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- Science-based nutrition
- Dietary supplement
- Beneficial antioxidant protection*
- Enhances alertness and mental focus*
- Supports energy metabolism in the brain*
- Keeps nerves healthy and in repair*
- Decreases free radical production in the brain*
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) is a naturally occurring form of L-Carnitine, a vitamin-like nutrient synthesized in the body from the amino acids lysine and methionine. ALC plays a key role in the production of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter for brain and nerve cell function.
The Acetyl-L-Carnitine in this product is derived from a base of pharmaceutical grade L-Carnitine manufactured by patented, FDA-approved process that fully complies with the USP 25, FCC 4 and EU monographs. It is GMO-free, pesticide-free and BSE safe.
ALC serves as a transport molecule for “active acetate,” which is a source of fuel for metabolic processes that take place in cells. ALC carries active acetate (the “Acetyl” portion) directly into the mitochondrion, the cell’s energy-generating structure. Active acetate is used to produce cellular energy in the form of ATP. Both L-carnitine and ALC serve as fat carriers. Unlike L-carnitine, ALC readily crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it has specific benefits for brain neurons. When taken orally, ALC has been shown to promote healthy ALC levels in both blood and cerebrospinal fluid, demonstrating its uptake in the brain.
Best Acetyl-L-Carnitine contains Biosint™ Acetyl-L-Carnitine, which is manufactured in Italy by the reputable company Sigma-Tau. It is derived from a base of pharmaceutical grade Lcarnitine manufactured using an FDA approved process that fully complies with international monograph standards for carnitine production. Known as a global leader in L-carnitine research, Sigma-Tau holds numerous patents for production of L-carnitine, the derivatives of which are used in clinical trials.
Supports Cognitive Function
ALC has been studied for its effect on cognitive performance and emotional health in the elderly. In a single-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 481 elderly subjects taking 1500 mg of ALC per day were found to have improved scores on a memory test assessing cognitive abilities after 90 days of ALC supplementation. In addition to being known for its effects on recognition and memory, placebo-controlled ALC research has also shown better scores in scales measuring the mood of elderly people.
Supports Biosynthesis of Acetylcholine, a Key Neurotransmitter for Brain and Nerve Function
Brain function requires coordinated communication between brain cells. Neurons (brain & nerve cells) communicate across tiny cell-to-cell gaps called synapses. The passage of an electrical impulse from one neuron to the next requires a neurotransmitter to act as a messenger to pass signals to adjacent neurons. When an electrical signal arrives at the synaptic junction, the neuron releases a neurotransmitter into the synapse. The neuron on the other side of the synapse contains receptors for the neurotransmitter (that will bind it), triggering a series of chemical events to send a new electrical signal down the membrane of the receiving neuron. Neurotransmitters work together like an orchestra to transmit information throughout the brain and nervous system.
Acetylcholine is the most abundant neurotransmitter in the body, regulating activities of vital organs and blood vessels, and communication between nerves and muscles. In the brain, acetylcholine helps to facilitate memory and learning, as well as influencing emotions. ALC is structurally similar to acetylcholine— enough so that brain neurons stimulated by acetylcholine are receptive to stimulation by ALC. In an experimental animal model, it was shown that ALC can furnish acetyl groups to be utilized during the natural biosynthesis of acetylcholine. ALC’s structural similarity to acetylcholine has led researchers to investigate its effects on mental function and emotional health.
Helps Supply the Brain With Energy Through Mitochondrial Efficiency
The acetyl groups donated by ALC can be used to naturally synthesize acetyl-CoA, the key substrate for energy metabolism in the mitochondrion. Acetyl-CoA enters the Krebs cycle, the mitochondrial pathway that generates cellular energy in the form of ATP. Age-related decreases in mitochondrial oxidative capacity are a well-known cause of aging, as the organelles and organs in the body begin to operate less efficiently without ideal ATP production. The effects of decreased mitochondrial oxidative capacity are especially prevalent in organs that require high-energy inputs, such as the brain and heart. Recent clinical studies have shown that ALC helps to promote and maintain healthy mitochondrial function.
Helps Uphold the Integrity of Intracellular Membranes
Phospholipids are structural components of brain cell membranes that regulate neuronal function. ALC has been shown to promote healthy membrane phospholipid metabolism in research subjects. Additionally, the acetyl groups in ALC are naturally utilized by the body to modify the activity of proteins in neuronal membranes. Through these means, ALC promotes normal membrane function, stability, and structural integrity.
Supports Nerve Growth Factor Production
The body produces specialized proteins called growth factors that are essential to the growth and repair of tissue. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) prolongs the survival of neurons in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. As we age, our central nervous system experiences a decrease in the binding of NGF to neuron membranes. ALC has shown the ability to promote the maintenance of normal interactions between NGF and neuron membranes. Given to aged rats, ALC demonstrated effectiveness in promoting normal levels of NGF, and it helped maintain utilization of the growth factor in the rats throughout the duration of the study. Maintaining ideal levels of NGF is essential for the health of cholinergic neurons (nerve cells stimulated by acetylcholine), as cholinergic neurons lose some functional capacity due to a lack of NGF. In aged rats, ALC is known to promote the health of cholinergic neurons. In sum, such results suggest that ALC positively influences the maintenance of healthy and normal NGF activity.
Supports Healthy Brain Neuron Function
Several animal studies have revealed that ALC contains many biochemical characteristics that help neurons face the aging process optimally. ALC has been shown to raise levels of glutathione, a key antioxidant, in isolated mouse brain tissue. ALC also reduces blood levels of MDA (malondialdehyde), a free radical byproduct. Furthermore, ALC is a chelator of iron: it acts as a molecule that can naturally sequester iron in the body to prevent iron-mediated oxidative damage to cells. As a whole, data from in vitro and animal studies suggest that ALC is effective towards the maintenance of healthy brain neurons and normal neuronal energetic processes. This hypothesis is supported by human studies that demonstrate the potential of ALC to promote healthy brain function in elderly persons.
Suggested Use: Take 1 to 4 capsules daily with or without food.
Supplement Facts
Serving size: 1 Capsule
Servings Per Container: 120
Amount Per Serving %DV
Acetyl-L-Carnitine 500 mg †
(from 588mg acetyl-l-carnitine HCl supplied by Sigma tau)
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† Daily Value not established.
Other Ingredients: Stearic acid, cellulose, magnesium silicate, silicon dioxide, gelatin (capsule).
ALC is considered safe and well tolerated when consumed orally. Taken as directed by the label, the maximum daily dosage of this product is 4 capsules per day, well within the limits reported by human safety studies of ALC using the Observed Safety Level (OSL) method.
Contains nothing other than listed ingredients.
