ALCAR or the Acetyl L-Cartinine has gained fame in the fitness world since Bigmuscles Nutrition launched it. The popularity has been vast enough that the product sells out super fast. Go through this article to know the reasons behind its popularity.
WHAT IS ALCAR?
Acetyl-carnitine is a naturally occurring chemical in the body. The enzymatic addition of an acetyl group to carnitine rapidly forms it in cells. Carnitine is a modified variant of the amino acid that is also found in the body. Enzymes can easily convert one to another and back. As a result, both of them are basically interchangeable inside the cell.
It is formed in the reaction:
Acetyl-CoA+ Carnitine ⇌ CoA+ Acetylcarnitine
This is where the acetyl group displaces the hydrogen atom in the central hydroxyl group of carnitine. Herein, carnitine is involved in the burning of fat for energy. Also, for the transport of fatty acids through the mitochondrial walls. It takes back acetyl groups during fatty acid oxidation on its way back from inside the mitochondria. Now, the main difference between acetyl-carnitine and carnitine is that the former is easier to absorb from the gut. It crosses the blood-brain barrier more quickly.
ALCAR is a modified amino acid that supports cellular energy production : by assisting in the transport of fat into the mitochondria. Here it is converted into ATP chemical energy for the cell.
HOW DOES ALCAR HELP?
L-Cartinine is used for its help in weight management as it converts fat into energy. ALCAR is one step ahead because it not only promotes weight loss, but also crosses the blood-brain barrier to support brain energy and function.
The blood-brain boundary is a protective barrier. It prevents pathogens or toxins from entering through the membrane and into the brain. Though it is highly selective, typically restricting useful molecules and substances from passing through. Some amino acids, such as acetyl-L-carnitine, are able to pass through and provide brain health advantages.
Once it passes through the blood-brain barrier, it aids in the production of acetylcholine. It is a primary neurotransmitter in the brain. The main function of this transmitter is to allow nerve cells to communicate with one another. Thus, ALCAR helps to support memory health, focus and alertness, better sleep, and muscle contractions by increasing the synthesization.
WHAT ARE THE ADDITIONAL-POTENTIAL BENEFITS?
There exists no firm answer on the all the benefits of ALCAR due to a lack of research. Yet, there are certain issues where ALCAR is possibly effective or helpful. These are :
- Alzheimer Disease – In some patients with Alzheimer’s disease, it may help to slow down disease progression, enhance memory. It may improve certain aspects of mental function and behaviour.
- Alcohol use Disorder – During alcohol detox, this given intravenously (IV) for 10 days and then taken orally for 80 days helps to lessen withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
- Depression – In some people, taking 1-4 gms by mouth daily appears to boost mood and reduce depression. It appears to operate better in elderly people and in higher dosages.
- Male Reproductive health – In men with fertility issues, taking it combined with L-carnitine by mouth appears to boost sperm count and sperm motility. It’s unclear whether consuming it on its own helps. (Source : WebMD)
WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED DOSAGE?
- For the purpose of Weight management & Energy – Studies suggest to use a dosage of 2gms twice daily for 180 days for the purpose of energy boost.
- To support Mental health & Brain function – For memory health, studies have focused on an oral dosage of 1,500-2,000 mg for three months.
WHICH ALCAR PRODUCT TO ADD IN THE DIET?
BigMuscles Nutrition ALCAR L-Cartinine endurance in physical performance.Assists conversion of Fat into ATP. Modified amino acid support energy.
Its recommended usage is one tablet a day. Here each serving contains 1000mg of ALCAR.