Acetyl-L-Carnitine
17 benefits mapped to clinical evidence across supplements.
Dose per serving from products
696 products in our catalogue print how much Acetyl-L-Carnitine a serving holds.
Most common: 250 mg to 500 mg, 35% of 696 products.
| Dose per serving | Products |
|---|---|
| 25 mg or less | 26 |
| 25 mg to 50 mg | 28 |
| 50 mg to 100 mg | 105 |
| 100 mg to 250 mg | 99 |
| 250 mg to 500 mg | 241 |
| 500 mg to 1 g | 155 |
| 1 g to 2.5 g | 40 |
| over 2.5 g | 2 |
Dose per serving from research
56 study groups in 42 studies say how much Acetyl-L-Carnitine participants took a day.
These are the doses the studies gave. They are not a recommendation.
Most common: 500 mg to 1 g, 34% of 56 study groups.
| Daily dose | Study groups |
|---|---|
| 250 mg to 500 mg | 7 |
| 500 mg to 1 g | 19 |
| 1 g to 2.5 g | 16 |
| 2.5 g to 5 g | 14 |
Commonly used together
23 of 56 study groups took Acetyl-L-Carnitine with something else. Shown: what 3 or more different studies gave.
What was given together, not what works together.
| Taken with | Study groups |
|---|---|
| L-Carnitine | 14 |
| Vitamin B12 | 6 |
| Folic Acid | 5 |
| Vitamin C | 3 |
| Zinc | 3 |
Benefit Evidence
Carnitine shifts fuel use
+30 mtDNA / flexibility
Insulin/ammonia improved
Research sources
Vitality (17)
- Acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of mildly demented elderly patients
PubMed ID: 2201659
Cognitive and behavioral improvements in mildly demented elderly can contribute to improved overall functional vitality.
- Effect of acetyl-L-carnitine on geriatric patients suffering from dysthymic disorders
PubMed ID: 2099360
Improved depression scores and QoL in elderly patients are consistent with increased overall vitality.
- L-acetylcarnitine as a new therapeutic approach for peripheral neuropathies with pain
PubMed ID: 7490173
Improvements in neuropathic pain and walking/motor function contribute to overall functional vitality.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine (levacecarnine) in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. A long-term, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 12455197
Large diabetic neuropathy trial with functional and pain improvements that can meaningfully improve overall vitality/quality of life.
- Cinnoxicam and L-carnitine/acetyl-L-carnitine treatment for idiopathic and varicocele-associated oligoasthenospermia
PubMed ID: 15292108
Large fertility RCT improved semen quality and pregnancy rates — strong domain‑specific vitality outcome with systemic implications.
- Carnitine versus androgen administration in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, depressed mood, and fatigue associated with male aging
PubMed ID: 15072869
Combined carnitines improved erectile function, mood and fatigue in older men—broadly supportive of vitality.
- Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue
PubMed ID: 17658628
Elderly trial demonstrated broad improvements in fatigue, function and cognition consistent with increased overall vitality.
- Branched chain amino acids supplemented with L-acetylcarnitine versus BCAA treatment in hepatic coma: a randomized and controlled double blind study
PubMed ID: 19357525
Rapid neurologic recovery in hepatic encephalopathy reflects clinically meaningful restoration of function/vitality.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine improves cognitive functions in severe hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized and controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 21870121
Severe hepatic encephalopathy study produced marked cognitive/clinical improvements and lowered ammonia—large systemic benefit.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine reduces depression and improves quality of life in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 21443422
Quality‑of‑life domain improvements (physical, social, mental) and reduced depression indicate enhanced vitality in MHE.
- Oral acetyl-L-carnitine therapy reduces fatigue in overt hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 21310833
Large RCT showing reduced mental/physical fatigue and increased activity reflects improved overall vitality in affected patients.
- The supplementation of acetyl-L-carnitine decreases fatigue and increases quality of life in patients with hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon-α 2b plus ribavirin
PubMed ID: 21923249
Adjunctive ALC during hepatitis C therapy improved fatigue and QoL physical/mental domains—supports better overall vitality.
- A randomised controlled trial comparing duloxetine and acetyl L-carnitine in fibromyalgic patients: preliminary data
PubMed ID: 25786048
Fibromyalgia trial reported improvements in pain, depressive symptoms and physical QoL with ALC, which can raise perceived vitality.
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine Ameliorates Metabolic and Endocrine Alterations in Women with PCOS: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 34047916
ALC added to PCOS therapy improved metabolic/hormonal outcomes and menstrual regularity—improving overall wellbeing.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine Slows the Progression from Prefrailty to Frailty in Older Subjects: A Randomized Interventional Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 36043711
Prefrail older adults experienced improvements in inflammation, cognition and walking distance—broad vitality gains with ALC.
- Palmitoylethanolamide and acetyl-L-carnitine act synergistically with duloxetine and pregabalin in fibromyalgia: results of a randomised controlled study
PubMed ID: 37378482
ALC+PEA added to standard fibromyalgia therapy reduced pain and disease impact, raising QoL and vitality.
- Combined Rehabilitation with Alpha Lipoic Acid, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Resveratrol, and Cholecalciferolin Discogenic Sciatica in Young People: A Randomized Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 38138300
Combination supplement including ALC plus rehab improved pain, disability and QoL in sciatica, increasing functional vitality.
Energy & Fatigue (18)
- A randomised controlled trial comparing duloxetine and acetyl L-carnitine in fibromyalgic patients: preliminary data
PubMed ID: 25786048
Fibromyalgia RCT reported reduced pain and depressive symptoms with ALC, which can translate to perceived mental energy improvements.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of mildly demented elderly patients
PubMed ID: 2201659
RCT in mildly demented elderly showed improved attention and behavioral measures consistent with increased mental energy.
- Effect of acetyl-L-carnitine on geriatric patients suffering from dysthymic disorders
PubMed ID: 2099360
Elderly depressed patients had reduced depression and better QoL, often translating to greater self-reported energy.
- Metabolic aspects of acute cerebral hypoxia during extracorporeal circulation and their modification induced by acetyl-carnitine treatment
PubMed ID: 1428303
Robust randomized data showing mitigation of hypoxia-induced brain metabolic disturbances — strong cellular-energy support in brain.
- Clinical and neurochemical effects of acetyl-L-carnitine in Alzheimer's disease
PubMed ID: 7723928
Normalization of brain phosphorus metabolites in AD trial suggests an effect on cellular/mitochondrial energetics.
- Exploratory open label, randomized study of acetyl- and propionylcarnitine in chronic fatigue syndrome
PubMed ID: 15039515
Open study in CFS reported improved mental fatigue and attention in 59% (clinical improvement).
- Comparison of the effects of acetyl L-carnitine and amantadine for the treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis: results of a pilot, randomised, double-blind, crossover trial
PubMed ID: 14759641
Crossover trial in MS fatigue found ALC superior to amantadine on fatigue severity.
- Carnitine versus androgen administration in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, depressed mood, and fatigue associated with male aging
PubMed ID: 15072869
Combined propionyl/acetyl‑carnitine improved fatigue/mood in older men (supports energy/fatigue benefit).
- Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue
PubMed ID: 17658628
Elderly RCT showed large reductions in physical/mental fatigue and improved function (direct evidence).
- Branched chain amino acids supplemented with L-acetylcarnitine versus BCAA treatment in hepatic coma: a randomized and controlled double blind study
PubMed ID: 19357525
Rapid improvement in consciousness/EEG in hepatic coma implies acute restoration of brain energetic function.
- Effect of antioxidants on mitochondrial function in HIV-1-related lipoatrophy: a pilot study
PubMed ID: 20977356
Improvements in mitochondrial function biomarkers (13C breath test, mtDNA) in ART patients indicate enhanced cellular energy metabolism.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine improves cognitive functions in severe hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized and controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 21870121
Severe hepatic encephalopathy trial improved cognitive status and ammonia—often parallels better mental energy.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine reduces depression and improves quality of life in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 21443422
Randomized trial in minimal hepatic encephalopathy with significant improvements in mental-health domains and reduced depression/fatigue.
- Oral acetyl-L-carnitine therapy reduces fatigue in overt hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 21310833
Large RCT in hepatic encephalopathy showed marked reductions in mental fatigue and increased activity—direct evidence for improved mental energy.
- Acetyl-l-Carnitine in the treatment of anhedonia, melancholic and negative symptoms in alcohol dependent subjects
PubMed ID: 21256179
IV ALC produced early improvement in anhedonia/depressive symptoms in detoxified alcoholics, suggesting acute boost in mental energy/motivation.
- The supplementation of acetyl-L-carnitine decreases fatigue and increases quality of life in patients with hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon-α 2b plus ribavirin
PubMed ID: 21923249
Adjunctive ALC reduced patient‑reported physical and mental fatigue during hepatitis C therapy.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine Slows the Progression from Prefrailty to Frailty in Older Subjects: A Randomized Interventional Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 36043711
Increased serum free carnitine/acetylcarnitine and functional gains in prefrail elders indicate improved cellular energetics.
- Clinical Evidence of Acetyl-L-Carnitine Efficacy in the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Pilot Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 35936217
Increased antioxidant enzymes and improved outcomes after stroke indicate cellular energy/mitochondrial support.
Nerve health (12)
- Clinical usefulness of nutraceutics with acetyl-L-carnitine, α-lipoic acid, phosphatidylserine, curcumin, C, E and B-group vitamins in patients awaiting for carpal tunnel release during COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled open label prospective study
PubMed ID: 37366197
Multi‑ingredient supplement containing ALC reduced carpal tunnel symptoms/pain in patients awaiting surgery.
- Idiopathic facial paralysis: new therapeutic prospects with acetyl-L-carnitine
PubMed ID: 1301409
Double-blind randomized trial in facial paralysis showed earlier nerve recovery and better EMG measures vs placebo.
- L-acetylcarnitine as a new therapeutic approach for peripheral neuropathies with pain
PubMed ID: 7490173
RCT in painful peripheral neuropathy showed dose‑dependent improvements in motor function and pain with L‑acetylcarnitine.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine (levacecarnine) in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. A long-term, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 12455197
Large 1-year RCT in diabetic neuropathy showed substantial, clinically meaningful improvements in NCV and pain vs placebo.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine improves pain, nerve regeneration, and vibratory perception in patients with chronic diabetic neuropathy: an analysis of two randomized placebo-controlled trials
PubMed ID: 15616239
Large pooled RCTs in diabetic neuropathy showed nerve fiber regeneration, improved vibration perception, and reduced pain (strong direct evidence).
- A double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, multicentre study of acetyl L-carnitine in the symptomatic treatment of antiretroviral toxic neuropathy in patients with HIV-1 infection
PubMed ID: 17461852
HIV antiretroviral toxic neuropathy trial: intramuscular + oral ALC improved pain in per‑protocol analyses (supportive evidence).
- Branched chain amino acids supplemented with L-acetylcarnitine versus BCAA treatment in hepatic coma: a randomized and controlled double blind study
PubMed ID: 19357525
IV ALC plus BCAA improved neurologic status and EEG in hepatic encephalopathy, demonstrating neuroprotective/neuromodulatory effects.
- Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of acetyl-L-carnitine for ALS
PubMed ID: 23421600
ALS patients had preserved function and respiratory capacity with ALC—supports neuroprotective/nerve‑supporting effects in degenerative disease.
- Effects of acetyl-L-carnitine and methylcobalamin for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial
PubMed ID: 27180954
Large multicenter RCT showed 24-week oral ALC improved symptoms and NCV and was non-inferior to methylcobalamin.
- [Adjuvant antioxidant therapy in varicocele infertility]
PubMed ID: 28845931
Post‑varicocele surgery, ALC‑containing antioxidant therapy improved motility and reduced DNA fragmentation—indirect nerve/seminal health benefit.
- Efficacy and Safety of the Combination of Superoxide Dismutase, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin B12, and Carnitine for 12 Months in Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy
PubMed ID: 33114210
12‑month RCT of ALC plus other agents produced clinically significant neuropathy symptom and conduction improvements.
- Clinical Evidence of Acetyl-L-Carnitine Efficacy in the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Pilot Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 35936217
Post‑stroke neurologic recovery indicates ALC supports neural repair/anti‑inflammatory pathways.
Memory (12)
- Long-term acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in Alzheimer's disease
PubMed ID: 1944900
Large 1-year RCT slowed decline on multiple cognitive and memory measures vs placebo.
- Role of acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of cognitive deficit in chronic alcoholism
PubMed ID: 2201652
90-day multicenter RCT in abstinent alcoholics demonstrated clear improvements on long-term memory tests.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine improves cognitive functions in severe hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized and controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 21870121
Large improvements on memory tests (Logical Memory, Everyday Memory Questionnaire) in severe hepatic encephalopathy RCT.
- A vitamin/nutriceutical formulation improves memory and cognitive performance in community-dwelling adults without dementia
PubMed ID: 20191258
Multi‑nutrient trial including ALC improved verbal memory and executive tests in non‑demented adults.
- A Phase II Randomized Clinical Trial of a Nutritional Formulation for Cognition and Mood in Alzheimer's Disease
PubMed ID: 25589719
Multi‑nutrient formula including ALC modestly improved some cognitive tests in Alzheimer's over 3 months (attribution to ALC uncertain).
- A Nutritional Formulation for Cognitive Performance in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Placebo-Controlled Trial with an Open-Label Extension
PubMed ID: 26402075
Nutraceutical mix with ALC improved overall cognitive scores and preserved clock‑drawing in MCI (multi‑ingredient).
- Acetyl-L-carnitine Slows the Progression from Prefrailty to Frailty in Older Subjects: A Randomized Interventional Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 36043711
Prefrail older adults had MMSE gains after ALC, indicating memory/cognition benefit.
- Clinical Evidence of Acetyl-L-Carnitine Efficacy in the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Pilot Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 35936217
Post‑stroke cognitive/neurologic improvement plausibly includes memory components.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of mildly demented elderly patients
PubMed ID: 2201659
3-month RCT in mildly demented elderly showed statistically significant improvements on multiple memory tests.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in minimal hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 18357530
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy trial improved MMSE and multiple neuropsychological tests.
- Clinical and neurochemical effects of acetyl-L-carnitine in Alzheimer's disease
PubMed ID: 7723928
One‑year double‑blind study in probable Alzheimer's showed less clinical decline and normalization of brain phosphorus metabolites.
- L-Acetylcarnitine in dysthymic disorder in elderly patients: a double-blind, multicenter, controlled randomized study vs. fluoxetine
PubMed ID: 23428336
Elderly dysthymia trial reported cognitive test improvements with ALC comparable to fluoxetine.
Alertness (11)
- Long-term acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in Alzheimer's disease
PubMed ID: 1944900
Year-long RCT slowed cognitive decline vs placebo, indicating preserved alertness/cognition in AD patients.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of mildly demented elderly patients
PubMed ID: 2201659
Significant improvements on attention and related cognitive tests indicate enhanced alertness in mildly demented elderly.
- Clinical Evidence of Acetyl-L-Carnitine Efficacy in the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Pilot Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 35936217
Post‑stroke neurologic/functional gains with ALC imply improved alertness/processing.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine Slows the Progression from Prefrailty to Frailty in Older Subjects: A Randomized Interventional Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 36043711
MMSE increases in prefrail older adults indicate enhanced cognitive alertness.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine improves cognitive functions in severe hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized and controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 21870121
Marked, broad psychometric improvements and EEG normalization in severe hepatic encephalopathy RCT (direct alertness/attention evidence).
- A vitamin/nutriceutical formulation improves memory and cognitive performance in community-dwelling adults without dementia
PubMed ID: 20191258
Multi‑nutrient formula including ALC improved executive and working memory tests, supporting alert cognition.
- Branched chain amino acids supplemented with L-acetylcarnitine versus BCAA treatment in hepatic coma: a randomized and controlled double blind study
PubMed ID: 19357525
Rapid EEG frequency and consciousness improvements denote restored alertness in hepatic encephalopathy.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in minimal hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 18357530
Minimal HE RCT improved MMSE and multiple cognitive tests (direct evidence for improved alertness).
- Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue
PubMed ID: 17658628
Elderly RCT improved MMSE and cognitive scales (supports alertness/processing improvements).
- Clinical and neurochemical effects of acetyl-L-carnitine in Alzheimer's disease
PubMed ID: 7723928
Demonstrated less cognitive decline and improved brain phosphorus metabolites in probable AD—supports improved alertness/brain energetics.
- Role of acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of cognitive deficit in chronic alcoholism
PubMed ID: 2201652
Neuropsychological gains (reasoning, memory) in abstinent alcoholics support better cognitive responsiveness.
Mental clarity (11)
- Branched chain amino acids supplemented with L-acetylcarnitine versus BCAA treatment in hepatic coma: a randomized and controlled double blind study
PubMed ID: 19357525
Marked, rapid neurologic and EEG improvements in hepatic encephalopathy indicate restored brain clarity.
- A vitamin/nutriceutical formulation improves memory and cognitive performance in community-dwelling adults without dementia
PubMed ID: 20191258
Cognitive test gains (executive/verbal memory) in a trial including ALC support clearer cognition.
- Clinical Evidence of Acetyl-L-Carnitine Efficacy in the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Pilot Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 35936217
Improved NIHSS and mRS after ischemic stroke indicates clearer neurological function with ALC.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of mildly demented elderly patients
PubMed ID: 2201659
Improvements in attention, verbal fluency and memory suggest enhanced mental clarity in mildly demented elderly.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine Slows the Progression from Prefrailty to Frailty in Older Subjects: A Randomized Interventional Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 36043711
MMSE and inflammatory marker improvements in prefrail elders support clearer cognitive function.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine improves cognitive functions in severe hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized and controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 21870121
Marked improvements on multiple cognitive tests and EEG in severe hepatic encephalopathy RCT (clear evidence of improved brain function).
- Acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in minimal hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 18357530
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy RCT improved psychometric scores and ammonia, consistent with clearer cognition.
- Role of acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of cognitive deficit in chronic alcoholism
PubMed ID: 2201652
Neuropsychological gains in abstinent alcoholics indicate clearer cognitive functioning.
- Metabolic aspects of acute cerebral hypoxia during extracorporeal circulation and their modification induced by acetyl-carnitine treatment
PubMed ID: 1428303
Clear evidence of preserving cerebral metabolism under hypoxia, supporting subjective brain clarity/processing.
- Clinical and neurochemical effects of acetyl-L-carnitine in Alzheimer's disease
PubMed ID: 7723928
Clinical and neurochemical improvements in probable Alzheimer's suggest benefit for brain energetics/clarity.
- Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue
PubMed ID: 17658628
Elderly trial improved cognitive scores and reduced fatigue—supports subjective brain clarity.
Focus & concentration (9)
- Role of acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of cognitive deficit in chronic alcoholism
PubMed ID: 2201652
Neuropsychological improvements (praxis, reasoning) in abstinent alcoholics indicate better sustained cognitive function and focus.
- Clinical and neurochemical effects of acetyl-L-carnitine in Alzheimer's disease
PubMed ID: 7723928
Cognitive/biochemical improvements in Alzheimer’s trial suggest improved attentional processes.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of mildly demented elderly patients
PubMed ID: 2201659
Positive effects on attention measures in mildly demented elderly support improved focus.
- Oral acetyl-L-carnitine therapy reduces fatigue in overt hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 21310833
Reductions in mental fatigue and increased activity may support improved focus in hepatic encephalopathy patients.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine reduces depression and improves quality of life in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 21443422
Mental‑health and SF‑36 mental domain improvements could reflect better focus in MHE.
- A vitamin/nutriceutical formulation improves memory and cognitive performance in community-dwelling adults without dementia
PubMed ID: 20191258
Working memory and executive improvements in multi‑ingredient trial suggest better focus.
- A double-blind, parallel, multicenter comparison of L-acetylcarnitine with placebo on the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in fragile X syndrome boys
PubMed ID: 18286595
Fragile X RCT reduced hyperactivity and improved social/adaptive behavior—implies attention/focus improvement.
- Comparison of the effects of acetyl L-carnitine and amantadine for the treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis: results of a pilot, randomised, double-blind, crossover trial
PubMed ID: 14759641
MS fatigue improvement versus amantadine may translate to better sustained attention/focus.
- Exploratory open label, randomized study of acetyl- and propionylcarnitine in chronic fatigue syndrome
PubMed ID: 15039515
CFS study reported improved attention/concentration with ALC (open label).
Mood balance (8)
- L-Acetylcarnitine in dysthymic disorder in elderly patients: a double-blind, multicenter, controlled randomized study vs. fluoxetine
PubMed ID: 23428336
Randomized double‑blind trial showed L‑acetylcarnitine improved depression/anxiety comparably to fluoxetine in elderly.
- A randomised controlled trial comparing duloxetine and acetyl L-carnitine in fibromyalgic patients: preliminary data
PubMed ID: 25786048
Fibromyalgia trial showed improvement in depressive symptoms with ALC (small RCT).
- Acetyl-l-Carnitine in the treatment of anhedonia, melancholic and negative symptoms in alcohol dependent subjects
PubMed ID: 21256179
IV ALC accelerated improvement in anhedonia and melancholic symptoms during early detoxification.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine reduces depression and improves quality of life in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 21443422
Significant Beck Depression Inventory reductions in MHE patients receiving ALC (robust randomized data).
- Acetyl-L-carnitine for alcohol craving and relapse prevention in anhedonic alcoholics: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial
PubMed ID: 20595193
Randomized trial in anhedonic alcohol-dependent patients reduced craving and prolonged abstinence onset — indicates mood/anhedonia benefit.
- A double-blind, randomised, controlled clinical trial of acetyl-L-carnitine vs. amisulpride in the treatment of dysthymia
PubMed ID: 16316746
Randomized double‑blind trial in dysthymia showed antidepressant effect comparable to amisulpride (direct mood benefit).
- Carnitine versus androgen administration in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, depressed mood, and fatigue associated with male aging
PubMed ID: 15072869
Combined carnitines improved mood scores in older men in a randomized trial.
- Effect of acetyl-L-carnitine on geriatric patients suffering from dysthymic disorders
PubMed ID: 2099360
Randomized trial in elderly depressed patients showed significant reductions in depression scores and improved QoL.
Endurance (8)
- Double-blind, multicenter trial comparing acetyl l-carnitine with placebo in the treatment of fibromyalgia patients
PubMed ID: 17543140
Fibromyalgia study produced reductions in tender points/pain and improved physical components of SF‑36, suggesting improved stamina.
- Carnitine-related alterations in patients with intermittent claudication: indication for a focused carnitine therapy
PubMed ID: 8653874
In claudication responders, L-carnitine improved walking capacity and normalized exercise acetylcarnitine responses.
- L-acetylcarnitine as a new therapeutic approach for peripheral neuropathies with pain
PubMed ID: 7490173
Dose‑dependent improvement in walking/motor function in patients with peripheral neuropathy (RCT).
- The supplementation of acetyl-L-carnitine decreases fatigue and increases quality of life in patients with hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon-α 2b plus ribavirin
PubMed ID: 21923249
Adjunctive ALC reduced physical fatigue and improved quality‑of‑life physical domains in hepatitis C patients.
- Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of acetyl-L-carnitine for ALS
PubMed ID: 23421600
ALS trial showed preserved function and FVC with ALC added to riluzole—supports maintenance of physical function.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine Slows the Progression from Prefrailty to Frailty in Older Subjects: A Randomized Interventional Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 36043711
6‑minute walk distance improved in prefrail older adults treated with ALC.
- Oral acetyl-L-carnitine therapy reduces fatigue in overt hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 21310833
ALC reduced physical fatigue and increased walking distance/7‑day activity measures in overt hepatic encephalopathy RCT.
- Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue
PubMed ID: 17658628
Elderly RCT demonstrated marked reductions in physical fatigue and functional improvement.
Healthy aging (7)
- Clinical and neurochemical effects of acetyl-L-carnitine in Alzheimer's disease
PubMed ID: 7723928
One‑year improvement in clinical decline and brain energetics in probable Alzheimer's suggests a protective CNS effect relevant to aging.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of mildly demented elderly patients
PubMed ID: 2201659
Cognitive benefits in mildly demented elderly suggest a role in preserving cognitive aspects of healthy aging.
- Role of acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of cognitive deficit in chronic alcoholism
PubMed ID: 2201652
Neuropsychological improvements in abstinent alcoholics imply potential support for cognitive domains relevant to aging.
- Carnitine versus androgen administration in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, depressed mood, and fatigue associated with male aging
PubMed ID: 15072869
Combined carnitines improved sexual function, mood, and fatigue in older men—supports aspects of vitality in aging men.
- Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue
PubMed ID: 17658628
Elderly RCT showed improved fatigue, function and cognitive scores—supports healthy aging domains.
- Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of acetyl-L-carnitine for ALS
PubMed ID: 23421600
ALC added to riluzole in ALS preserved function and extended median survival—evidence of disease‑modifying/aging‑relevant effect in that population.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine Slows the Progression from Prefrailty to Frailty in Older Subjects: A Randomized Interventional Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 36043711
Prefrail older adults had improved inflammation, cognition and walk distance with ALC—supports healthy aging/frailty prevention.
Metabolism (4)
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine Ameliorates Metabolic and Endocrine Alterations in Women with PCOS: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 34047916
ALC added to metformin+pioglitazone produced significant additional improvements in insulin, HOMA‑IR and hormones in PCOS.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine improves cognitive functions in severe hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized and controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 21870121
Hepatic encephalopathy trials showed marked ammonia reduction and improved liver biochemistry—strong metabolic benefit.
- Effect of antioxidants on mitochondrial function in HIV-1-related lipoatrophy: a pilot study
PubMed ID: 20977356
ART lipoatrophy pilot improved mitochondrial function markers (13C breath test, mtDNA) indicating metabolic benefit.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in minimal hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 18357530
Cirrhosis RCT lowered ammonia and improved liver biochemistry — clear metabolic effects.
Motivation & confidence (4)
- Acetyl-l-Carnitine in the treatment of anhedonia, melancholic and negative symptoms in alcohol dependent subjects
PubMed ID: 21256179
IV ALC accelerated improvement in anhedonia during detox—direct early effect on reward/motivation symptoms.
- Oral acetyl-L-carnitine therapy reduces fatigue in overt hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 21310833
Increased activity and decreased mental fatigue in HE patients may reflect improved motivation/drive.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine reduces depression and improves quality of life in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 21443422
Improvements in mental-health and social function domains could include enhanced motivation in MHE patients.
- Effect of acetyl-L-carnitine on geriatric patients suffering from dysthymic disorders
PubMed ID: 2099360
Reduced depression and improved QoL in elderly depressed patients likely improve motivation and initiative.
Stress resilience (2)
- L-Acetylcarnitine in dysthymic disorder in elderly patients: a double-blind, multicenter, controlled randomized study vs. fluoxetine
PubMed ID: 23428336
Elderly patients had reduced anxiety/depression scores with ALC, indicating improved resilience to psychological stressors.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine in the management of pain during methadone withdrawal syndrome
PubMed ID: 18978503
During methadone detox ALC reduced withdrawal severity and symptoms (includes stress/emotional symptoms), supporting improved resilience to withdrawal stress.
Weight management (1)
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine Ameliorates Metabolic and Endocrine Alterations in Women with PCOS: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 34047916
Adding ALC to Met+Pio improved metabolic markers and body circumference/menstrual outcomes in PCOS—supporting weight/metabolic benefit.
Exercise recovery (1)
- Oral acetyl-L-carnitine therapy reduces fatigue in overt hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 21310833
Increased activity and walk distance in hepatic encephalopathy patients suggests functional recovery capacity improved.
Sleep quality (1)
- Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue
PubMed ID: 17658628
Elderly RCT specifically reported improved sleep disorders (−28% vs +4%).
Heart health (1)
- Low Bioavailability and High TMAO Production: Novel Insights Into Acetylcarnitine and Carnitine Metabolism
PubMed ID: 41243468
Demonstrates large increases in plasma/urine TMAO after typical supplement doses; TMAO is associated with cardiovascular risk, raising concern for heart support.
Forms of Acetyl-L-Carnitine
The form a label may print instead of Acetyl-L-Carnitine. Each is a different substance with its own identifier, and none of them has research of its own — the studies are the ones on this page.
Similar by evidence
Supplements the same benefits carry qualifying findings for — a fact about the evidence graph, not a recommendation to swap.
Products with Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Search all949 products whose verified label declares Acetyl-L-Carnitine — not every bottle that mentions it in a title.