Lesher Wellness
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Acetyl-L-carnitine

Also called: ALCAR, ALC, acetylcarnitine

A form of carnitine, which helps cells turn fat into energy. This form reaches the brain and nerves, so it's often used for nerve and brain support.

Medical Disclaimer

Supplements can interact with medications and aren't right for everyone, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with a chronic condition. Ask your provider before you start.

Studied for

  • Nerve pain and tingling, such as diabetic neuropathy (some studies)
  • Mental fatigue and focus
  • Low mood, especially in older adults (some studies)
  • Sperm movement and male fertility (some studies)

Found naturally in

  • Your body makes carnitine
  • Red meat, especially beef
  • Pork and chicken
  • Fish and milk
  • Very little in plant foods
What variations of acetyl-L-carnitine exist?Pick by goal: focus & memory, nerve support, energy

Label red flags

  • Lists 'carnitine' without saying which form
  • Contains D- or DL-carnitine

Check with a provider

  • Thyroid disease or taking thyroid medicine. Carnitine may make thyroid hormone less active.
  • Taking warfarin or other blood thinners
  • Seizure disorder
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Stomach upset or a fishy body odor can happen at higher doses

Related conditions

Fatigue and chronic fatigueDepressionFertility challenges

Supplements that contain it

One product in the Lesher Wellness store lists acetyl-l-carnitine on the label.

Medical Disclaimer

Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.

NerveCareFullscript
Patient One MediNutritionals

NerveCare

Label amount: 500 mg

Parts of the body it affects

Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.

Illustration of the human brain

Brain & nerves

Your brain, spinal cord, and nerves carry every signal in your body, from movement and sensation to mood and memory.

Illustration of a forearm with the skin cut away to show the muscles and the tendons that attach them to the bone at the elbow

Muscles

Your muscles move and steady your body. Autoimmune muscle disease shows up as true weakness, not just soreness.

Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0

Dr. Lesher, ND

Ready to find the root cause?

Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.

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