🇺🇸 FDA
GRAS · DSHEA dietary supplement · structure/function claims permitted; not an FDA-approved drug for any condition in the US
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC · ALCAR)
Also known as: ALC · ALCAR · Acetylcarnitine · Levocarnitine acetyl
Mechanism of action
- Carnitine ester form crossing the blood-brain barrier more efficiently than L-carnitine
- Mitochondrial long-chain fatty acid β-oxidation substrate (acetyl-CoA donor)
- Acetyl group donor for acetylcholine synthesis
- Neurotrophic effect via nerve growth factor receptor modulation
Molecular + tissue targets
- Mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation
- Peripheral nerve regeneration markers
- Cholinergic neurotransmission
Dosage range
1.5-3 g/day oral or IM-oral sequential dosing for peripheral neuropathic pain (Li 2015 PMID 25751285 PLoS One systematic review and meta-analysis of 4 RCT · n=523 · ALC vs control MD VAS 1.20 95% CI 0.68-1.72 P<0.00001 · stronger effect in diabetic subgroup); no severe adverse events reported across the trial pool
Safety notes
Common adverse events (pain, headache, paraesthesia, hyperaesthesia, GI symptoms) are mild and similar to control rates; thyroid disorder caution at very high doses; check for separately-marketed L-carnitine vs ALC formulation when comparing doses
Cross-market regulatory status
🇪🇺 EFSA
No standalone EFSA Reg 432/2012 authorized health claim adopted for acetyl-L-carnitine
🇧🇷 ANVISA
RDC 243/2018 dietary supplement · no IN 28/2018 Anexo V alegação funcional for acetil-L-carnitina
Common use cases
- peripheral neuropathic pain (moderate effect at 1.5-3 g/day · stronger in diabetic patients)
- mitochondrial bioenergetics adjunct in metabolic conditions
- neurotrophic / cholinergic support framework
Cross-reference
Health goals: cognitive support longevity stack
Lifestyles: senior 60 plus
Full dossier: /ingredients/acetyl-l-carnitine/
Machine-readable JSON: /api/nc/acetyl-l-carnitine.json