Acetyl L-Carnitine 637.5mg | Source of Carnitine | Energy Metabolism and Cognitive Function | 120 Vegan Capsules

Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is not standard L-carnitine. The acetyl group changes everything: it allows ALCAR to cross the blood brain barrier efficiently, and it provides an acetyl group for acetylcholine synthesis in the brain. This formula delivers 637.5mg of ALCAR per vegan capsule (from 750mg of Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl), at a suggested use of 1 capsule 3 times per day. Health Canada licensed NPN 80141963. Made in Canada.

Key Benefits

• Acetyl L-Carnitine 637.5mg per capsule From 750mg of Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl | Source of carnitine | NPN 80141963
• Source of carnitine Health Canada licensed NPN 80141963
• Supports energy metabolism Licensed use NPN 80141963 | Mitochondrial fatty acid transport and beta oxidation
• Supports cognitive function Licensed use NPN 80141963 | Crosses the blood brain barrier | Acetyl group for acetylcholine synthesis
• Vegan capsule Hypromellose shell, no gelatin | ALCAR is synthetically produced, not from animal sources
• Non GMO | Gluten free | Dairy free | Soy free
• Made in Canada GMP certified facility under Health Canada oversight
• 120 capsules 40 day supply at the recommended 3 capsules per day

What This Is

Acetyl L-Carnitine 637.5mg provides 637.5mg of ALCAR per vegan capsule from 750mg of Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl, the hydrochloride salt form used for stability and precise dosing. Each 750mg of ALCAR HCl provides 637.5mg of free base Acetyl L-Carnitine (85% free base equivalent), which is the amount stated as the medicinal ingredient per capsule.

At the recommended dose of 1 capsule 3 times per day, this formula delivers 1,912.5mg of Acetyl L-Carnitine daily. Licensed by Health Canada with NPN 80141963 as a source of carnitine supporting energy metabolism and cognitive function. Manufactured in Canada to GMP standards under the Nutridom brand.

The Science

ALCAR vs Standard L-Carnitine: Two Critical Differences

Standard L-carnitine does not efficiently cross the blood brain barrier, the selective barrier that controls what substances can enter the brain from the bloodstream. Acetyl L-Carnitine crosses the blood brain barrier efficiently due to its acetyl group, which increases its lipophilicity and allows it to utilize specific transport mechanisms. This is the primary reason ALCAR is the preferred carnitine form for cognitive function support, while standard L-carnitine is more commonly used for peripheral energy metabolism.

Once inside the brain, ALCAR can donate its acetyl group to choline to form acetylcholine, the primary neurotransmitter of the cholinergic system involved in memory, learning, and attention. Standard L-carnitine cannot do this. This dual action, providing both carnitine for mitochondrial function and an acetyl group for acetylcholine synthesis, is what distinguishes ALCAR from standard L-carnitine supplements.

Carnitine and Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism

The primary biochemical role of carnitine in the body is to transport long chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane for beta oxidation, the process by which fatty acids are broken down to generate ATP. Long chain fatty acids (14 carbons or longer) cannot cross the inner mitochondrial membrane on their own. They must first be activated to acyl CoA and then transferred to carnitine by the enzyme carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT-I) on the outer mitochondrial membrane, forming acylcarnitine. The acylcarnitine is transported across the inner mitochondrial membrane, where the fatty acid is transferred back to CoA for beta oxidation. Free carnitine is returned to the cytoplasm to repeat the cycle.

Beta oxidation progressively cleaves two-carbon units from the fatty acid chain, generating acetyl CoA, NADH, and FADH2 with each cycle. Acetyl CoA enters the Krebs cycle for further ATP generation, while NADH and FADH2 feed into the electron transport chain. Beta oxidation is the primary energy source for the heart and a major energy source for skeletal muscle during sustained activity.

Cognitive Function: Acetylcholine and Neuronal Energy

ALCAR supports cognitive function through two mechanisms unique to the acetylated form. First, the acetyl group of ALCAR can be transferred to choline by choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) to form acetylcholine, the primary neurotransmitter of the cholinergic system involved in attention, learning, memory formation, and memory retrieval. Second, neurons have exceptionally high energy demands and are heavily dependent on mitochondrial ATP production. ALCAR supports mitochondrial function in neurons by facilitating fatty acid transport and contributing to mitochondrial acetyl CoA pools, supporting the energy supply for neuronal function.

Why ALCAR HCl?

This formula uses Acetyl L-Carnitine hydrochloride (HCl), the salt form of ALCAR. The HCl salt is more stable and hygroscopically stable than the free base form, making it the preferred form for capsule manufacturing. Each 750mg of ALCAR HCl provides 637.5mg of free base Acetyl L-Carnitine, which is the biologically active amount and the figure stated as the medicinal ingredient per capsule in accordance with Health Canada NHP labelling requirements.

Medicinal Ingredient (per capsule)

• Acetyl L-Carnitine 637.5mg From 750mg of Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl | Source of carnitine | Supports energy metabolism | Supports cognitive function | NPN 80141963

Non medicinal ingredients: Hypromellose (vegetable capsule shell), magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose.

Quality and Trust

• NPN 80141963 Licensed by Health Canada as a Natural Health Product
• Made in Canada GMP certified facility under Health Canada oversight
• 637.5mg ALCAR per capsule From 750mg Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl
• Vegan capsule Hypromellose shell, no gelatin | ALCAR is synthetically produced
• Non GMO | Gluten free | Dairy free | Soy free
• 120 capsules 40 day supply at 3 capsules per day

Who This Is For

• Adults seeking a source of carnitine that crosses the blood brain barrier for cognitive function support alongside energy metabolism support
• Those who want ALCAR specifically rather than standard L-carnitine, for its acetylcholine precursor activity and blood brain barrier penetration
• Vegans and vegetarians who want a synthetically produced, vegan carnitine supplement (ALCAR is not derived from animal sources)
• Adults who have reviewed the cautions below and, where applicable, discussed ALCAR supplementation with their healthcare practitioner

How to Use

Adults: Take 1 capsule 3 times per day. At 3 capsules per day, one bottle of 120 capsules provides a 40 day supply. Taking with food may help minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.

Safety and Cautions

Ask a healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or a seizure disorder. Gastrointestinal discomfort may occur when using this product; taking with food may help. Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Do not use if the seal is broken or missing.

NPN 80141963. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All health claims are consistent with Health Canada's Natural Health Products Regulations.