Also known as ALCAR, Acetyl L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring carnitine found in the body and is a derivative of the essential amino acids methionine and lysine. Muscles, which contain abundant amounts of it, benefit from it as a primary source of energy.
Because Acetyl L-Carnitine helps in energy production by facilitating the fatty acid oxidation process that converts fats to energy, it helps in reducing body fat while exercising, thus helping reduce weight. Kidneys are the key regulators of carnitine in a healthy body – during times of deficient carnitine, the kidneys will try to preserve the body’s remaining carnitine stores by decreasing excretion; during times of excess carnitine, the kidneys can excrete carnitine to normalize its levels.
While ALCAR is found in the body, the body produces it only in minute amounts, so taking supplements will definitely help the body recharge on carnitine. Carnitines are antioxidants that serve numerous integral body functions, so even if the body can generate carnitine on its own, it is still possible to incur a deficit, which may hereditary or may be caused by some medications or by some body conditions like kidney failure or cancer.
Anyone who is undertaking strenuous activities could gain from the energy boost caused by the increased ALCAR levels in the body. The energy boost can make someone withstand most arduous tasks – it can even make him survive a marathon. It is now possible to exercise for a longer period than before because there is lessened chance of exhaustion, and that can make the body’s metabolism adapt to more intense activities. The increased intensity over time can actually help you lose weight too.
ALCAR also has therapeutic uses, especially in mental disorders, like memory loss caused by aging, senile depression, cognition problems linked to alcohol or Lyme disease, lessened blood circulation in the brain, nerve pains related to diabetes, Down’s Syndrome, and paralysis in the face. ALCAR is also useful for men with fertility and hormonal problems (triggered by decreased testosterone levels due to aging). ALCAR can also improve cardiac function and diminish the problems caused by aging (but it must be known that Acetyl L-Carnitine levels decrease as one ages.)
A useful dose of ALCAR would be four capsules a day, with 500 mg each capsule, with or without food. However, before starting, consult a physician first, especially if you are taking other medicines. ALCAR may interact adversely with other drugs and may cause untoward effects. Also, along with a specialist it is advisable to check your kidney functions before proceeding to take a regular regimen of ALCAR, because the kidneys play a role in controlling ALCAR levels in the body.
Now, where can everyday sources of ALCAR be found? While supplements help, they could also be found in food items we are familiar of. Acetyl L-carnitine can be enjoyed in red meat like lamb, in dairy products like milk and eggs, in poultry, in fish, in legumes, and in avocados, so start choosing which among them should fit in your mealtime.
· 