Focus & memory
Look for
Our top pickThe brain and nerve oneAcetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR)
What variations of acetyl-L-carnitine exist?
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. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
Medical Disclaimer
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Pick by what you want help with
Nerve support
Look for
Our top pickThe brain and nerve oneAcetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR)
Energy
Look for
Also goodThe muscle oneL-carnitine or L-carnitine tartrate
Every form, in plain words
The brain and nerve one
Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR)
Reaches your brain and nerves. The form used in most nerve and mood studies.
Good for: Nerve support · Focus & memory
The muscle one
L-carnitine or L-carnitine tartrate
Mostly goes to your muscles and heart. Often chosen for exercise and energy.
Good for: Energy
Usually skip
- The wrong-hand one (D-carnitine or DL-carnitine)Not the natural form, and it may block the carnitine your body makes.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Acetyl-L-carnitine' on the label (the brain and nerve one)
Watch out for
- Lists 'carnitine' without saying which form
- Contains D- or DL-carnitine
Check with your provider first if…
- You have thyroid disease or take thyroid medicine like levothyroxine. Carnitine may make thyroid hormone less active.
- You take warfarin or another blood thinner
- You have a seizure disorder
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- An upset stomach or a fishy body odor can happen at higher doses
In the Lesher Wellness store
One product in the store has acetyl-L-carnitine. Here's which form, where the label says.
Medical Disclaimer
Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.
Patient One MediNutritionals
NerveCare
Has acetyl-L-carnitine (the brain and nerve one), good for nerve support and focus & memory
500 mg per serving
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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.