the most acclaimed Amino Acids [Blend] products we've come across is HCF® Happy, Calm & Focused. Without a doubt, HCF can offer more in terms of improving focus, energy, and attention than many products we've reviewed.
Plus, we love that they offer ALL BrainReference readers access to a free sample for a limited time.
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Acetyl-l-Carnitine - Frequently Asked Questions
- Recent:
Advance Physician Formulas Acetyl-L-Carnitine includes the following ingredients: Acetyl L-Carnitine 300 mg, Rice Flour, Gelatin, and vegetable magnesium stearate.
Advance Physician Formulas Acetyl-L-Carnitine is advertised to be a brain supplement that aims to support and enhance brain health, particularly boosting memory, concentration and focus capacity. The company that produces this formula is called Advance Physician Formulas. The supplement features the amino-acid Acetyl-L-Carnitine as core ingredient, which is naturally produced by the body and a key element of energy production processes. A daily dosage is not established for Acetyl-L-Carnitine and side effects may occur if large quantities are used.
Like many other dietary supplements, this formula supposedly helps people improve their cognitive functions, including memory and concentration. Its main ingredient is critical for body processes that require a huge amount of energy, the brain included. This product is recommended for people who desire an improvement when it comes to concentration, focus, and memory. The fact that Acetyl-L-Carnitine can cross the blood brain barrier and penetrate the brain is a strong argument to the formula’s Effectiveness.
On the other hand, because this is a dietary supplement, its consumption should always be balanced with a healthy lifestyle, so that optimum results are achieved. If the recommended dosage is exceeded, side effects may occur, and it is advised to stop the treatment immediately.
I’ve heard about this supplement from a neighbour, he had good things to say avout it. I guess I’m going to give it a try.