Acetyl-L-Carnitine for Energy

Amino acid derivative acetyl-L-carnitine may reduce fatigue in the elderly and people with chronic fatigue.

• Facilitating energy production. ALCAR plays a key role in energy metabolism, and has been shown to reduce fatigue in the elderly and people with fatigue-related conditions.

Overview

Naturally produced in the body, Acetyl-L-carnitine, or ALCAR for short, is a special form of the nutrient L-carnitine that can pass through the blood-brain barrier. L-carnitine has long been understood to have a pivotal role in the generation of energy (ATP) within mitochondria.

Similar to normal L-carnitine, the primary functions of ALCAR is to transport free fatty acids into mitochondria where they facilitate energy production. Helping convert fat into energy has led to the belief that ALCAR can burn fat and even help boost testosterone. ALCAR is additionally purported to have antioxidant and nootropic effects. The understanding that ALCAR is an essential piece in energy creation has also led some to suggest it might work as an energy supplement.

How Acetyl-L-Carnitine Might Help With Energy

Energy Production

As previously mentioned, ALCAR is an integral part of normal mitochondrial function and subsequent energy production in the body.^{1 2}

Neuronal Protection

ALCAR is purported to enhance such cognitive processes as attention and alertness due in no small part to its ability to reduce oxidative stress in the brain.³ Its anti-oxidative effects have been found to slow the degeneration of neurons (particularly prevalent in aging) and help in regenerating and repairing them.⁴

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Benefits & Uses for Energy

In terms of energy, acetyl-L-carnitine is frequently taken by older adults seeking to increase their energy levels, and individuals with fatigue-related conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome. These uses are backed by clinical trials, suggesting that ALCAR is a good way to provide energy in cases of chronic fatigue. It is also sometimes used by younger adults for increasing energy during exercise, but this use is not currently backed by research.

Research

Animal Research

Studies done in rodents indicate that Acetyl-L-Carnitine may:

• Increase physical activity. Old rats fed ALCAR were reported to have significantly increased ambulatory activity, or total walking distance traveled.⁶

Human Research

Acetyl-L-carnitine has been reported to decrease fatigue in the elderly and individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Acetyl-L-carnitine may decrease physical and mental fatigue in people with chronic fatigue

In this controlled study, 96 elderly patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) who took Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) were found to have a decrease in physical fatigue, mental fatigue, and fatigue severity. Significant differences between the ALCAR and control groups were noted: muscle pain (-27% versus -3%), prolonged fatigue after exercising (-51% versus -4%), and fatigue severity scale (-22.5 versus 1.2).

• The study concluded that “administering ALC may reduce both physical and mental fatigue in elderly and improves both the cognitive status and physical functions.”⁷

L-Carnitine (2 g) may reduce fatigue in the elderly

In this placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind investigation, 66 participants over the age of 100 were given either a placebo or 2 grams of L-Carnitine daily. Significant decreases were found in physical fatigue (-4.10) compared to the placebo (-1.10) and mental fatigue (-2.70) compared to the placebo (0.3).

• The study concluded that “oral administration of levocarnitine produces a reduction of total fat mass, increases total muscular mass, and facilitates an increased capacity for physical and cognitive activity by reducing fatigue and improving cognitive functions.”⁸

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (2 g) may alleviate mental fatigue in CFS

In this randomized investigation, 90 patients with CFS were given 2 grams of Acetyl-L-Carnitine, 2 grams of Propionyl-L-Carnitine, or a combination of both every day for 24 weeks. ALCAR was found to significantly improve mental fatigue and attention.

• The study concluded that “Acetylcarnitine and propionylcarnitine showed beneficial effect on fatigue and attention concentration.”⁹

L-Carnitine may ameliorate fatigue in celiacs

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation, 30 celiacs received either a placebo or 2 grams of L-carnitine daily for 180 days. Fatigue was shown to be significantly reduced in the L-carnitine group compared to the placebo group.

• The study concluded that “L-Carnitine therapy is safe and effective in ameliorating fatigue in celiac disease.”¹⁰

L-Carnitine (4 g) may improve muscle metabolism during exercise

In this randomized, double-blind investigation, 18 men were given 60 grams of a carbohydrate control or 2 grams of L-carnitine 2 times a day for 24 weeks. Compared to the control, the L-carnitine group demonstrated a higher percentage of fat burning and better energy production while exercising at 80% intensity.

• The study concluded that “the Carnitine group increased work output 11% from baseline in the performance trial…[and] these changes were associated with an improvement in exercise performance.”¹¹

L-Carnitine (4 g) may reduce muscle fatigue in the elderly

In this placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind investigation, 84 seniors were given either a placebo or 2 grams of L-Carnitine twice daily for 30 days. L-carnitine significantly decreased physical fatigue (by 40%) and mental fatigue (by 45%) compared to the placebo.

• The study concluded that “administration of levocarnitine to healthy elderly subjects resulted in a reduction of total fat mass, an increase of total muscle mass, and appeared to exert a favourable effect on fatigue and serum lipids.”¹²

Dosage for Energy

• Research studies use 2000 – 4000 of L-carnitine mg daily
• Typical supplement capsules contain 500 mg, taken 2 – 3 times daily