Acetylcarnitine
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Acetylcarnitine
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| Systematic (IUPAC) name | |
| ? | |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | 14992-62-2 |
| ATC code | N06BX12 |
| PubChem | 1 |
| Chemical data | |
| Formula | C9H17NO4 |
| Mol. weight | 203.236 |
| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Bioavailability | ? |
| Metabolism | ? |
| Half life | ? |
| Excretion | ? |
| Therapeutic considerations | |
| Pregnancy cat. |
? |
| Legal status | |
| Routes | ? |
Acetyl-L-carnitine or ALCAR, is an acetylated form of L-carnitine. ALCAR has been claimed to be superior to normal L-carnitine in terms of bioavailability. However, the acetylated form has been shown to have a lower oral bioavailability[1]
It is claimed that ALCAR provides several benefits. Advocates of acetyl-L-carnitine market it as a life extension supplement, although there appears to be no independent research available to support their claims. There may be some benefit in cases of end stage renal disease or peripheral arterial disease.[2]
It is generally agreed that there is no effective way to significantly increase carnitine levels in humans via oral supplementation, as orally administered carnitine is rapidly excreted from the body, and the homeostasis mechanisms prevent significant cellular absorption. Further, over-the-counter supplements have been shown to contain less carnitine than advertised, and have further been shown to have poor absorption characteristics.
Choline supplementation may lead to increased L-carnitine retention.[3]
