Acetyl L-Carnitine

Acetyl L-Carnitine is a natural derivative of its well-known counterpart L-Carnitine and is primarily known for its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing for improved mental function and cognitive performance, while maintaining its well-known benefit of metabolising and transporting stored fatty acids so they can be used as energy in the working muscle.

During day-to-day activity, as well as during bouts of exercise, the body goes through stages of preferential substrate utilisation, determining whether it prefers carbohydrates or fat as its preferred fuel source. At heart rate percentages of less than 60% of your proposed heart rate max, or during low-intensity steady state exercise such as a walk or a light jog, the body requires L-Carnitine to breakdown, metabolise and transport fat so it can be used as fuel.

But that’s not all it does!

Due to its ability in crossing the blood brain barrier and also its affinity to mitochondrial support, Acetyl L-Carnitine not only helps ensure efficient fatty acid metabolism occurs but has also been shown to support the reduction of mitochondrial oxidative stress. By reducing cellular oxidative stress, Acetyl L-Carnitine may reduce the speed of fatigue at the cell, resulting in greater endurance.

On top of endurance support, increased fatty acid metabolism and oxidative stress support, Acetyl L-Carnitine has also been shown to improve the functionality of cranial neurons, leading to increased cognitive function, improved learning capacity and provides a mild support of mental clarity.

So whether you are looking to improve cognitive function, synapse functionality of your nervous system or improve mental clarity, Acetyl L-Carnitine is a great addition to a daily supplemental regime, of which its benefits are heightened when taken alongside caffeine. Similarly, Acetyl L-Carnitine can also enhance the metabolism and use of fatty acids for fuel as well as enhancing the endurance capacity of the muscle through improved oxidative control in the mitochondria.