Acetyl L-Carnitine - Amino acid that provides support in protecting and improving brain function

Acetyl L-Carnitine is an amino acid found in most cells in the body, including the brain, nerves, heart, liver and sperm. Acetyl L-Carnitine supports energy production by metabolising fatty acids to make the universal energy molecule ATP.

L-carnitine is an essential amino acid, synthesised in the liver and kidneys from the amino acids lysine and methionine. Acetyl-L-carnitine facilitates the passage of acetyl-Coenzyme A into mitochondria during fatty acid oxidation, supports the production of acetylcholine and the synthesis of proteins and membrane phospholipids. In the brain, acetyl L-carnitine acts by its ability to cross the blood-meningeal barrier.


 

What is the difference between L-Carnitine and Acetyl L-Carnitine?

L-carnitine and acetyl L-carnitine are different forms of the same compound. Acetyl l-carnitine is more effective for improving cognitive and neurological function because the acetyl group allows the compound to cross the blood-brain barrier with much greater efficiency than l-carnitine alone. However, l-carnitine is more effective for improving physical performance because there is a greater amount available for muscle cells, while a smaller amount supports the brain.





 

What are the benefits of Acetyl L-Carnitine?

L-carnitine is a highly researched amino acid and has a wide range of benefits:
 

• Cognitive function

L-carnitine supplementation has consistently been shown to have a positive impact on cognitive function, especially in older adults. Numerous solid scientific investigations have suggested that providing this amino acid can improve mood, alertness, general cognitive ability and combat mental fatigue.

These improvements could be due to a number of reasons. Firstly, l-carnitine supplementation in the acetyl form has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This allows the amino acid to positively influence the mitochondrial capacity and activity of neurons in the brain. L-carnitine may also increase blood flow to the brain due to its high level of nitrates, which convert to nitric oxide when oxygen availability is low.

This increased blood flow will provide the brain with the oxygen and nutrients needed for superior cognitive function.
 

• Physical performance

As mentioned above, improvements in body composition appear to be due to increased energy levels, which positively influence exercise capacity. In addition to exercise, l-carnitine supplementation may also markedly improve symptoms of intermittent claudication. This condition is caused by reduced blood flow to the leg, which can decrease mobility, physical performance and quality of life. L-carnitine is thought to improve the symptoms of this condition by increasing nitrate levels in the blood, which helps blood flow to areas where oxygen availability is low.
 

• Blood glucose control

Several scientific investigations have suggested that l-carnitine supplementation improves blood glucose control. This is thought to be because the supplement improves pancreatic beta cell function which in turn improves insulin sensitivity. The improvement in blood glucose may also be due to improved physical performance, as exercise is known to be powerful for improving blood glucose regulation.
 

• Sexual and reproductive performance

It has been consistently shown that L-carnitine supplementation can lead to noticeable improvements in sperm quality in men. These high-quality studies also showed that improvements were more impressive in people with poor sperm quality. The reason for this improvement appears to be due to an improvement in the micro-environment in which sperm mature and are released.

Apart from this, there is some evidence that l-carnitine may help increase erectile function. Again, this is likely due to improved blood flow due to a higher concentration of nitrates.



 

Acetyl L-Carnitine Properties

 

• support energy production in nerve cells and metabolism of fatty acids in mitochondria ("energy factories" of the body), storage of cellular energy in ATP molecules
• promoting synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine; protecting neurons against damage caused by high levels of free radicals, alcohol and glutamate; supporting the reduction of neuronal degeneration caused by ischaemic events
• maintenance of normal brain function: supports increased learning, memory, information retrieval, verbal communication, increased attention, reduction of emotional imbalances, hyperactive behaviour, neurological manifestations caused by stress and ageing, etc.
• Supporting the reduction of muscle fatigue and increasing endurance by maintaining normal neuromuscular transmission (link between motor neurons and muscle fibres).
• supporting the reduction of eye tissue and peripheral nerve manifestations caused by increased blood glucose levels
• balancing manifestations associated with reduced testosterone (male hormone) levels, those associated with low thyroid hormone secretion, and fatigue

 

Suggested use

Take 1 capsule 1 to 2 times per day on an empty stomach or as directed by your qualified healthcare professional.

 

Warnings

Consult a healthcare professional before using this product if you are trying to conceive, pregnant, or lactating, under the age of 18, or have a medical condition; if adverse reactions occur, discontinue use.

Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate.