Evidence supporting the use of: Acetyl l-carnitine
For the health condition: Exercise
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Acetyl L-carnitine (ALCAR) is a naturally occurring derivative of the amino acid L-carnitine, which plays a critical role in energy metabolism, particularly in the transport of fatty acids into mitochondria for oxidation and energy production. Its supplementation in the context of exercise support is based on the hypothesis that increasing carnitine availability may enhance fatty acid utilization, delay fatigue, and improve exercise performance. Some scientific studies have explored this potential; results are mixed but suggest modest benefits in certain scenarios.
A handful of clinical trials have indicated that ALCAR supplementation can reduce markers of muscle damage and oxidative stress following intense exercise. There is also some evidence that ALCAR may improve recovery by reducing muscle soreness and enhancing blood flow, potentially through increased nitric oxide production. However, the direct impact of ALCAR on exercise performance itself (such as increased endurance, strength, or VO2 max) is less clear, with most studies showing little to no significant enhancement in healthy, well-trained individuals.
Overall, while ALCAR has a plausible biological mechanism and limited clinical evidence supporting its role in exercise recovery and oxidative stress reduction, the scientific validation for its use as a performance-enhancing supplement is weak. Thus, the evidence rating is 2 out of 5, reflecting preliminary but not robust scientific support.
Other ingredients used for Exercise
acetyl l-carnitineadenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
beta-alanine
branched-chain amino acids
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
colostrum
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
endo-peptidase
fructose
ginseng
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
magnesium
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
protease
protein
spirulina
succinic acid
vitamin B12
zinc
capsicum
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Alpha polylactate
Arginine Creatine
Arachidonic Acid
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Arginine pyroglutamate
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Bovine Protein
BCAA
Chia seed
Creatyl-L-glutamine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dextrose
Dipeptide
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Fatty acids
Glutamine
Ketone Salts
Other health conditions supported by acetyl l-carnitine
Aging (prevention)Alzheimer's Disease
Angina
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
Body Building
Burning Feet or Hands
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Concentration (poor)
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Down Syndrome
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Exercise
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Free Radical Damage
Memory and Brain Function
Multiple Sclerosis
Muscular Dystrophy
Narcolepsy
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Numbness
Paralysis
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Stress
Strokes
Testosterone (low)
Thinking (cloudy)
Tinnitus
Wasting
Weight Loss