L-carnitine is an amino acid synthesized by the body and found in a variety of foods. It is manufactured by supplement makers in a more bioavailable form called acetyl-L-carnitine and it can be a wonderful supplement, if you need it. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein molecules.
Single amino acids are another matter. To achieve a beneficial effect, take them on an empty stomach in order to build up high levels in the blood and brain. A number of individual amino acids, including ALCAR, are available on the Montiff and From the Heart Nutraceuticals lines of Pharmaceutical grade nutritional supplements at BeautynHealth.com. . ALCAR is heavily promoted for use as a supplement to increase muscle strength and energy, to burn fat (for weight loss), for multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, chronic fatigue and a host of other problems. It is true that ALCAR, carnitine, aids in muscle metabolism and protects heart muscle. Because L-carnitine is involved in cellular metabolism, acetyl-L-carnitine can increase energy production in the mitochondria, the "power plants" of all cells, and thereby may generally boost physical and mental energy.
As a dietary supplement, N Acetyl L Carnitine is utilized to help improve memory, and it has been studied as a possible treatment for Alzheimer's disease. ALCAR may also alleviate depression, may be used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, stroke, and Peyronie's disease, and may have a protective effect on the central nervous system and may benefit the heart. There is also some evidence that ALCAR can enhance visual memory and attention in people with Down syndrome, and clinical data indicates that it also may slow age-related mental decline that is not associated with Alzheimer's.
