acetyl-l-carnitine

Acetyl-l-carnitine is an acetylated form of the amino acid derivative l-carnitine, naturally produced in the body and also available as a dietary supplement. It plays a key role in mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism by facilitating the transport of fatty acids into mitochondria for beta oxidation and energy production. In addition to its metabolic functions, acetyl-l-carnitine is thought to have neuroprotective effects and may influence neurotransmitter activity through its ability to donate an acetyl group for synthesis of acetylcholine. It has been studied for use in cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, age-related memory decline, depression—especially late-life depression—diabetic neuropathy, male infertility, chronic fatigue syndrome, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, peripheral nerve disorders, and other neurological or metabolic conditions[1][3][4][5]. Its mechanism involves supporting mitochondrial function and possibly modulating neuronal signaling.

Brand names

CarnitorBranigenMedosan

Other names

Acetyl CarnitineAcetyl L-Carnitine HydrochlorideAcetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate DihydrochlorideAcetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate HClAcetyl-L-Carnitine HClAcetyl-LevocarnitineAcetylcarnitineAminocarnitineBicarnesineCarnitineCarnitine Acetyl EsterCarnitine, Acetyl-LGamma-trimethyl-beta-acetylbutyrobetaineL-AcetylcarnitineL-beta-hydroxy-gamma-trimethyl-amino-butyric acidL-carnitina acetilada (Spanish)LevacecarnineLevocarnitina acetilada (Spanish)N-Acetyl-Carnitina (Spanish/Italian)N-Acetilcarnia (Italian)O-acetil-l-canitina (Portuguese/Spanish)Propionil-l-canitina (related compound)Vitamin B(t) acetateVitamin BT