Acetyl-L-carnitine is a modified form of the amino acid L-carnitine that might increase the absorption and distribution of L-carnitine throughout the body. L-carnitine is required to burn fatty acid for energy and is produced in adequate amounts in healthy people. Inherited disorders or diseases that affect circulation and metabolism might prevent your body from producing sufficient L-carnitine, which also might be beneficial in boosting athletic performance.
The Basics
Fat is turned into energy within cell compartments called mitochondria. L-carnitine is required as a cofactor to transport fatty acid into the mitochondria and transport waste out. Meats and dairy contain large amounts of L-carnitine, although fruits, vegetables and gains are lacking. Your body can synthesize L-carnitine from the amino acids L-lysine and L-methionine. With adequate protein intake, your body can synthesize enough L-carnitine, even with a diet lacking meat and dairy.
Primary Carnitine Deficiency
Your body uses enzymes to absorb, retain, produce and transport L-carnitine. Inherited deficits in these enzymes can result in the body being unable to process L-carnitine, depleting it from the body. This condition is called primary carnitine deficiency. The disorder is rare and recessive, meaning you must inherit defective genes from both parents to develop the disorder. Carnitine deficiency might manifest as muscle weakness and cardiomyopathy, potentially fatal if untreated. See your doctor if you suspect you might have primary carnitine deficiency.
Secondary Carnitine Deficiency and Other Diseases
Much more commonly, your body might be capable of producing and distributing L-carnitine, but might do if inefficiently. This is called secondary carnitine deficiency. Kidney, metabolic or cardiovascular diseases can lead to secondary carnitine deficiency. Dietary or supplemental intake of L-carnitine is required in those with secondary carnitine deficiency. Though research is not conclusive, supplementing with L-carnitine might reduce mortality in cardiovascular disease and improve diabetic neuropathy.
Physical Performance
Though acetyl-L-carnitine and other forms are often included in fitness supplements, 20 years of research into L-carnitine and physical performance has been inconclusive. According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, supplementing with L-carnitine might not raise levels of L-carnitine in muscles in healthy individuals. Some studies have suggested that taking acetyl-L-carnitine immediately before exercise might improve oxygen utilization and mental focus, although these studies are small and uncontrolled.
Safety
Acetyl-L-carnitine and other forms are generally well tolerated by all individuals. High doses of L-carnitine might cause a fishy body odor, nausea and other gastrointestinal discomfort. The Linus Pauling Institute recommends acetyl-L-carnitine as the preferred method of L-carnitine supplementation and suggests 500 to 2,000 mg per day as a dosage. Only take acetyl-L-carnitine under the supervision of your doctor to prevent interactions with medications or medical conditions.
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