Bigmurph6
Banned
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
syn. acetyl-levocarnitine
syn. levacecarnine
PERFORMANCE VALIDATION SCORES
Combined 6
Clinical Support Rating 2
Empirical Evidence Rating 4
Description
Acetyl-l-carnitine (ALCAR) is a naturally occurring
metabolite and precursor of L-carnitine, a key intermediary in fatty acid oxidation and cellular energy metabolism. It is synthesized in various tissues of the body, including the brain, liver, and kidneys. It is also produced in the muscles during high intensity exercise, particularly when performing above the lactate threshold (where serum lactate is increased).
Although a metabolite of carnitine, acetyl-L carnitine also plays an active role in energy metabolism. It is important to the central nervous system, where (among other things) it is involved in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. ALCAR supplements are widely sold to treat physical and mental fatigue, and improve memory, mood, and cognitive
performance.
Acetyl-L-carnitine also possesses some characteristics that might allow its supplementation to increase athletic performance. For example, like L-carnitine,
ALCAR is involved in the metabolism of fatty acids for energy. This might help preserve optimal ATP concentrations for prolonged performance. Acetyl-l-carnitine may also attenuate insulin resistance, which could help better partition nutrients into muscle cells, and away from fat storage. Studies also suggest that under certain metabolic conditions, ALCAR might increase protein synthesis rates and prevent protein catabolism. To date, however, this supplement has not been shown in human clinical studies to have ergogenic activity.
syn. acetyl-levocarnitine
syn. levacecarnine
PERFORMANCE VALIDATION SCORES
Combined 6
Clinical Support Rating 2
Empirical Evidence Rating 4
Description
Acetyl-l-carnitine (ALCAR) is a naturally occurring
metabolite and precursor of L-carnitine, a key intermediary in fatty acid oxidation and cellular energy metabolism. It is synthesized in various tissues of the body, including the brain, liver, and kidneys. It is also produced in the muscles during high intensity exercise, particularly when performing above the lactate threshold (where serum lactate is increased).
Although a metabolite of carnitine, acetyl-L carnitine also plays an active role in energy metabolism. It is important to the central nervous system, where (among other things) it is involved in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. ALCAR supplements are widely sold to treat physical and mental fatigue, and improve memory, mood, and cognitive
performance.
Acetyl-L-carnitine also possesses some characteristics that might allow its supplementation to increase athletic performance. For example, like L-carnitine,
ALCAR is involved in the metabolism of fatty acids for energy. This might help preserve optimal ATP concentrations for prolonged performance. Acetyl-l-carnitine may also attenuate insulin resistance, which could help better partition nutrients into muscle cells, and away from fat storage. Studies also suggest that under certain metabolic conditions, ALCAR might increase protein synthesis rates and prevent protein catabolism. To date, however, this supplement has not been shown in human clinical studies to have ergogenic activity.
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