Acetyl L-Carnitine
Acetyl L-Carnitine Supplements are commonly presented & sold as Formulated Supplementary Sports Foods in Australia - Acetyl L-Carnitine also known as ALC or ALCAR is an acetylated (or biologically active) form of the Amino Acid L-Carnitine. Able to produce an amazing number of positive effects on the human body, Acetyl L-Carnitine is well known for burning fat, producing energy, improving brain performance, maintaining good levels of testosterone, decreasing stress & depression, improving hearing & vision & slowing the effects of ageing related diseases including dementia, amongst others. Most importantly for bodybuilders & athetes, Acetyl L-Carnitine plays a large role in the oxidation of fatty acids - the process in which fatty acids are broken down & transformed into energy. Acetyl L-Carnitine is responsible for transporting these fatty acids across the mitochondria membrane, where they are then put through the oxidation process. This process allows us to lose unwanted fat & also provides us with plenty of energy to build more muscles. Athletes & bodybuilders in particular will be pleased to know that ALC can assist in the body’s production of testosterone & the reduction of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that breaks down muscle tissue & reduces testosterone levels after the body experiences physical stress. As a result of the cortisol reduction, ALC can also maintain the higher levels of testosterone that it helps to produce.
ALC has also been found to reduce both physical & mental stress levels, meaning that muscle soreness after a workout is reduced. Users of ALC have also reported a decrease in mental stress & symptoms of depression as a result of taking this supplement regularly. Bodybuilders are typically familiar with supplements that alter the body & its performance in a physical sense – ALC provides this & a number of positive mental effects too. The decrease in stress & depression when taking ALC regularly is just the beginning of its many mental benefits. Acetyl L-Carnitine provides the body with brain energy, creating improved mental performance & alertness. It is also involved in the production of acetylcholine, one of the body's key neurotransmitters known to play a role in memory, mood & learning functions. How are these mental benefits relevant to your training regime? Most of us have felt the negative side effects of a strict diet, which often include moodiness, stress & occasionally depression. Keeping your mind happy & healthy can lead to increased chance of success & it also makes it much easier to stick to your eating plan & regular workouts.
Perhaps the most well known mental benefit provided by ALC is its ability to slow the effects of ageing related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia & the aftermath of stroke. It achieves this by penetrating the blood-brain barrier & producing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, as well as fortifying neurons negatively affected by free radicals. ALC also keeps mitochondria working as normal & clears them of fatty acids. Other benefits provided by Acetyl L-Carnitine include improved vision & hearing & prevention of cataracts. Acetyl L-Carnitine stacks well with Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), fat loss stimulants including Thermogenic Supplements, muscle building supplements including Creatines & Protein Powders high in amino acids which shall aid in muscle growth & recovery. ALC is available in capsule or powder form, with the recommended dosage usually somewhere between 2 & 3 grams per day.
Acetyl L-Carnitine not a sole source of nutrition and should be used in conjunction with an appropriate physical training or exercise programme. Not suitable for children or pregnant women. Should only be used under medical or dietetic supervision. Always read label prior to use.
