Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is a potent supplement for improving mental function – particularly in combination with a racetam. The primary mechanism of action appears to be by optimizing levels of acetylcholine, however it also appears to improve mood and motivation via its positive effects on the brain’s dopamine system. It is for this reason that ALCAR has been studied as a potential supplement for reducing some of the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s disease. Early studies have been quite promising.
ALCAR also acts as a powerful antioxidant in the brain, repairing damage caused by lifestyle and natural aging. This is likely to be one of the reasons why it has shown great potential as a treatment for Fibromyalgia, a condition associated with accelerated brain aging due to chronic stress (this is the same reason why the anti-dementia drug memantine has been studied as a treatment for fibromyalgia – due to its ability repair damage caused by stress and an overactive glutaminergic system).
ALCAR also demonstrates a great synergistic effect when taken with C0Q10, increasing energy levels via positive effects on your mitochondria. It also appears to enhance neuroplastic healing, as there have been studies showing a beneficial effect for the recover}’ from strokes, where ALCAR appeared to accelerate brain healing.