Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
supporting cellular energy production and brain health
amino-acidAcetylated carnitine that crosses BBB to support brain energy and mood.
Quick answer
What it is: Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is an acetylated form of L-carnitine, a naturally occurring amino acid derivative.
May support:Obesity, Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia
Evidence Summary
Given the absence of specific PubMed studies provided, a definitive evidence grade cannot be assigned. General knowledge suggests that ALCAR has been the subject of numerous studies, but without specific research to cite, claims about its efficacy for particular conditions remain speculative. The current understanding is based on a broad body of research, including in vitro, animal, and some human clinical trials, which collectively inform its proposed mechanisms and potential applications.
Last reviewed · Jun 2026
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Why It Works
How it works in more detail
How to use
Always consult a qualified clinician.Editorial guidance
- thyroid hormones
- anticoagulants
- hypothyroidism (consult physician)
- seizure disorders (consult physician)
- pregnant
- breastfeeding
Community tips
No community tips yet — be the first to share what worked for you.
Suggested dosage
General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.
Active medicinal compounds
Traditional use
Safety
Safety warnings
Avoid if
- hypothyroidism (consult physician)
- seizure disorders (consult physician)
- pregnant
- breastfeeding
Medication interactions
- thyroid hormones
- anticoagulants
Reported side effects
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach upset
- heartburn
- restlessness
General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.
Evidence ecosystem
Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.
Overall grade
Given the absence of specific PubMed studies provided, a definitive evidence grade cannot be assigned. General knowledge suggests that ALCAR has been the subject of numerous studies, but without specific research to cite, claims about its efficacy for particular conditions remain speculative. The current understanding is based on a broad body of research, including in vitro, animal, and some human clinical trials, which collectively inform its proposed mechanisms and potential applications.
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Meta-Analyses(1)
Pooled analyses across multiple human trials.
Zhou P, Yu X, Song T, Hou X · PloS one · 2024 · n=650
To systematically evaluate the safety and efficacy of antioxidant therapy in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Randomized controlled trials and prospective studies on antioxidant therapy in children and adolescents with ADHD were searched in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from the inception of databases to November 12, 2022. Two investigators independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the quality of the included studies. Network meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration number CRD 42023382824) was carried out by using R Studio 4.2.1. 48 studies involving 12 antioxidant drugs (resveratrol, pycnogenol, omega-3, omega-6, quercetin, phosphatidylserine, almond, vitamin D, zinc, folic acid, ginkgo biloba, Acetyl-L-carnitine) were finally included, with 3,650 patients. Network meta-analysis showed that omega-6 (0.18), vitamin D (0.19), and quercetin (0.24) were the top three safest drugs according to SUCRA. The omega-3
Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High Quality
Systematic Reviews(1)
Structured reviews of the full body of evidence (incl. Cochrane).
Lowry E, Marley J, McVeigh JG, McSorley E, Allsopp P, Kerr D · Nutrients · 2020
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterised by chronic widespread pain alongside fatigue, poor sleep quality and numerous comorbidities. It is estimated to have a worldwide prevalence of 1.78%, with a predominance in females. Treatment interventions for fibromyalgia have limited success, leading to many patients seeking alternative forms of treatment, including modifications to their diet and lifestyle. The effectiveness of dietary changes in fibromyalgia has not been widely researched or evaluated. This systematic review identified twenty-two studies, including 18 randomised control trials (RCTs) and four cohort studies which were eligible for inclusion. In total these studies investigated 17 different nutritional interventions. Significant improvements in reported pain were observed for those following a vegan diet, as well as with the low fermentable oligo di-mono-saccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diets. Supplementation with Chlorella green algae, coenzyme Q10, acetyl-l-carnitine or
Systematic ReviewPubMedVery High Quality
Observational Studies(3)
Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional human studies.
Sperr A, Erber B, Horng A, Glaser C · Radiologie (Heidelberg, Germany) · 2024
Calcific tendinitis (TC) is a common-usually self-limiting-musculoskeletal disease, histopathologically characterized by both deposition and subsequent inflammatory breakdown of calcium crystals in tendons. The disease can cause acute, sometimes excruciating pain and restricted movement in the shoulder joint. Furthermore, 10-30% of patients have a complicated course of the disease. Imaging-based assessment by X‑ray and ultrasound is required to establish the initial diagnosis and differential diagnosis as well as for follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and, to a lesser degree, computed tomography (CT) complete the imaging work-up for establishing differential diagnoses and detecting complications. The combined evaluation of clinical symptoms and imaging findings is crucial to assess prognosis, plan therapy and detect potential complications. This article provides an overview of imaging-based morphology as related to the different stages of TC, relevant
Observational StudyPubMedLow QualityKuhn I, Erber B, Goller SS · Radiologie (Heidelberg, Germany) · 2024
Adhesive capsulitis (CA; also called Frozen shoulder) is a common, usually unilateral disease of the shoulder joint primarily affecting middle-aged women. Primary, idiopathic, and secondary forms are distinguished. Painful active and passive movement restriction are the clinically leading symptoms. The disease usually progresses in three successive stages: freezing phase, frozen phase, and thawing phase. CA is primarily diagnosed clinically, with imaging being used to assess or exclude differential diagnoses. Radiography as part of basic diagnostics allows exclusion of common differential diagnoses such as osteoarthritis of the shoulder or calcific tendinitis. Native magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR arthrography (MRA) reveal pathomorphologies typical of CA. Intravenously administered gadolinium increases the sensitivity of MRI. Sonography may be used as a complementary diagnostic modality or as an alternative in case of contraindications to MRI. Fluoroscopy-guided ar
Observational StudyPubMedLow QualityGreenlee H, DuPont-Reyes MJ, Balneaves LG, Carlson LE, Cohen MR, Deng G · CA: a cancer journal for clinicians · 2017
Answer questions and earn CME/CNE Patients with breast cancer commonly use complementary and integrative therapies as supportive care during cancer treatment and to manage treatment-related side effects. However, evidence supporting the use of such therapies in the oncology setting is limited. This report provides updated clinical practice guidelines from the Society for Integrative Oncology on the use of integrative therapies for specific clinical indications during and after breast cancer treatment, including anxiety/stress, depression/mood disorders, fatigue, quality of life/physical functioning, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, lymphedema, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, pain, and sleep disturbance. Clinical practice guidelines are based on a systematic literature review from 1990 through 2015. Music therapy, meditation, stress management, and yoga are recommended for anxiety/stress reduction. Meditation, relaxation, yoga, massage, and music therapy are recomme
Observational StudyPubMedLow Quality
Clinical Trial Registries(2)
Registered ongoing or completed trials (ClinicalTrials.gov).
n=20 · NCT02141035 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED
Study Hypothesis: Acetyl-l-carnitine increases nerve regeneration in patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is common, affecting almost 3% of the general population. In severe cases, nerve regeneration and functional recovery are incomplete even with surgery. The goal of this pilot project is to test a potentially promising medication, acetyl-l-carnitine (ALCAR). We will use a randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled study design. Along with surgery, those in the treatment group will also receive ALCAR while the other half in the control group will be given placebo. To gauge the effects of ALCAR, we will compare motor and sensory nerve growth as well as functional outcomes. The data from this study will provide crucial information when designing a full scale clinical trial. If successful, this will represent an important first step in finding a novel treatment to improve functional outcomes in patients with severe CTS.
Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate QualityAcetyl-L-Carnitine Supplementation During HCV Therapy With Pegylated Interferon-α2b Plus Ribavirin
NCT01913964 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED
To assess the effects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine administration on work productivity, daily activity, and fatigue in subjects with chronic hepatitis C treated with Pegylated-Interferon-α2b and Ribavirin.
Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Quality
Limitations: Without specific studies, it is impossible to detail precise limitations. However, common limitations in ALCAR research often include small sample sizes, short study durations, heterogeneity in study populations, and the need for more robust, placebo-controlled, double-blind human trials to confirm preliminary findings and establish clinical efficacy for various conditions.
This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.
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