Acetyl-L-Carnitine 500mg | 100 Capsules | NOW Foods

Acetyl-L-Carnitine 500mg by NOW Foods

If you are looking for acetyl-L-carnitine, you will soon come across the abbreviation ALCAR. It is a variant of L-carnitine, a substance your body produces itself and that you also get from meat and dairy. NOW Foods packages it in vegetarian capsules of 500mg, without yeast, gluten or soy. A bottle contains 100 capsules, and the daily dose on the label is 2 capsules.

What carnitine does in your cells

Carnitine is not a vitamin and also not a classic amino acid, although it does look like one. Your liver and kidneys make it from two building blocks: lysine and methionine. The best-known task of carnitine takes place in your mitochondria, the small power plants in your cells. Fatty acids cannot just enter those power plants. Carnitine is involved in the transport of fatty acids to those mitochondria. Most of the carnitine in your body is in your muscles and your heart.

The difference between acetyl-L-carnitine and L-carnitine

Many people wonder what exactly the difference is between these two forms. It lies in one small part: an acetyl group (a small molecule of two carbon atoms that is attached to the carnitine). Because of this, the molecule becomes slightly more fat-soluble. Acetyl-L-carnitine is hardly found in regular food; L-carnitine and L-carnitine-tartrate are seen more often in sports nutrition.

Who uses this product and how

You can easily get carnitine from your diet if you eat meat, fish and dairy. Red meat is by far the richest source. Those who eat vegetarian or vegan get much less of it through their plate, although your body also makes it itself. The label mentions 1 to 2 capsules, 1 to 2 times per day. With 500mg per capsule, you choose yourself within that advice how much you take. Good to know: some people experience some stomach complaints or a restless feeling with a higher intake. Therefore, start low and distribute the capsules throughout the day. If you take medications, such as blood thinners or thyroid medication, consult your doctor first, because carnitine can interfere with some medications. In the bottle is a small bag that absorbs moisture. That is not to be eaten, but keeps the capsules dry.

What to pay attention to when choosing a carnitine supplement

On the shelf there are different forms of carnitine mixed together, and the names look very similar. L-carnitine, L-carnitine-tartrate, L-carnitine-fumarate, propionyl-L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine. They are all variants of the same basic substance, linked to a different molecule. Which form you choose depends on what you want to use it for. In addition, pay attention to the amount that is really on the label. Some products mention the weight of the salt (for example acetyl-L-carnitine-HCl), while NOW Foods states the amount of pure acetyl-L-carnitine: 500mg per capsule, so 1 gram per 2 capsules. That makes comparison fairer. By the way, also pay attention to the word D-carnitine. That is the mirror image form, which your body does not use. In this product is exclusively the L-form, so the natural variant that also occurs in your own cells.

In short, this acetyl-L-carnitine without detours. One substance, 500mg per capsule, and a shell of plant cellulose. Those who consciously choose the acetyl form know what they are getting.