Meta Information

ID:alcar

Name:Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

• ALCAR
• ALC

Active Compound

acetyl-l-carnitine

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Delivery

Route:

oral

Scope:

• systemic

Regulatory Status

• us:dietary_supplement
• eu:rx_drug

Indication

Focus:

• healthspan
• symptom_management

Description:

Explored for improving mitochondrial energy production, cognitive function, and nerve health in aging individuals.

Typical Protocol

• Typical healthspan-focused doses range from 500 mg to 2,000 mg daily, often split into two doses.

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:

15

High Cost:

40

Cost Type:

monthly

Description:

Widely available as an over-the-counter supplement; not covered by insurance for healthspan.

Summary

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is an amino acid derivative crucial for transporting fatty acids into mitochondria to be burned for energy. It also donates its acetyl group, which can support the synthesis of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter for memory and cognition. Due to its dual role in energy metabolism and brain function, it is investigated for mitigating age-related declines in these areas.

Purpose

Supports mitochondrial energy production and brain neurotransmitter synthesis.

Card Summary

A mitochondrial nutrient that aids energy metabolism and may support cognitive function.

Drug Class

null

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:

4.5

Justification:

Benefits are targeted towards mitochondrial support and cognition, not broad aging pathways.

Evidence

Grade:

B

Score:

5.5

Justification:

Human trials exist but often show modest or mixed results for healthspan outcomes.

Safety

Score:

3

Justification:

Generally well-tolerated with mild gastrointestinal side effects at typical doses.

Flags

• May cause nausea, vomiting, or a 'fishy' body odor at high doses.
• Use with caution in individuals with hypothyroidism as it may interfere with thyroid hormone action.
• May increase the effects of anticoagulant drugs like warfarin.
• Theoretically contributes to TMAO production, a controversial cardiovascular risk marker.

Verdict

A targeted supplement for mitochondrial and cognitive support with a good safety profile.

Created

2026-05-05T21:56:18.225746Z

Ai Model

Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)