Acetyl L-Carnitine 637.5mg | Source of Carnitine | Energy Metabolism and Cognitive Function | 120 Vegan Capsules

Each vegan capsule delivers 637.5mg of Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR) from 750mg of Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl. ALCAR crosses the blood-brain barrier efficiently and provides an acetyl group for acetylcholine synthesis in the brain. At the recommended dose of 3 capsules per day, this formula delivers 1912.5mg of ALCAR daily.

Health Canada licensed NPN 80141963. Made in Canada. 120 vegan capsules, 40 day supply at 3 capsules per day.

Source

ALCAR source: Acetyl L-Carnitine hydrochloride (HCl), a synthetically produced amino acid derivative. ALCAR is not derived from animal sources and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. The HCl salt form is used for stability and precise dosing. Each 750mg of ALCAR HCl provides 637.5mg of free-base Acetyl L-Carnitine (85% free-base equivalent), which is the medicinal ingredient amount stated per capsule in accordance with Health Canada NHP labelling requirements.

What Is Acetyl L-Carnitine?

Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is the acetylated form of L-carnitine, an amino acid derivative synthesized in the body from lysine and methionine. The acetyl group distinguishes ALCAR from standard L-carnitine in two critical ways: it allows ALCAR to cross the blood-brain barrier efficiently, and it provides an acetyl group that can be donated to choline to form acetylcholine, the primary neurotransmitter of the cholinergic system. Standard L-carnitine does not cross the blood-brain barrier efficiently and cannot contribute to acetylcholine synthesis.

How Is ALCAR Different from Standard L-Carnitine?

Standard L-carnitine supports peripheral energy metabolism by transporting fatty acids into mitochondria for ATP production. ALCAR does this too, but additionally crosses the blood-brain barrier and donates its acetyl group for acetylcholine synthesis in the brain. This makes ALCAR the preferred carnitine form for cognitive function support, while standard L-carnitine is more commonly used for peripheral energy and exercise performance.

Key Benefits

• Source of carnitine Health Canada licensed claim under NPN 80141963
• Supports energy metabolism Health Canada licensed claim | Carnitine transports long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane for beta-oxidation and ATP production
• Supports cognitive function Health Canada licensed claim | ALCAR crosses the blood-brain barrier and donates its acetyl group for acetylcholine synthesis via choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)
• 637.5mg ALCAR per capsule From 750mg Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl | 1912.5mg ALCAR per daily dose of 3 capsules
• Source: synthetically produced ALCAR HCl Not derived from animal sources | Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
• Vegan capsule Hypromellose shell, no gelatin or animal derived ingredients
• Health Canada licensed NPN 80141963 | GMP certified | Made in Canada
• 120 vegan capsules 40 day supply at 3 capsules per day

How It Works

Carnitine and Mitochondrial Fatty Acid Transport

Long-chain fatty acids (14 carbons or longer) cannot cross the inner mitochondrial membrane without carnitine. They are first activated to acyl-CoA, then transferred to carnitine by carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT-I), forming acylcarnitine. The acylcarnitine crosses the inner mitochondrial membrane, where the fatty acid is transferred back to CoA for beta-oxidation. Beta-oxidation progressively cleaves two-carbon units, generating acetyl-CoA, NADH, and FADH2 for ATP production via the Krebs cycle and electron transport chain. This pathway is the primary energy source for the heart and a major energy source for skeletal muscle during sustained activity.

ALCAR and the Blood-Brain Barrier

The blood-brain barrier is a selective barrier that restricts what substances can enter the brain from the bloodstream. Standard L-carnitine does not cross it efficiently. ALCAR's acetyl group increases its lipophilicity and allows it to utilize specific transport mechanisms, enabling efficient entry into the central nervous system. Once inside the brain, ALCAR supports mitochondrial function in neurons and contributes its acetyl group for acetylcholine synthesis.

Acetylcholine Synthesis and Cognitive Function

Inside the brain, ALCAR donates its acetyl group to choline via choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) to form acetylcholine, the primary neurotransmitter of the cholinergic system. Acetylcholine is essential for attention, learning, memory formation, and memory retrieval. Neurons also have exceptionally high energy demands. ALCAR supports neuronal mitochondrial function by facilitating fatty acid transport and contributing to mitochondrial acetyl-CoA pools, supporting the energy supply for neuronal activity.

Why ALCAR HCl and Not Free-Base ALCAR

The HCl salt form is more stable and hygroscopically stable than free-base ALCAR, making it the preferred form for capsule manufacturing. Each 750mg of ALCAR HCl provides 637.5mg of free-base Acetyl L-Carnitine (85% free-base equivalent), which is the biologically active amount and the figure stated as the medicinal ingredient per capsule in accordance with Health Canada NHP labelling requirements.

Medicinal Ingredient (per capsule)

• Acetyl L-Carnitine 637.5mg From 750mg Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl | Source: synthetically produced ALCAR HCl | Source of carnitine | Supports energy metabolism and cognitive function | NPN 80141963

Non-medicinal ingredients: Hypromellose (vegetable capsule shell), microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate (vegetable source). No artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners, or preservatives. Vegan. Gluten free. Non-GMO.

Per Daily Dose (3 Capsules)

• Acetyl L-Carnitine: 1912.5mg (from 2250mg Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl)

Quality and Trust

• NPN 80141963 Licensed by Health Canada as a Natural Health Product
• Made in Canada GMP certified facility under Health Canada oversight
• 637.5mg ALCAR per capsule From 750mg Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl
• Source: synthetically produced ALCAR HCl Vegan, not animal derived
• Vegan capsule Hypromellose shell, no gelatin or animal derived ingredients
• Non-GMO, gluten free, dairy free, soy free
• 120 vegan capsules 40 day supply at 3 capsules per day

Who This Is For

• Ask a healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have kidney disease, or have a seizure disorder
• Adults seeking a source of carnitine that crosses the blood-brain barrier for cognitive function support alongside energy metabolism support
• Those who want ALCAR specifically rather than standard L-carnitine, for its acetylcholine precursor activity and blood-brain barrier penetration
• Vegans and vegetarians seeking a synthetically produced, non-animal-derived carnitine supplement

How to Use

Adults: Take 1 capsule, 3 times per day. Taking with food may help minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.

At 3 capsules per day, 120 capsules provides a 40 day supply.

Safety and Cautions

Ask a healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have kidney disease, or have a seizure disorder. Gastrointestinal discomfort may occur; taking with food may help. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Do not use if the seal is broken or missing. Keep out of reach of children.

NPN 80141963. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All health claims are consistent with Health Canada's Natural Health Products Regulations.