Home » Reviews » Amino Acids » Pure Encapsulations Acetyl-l-Carnitine Review

Pure Encapsulations Acetyl-l-Carnitine Review – 8 Things You Should Know

By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc

Reviewed by Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | Summary | Nutrition Info | Pros & Cons | Cautions | Price | Directions | Final Thoughts

Acetyl-l-Carnitine is a dietary supplement developed in order to support healthy cognition, memory and well-being. The company behind the product is Pure Encapsulations, which was founded in 2007 and is currently established in Massachusetts, United States. Dr. Devin Ryerson is the one that created the company, after having dealt with a serious health condition. His goal is to offer high-quality supplements that show effectiveness.

According to the company’s statement, Acetyl-l-Carnitine is the acetylated form of l-carnitine. The two compounds share similar energy and metabolism promoting properties.

Acetyl-l-Carnitine is recommended for people who want to improve their cognitive function, memory and emotional well-being, or simply maintain their general state of health over time. The core ingredient has been clinically tested in a long-term double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial involving 130 elderly individuals for a one-year period where it demonstrated the ability to slow negative cognitive changes caused by aging. The acetyl group from acetyl-l-carnitine is also involved in the production of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter of the brain for ideal mental functioning. As we age, the production of this neurotransmitter starts to decline, this being one of the causes of a deficitary memory and decreased emotional well-being. This supplement may be effective, according to its makers.

Summary

1) What is Acetyl-l-Carnitine?

Used for enhancement of cellular energy and neurotransmitter metabolism, Acetyl-l-Carnitine is based on a combination between acetyl l-carnitine and vitamin C as ascorbyl palmitate. Hypo-allergenic plant fiber has also been added to complete the capsule volume requirement. Acetyl-l-Carnitine can naturallybe found in the body, where it works as an energy generating metabolite. Acetyl-l-Carnitine is involved in the healthy mitochondrial function and cell membrane stability. It may be beneficial in reducing the effects of various diseases. It has several side-effects such as nausea, vomiting, upset stomach and fishy-smelling breath, urine and body odor.

Vitamin C is important in the synthesis of Carnitine. This ingredient is additionally required during growth or pregnancy. However, this supplements is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women. Gastrointestinal upset and skin rash have been reported in sensitive individuals. A multicenter trial of 481 volunteers showed significant memory, behavioral and emotional support with acetyl-l-carnitine supplementation.

Nutrition Info

2) Ingredients of Acetyl-l-Carnitine

Acetyl-l-Carnitine contains the following ingredients: Acetyl-l-Carnitine HCl(free- form), Vitamin C (as ascorbyl palmitate), and Hypo-Allergenic Plant Fiber.

3) What Does Acetyl-l-Carnitine Do?

Used for enhancement of cellular energy and neurotransmitter metabolism, Acetyl-l-Carnitine is a product that contains acetyl l-carnitine in combination with vitamin C as ascorbyl palmitate. Also, hypo-allergenic plant fiber has been added to complete capsule volume requirement. Found naturally in the body, acetyl l-carnitine has been shown to support the availability of acetyl-CoA, an energy generating metabolite as well as healthy mitochondrial function and cell membrane stability.

Supplementation may be helpful in decreasing effects of diseases that disrupt the metabolism. However, consumption of acetyl l-carnitine may lead to some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, upset stomach and fishy-smelling breath, urine and body odor.

Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of carnitine. During growth or pregnancy, the requirement might exceed its natural production; thus supplementation may be required. However, if pregnant or lactating, a person should consider avoiding this supplement. There is few online information regarding the Effectiveness of this alternative medicine, but the majority claim that this product has proved useful.

Pros & Cons

4) Acetyl-l-Carnitine: Pros and Cons

  • There are no shipping charges associated to Acetyl-l-Carnitine
  • The core ingredient has been involved in several long-term clinical trials.
  • This is a vegetarian formulation

Cautions

5) What You Need to Know Before Taking Acetyl-l-Carnitine

  • The product has not been reviewed by the FDA.
  • There are potential side effects that may occur when using Acetyl-l-Carnitine.

Price

6) Acetyl-l-Carnitine Price

Acetyl-l-Carnitine is a moderately priced supplement. It is sold by 60 capsules bottles on the manufacturer website, as well as some other online retailers. When bought in larger quantities, discounts and promotions are offered.

Directions

7) Directions For Taking Acetyl-l-Carnitine

There are several testimonials for consumers on the manufacturer’s website and the majority of them are positive. 500-1,000 mg acetyl-lcarnitine per day is recommended, in divided doses, between meals. It is recommended you should seek for specialised opinion before using any dietary supplement.

Final Thoughts

8) Final Thoughts on Acetyl-l-Carnitine

Acetyl-l-Carnitine is based on an essential chemical that may be effective in improving certain functions of the brain such as the memory or emotional well-being. In combination with Vitamin C, l-carnitine should be easily absorbed by the body. You should be careful when using this supplement, as it it stated that it may have some additive effects on the body. There is a large number of products similar to this one, so before deciding to purchase you should seek for what it is suitable for you. For best results, this supplement should be combined with a healthy lifestyle and diet.

3/5 - (1 vote)
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments