General Dosage
500-2000mg daily, typically divided into 2 doses
Maximum dose: 3000mg/day (used in clinical trials for depression and neuropathy)
Acetyl-L-Carnitine Dosage Guide
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer
Dosage Recommendations
General recommendation: 500-2000mg daily, typically divided into 2 doses
Timing: Morning and early afternoon (mildly stimulating); avoid evening doses
Dosage by Condition
| Condition | Recommended Dose | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive enhancement | 500-1500mg daily | Moderate |
| Depression (adjunct) | 1000-3000mg daily | Moderate |
| Age-related cognitive decline | 1500-2000mg daily | Moderate |
| Neuropathic pain | 1500-3000mg daily | Moderate |
Upper limit: 3000mg/day (used in clinical trials for depression and neuropathy)
Timing & Absorption
Morning and early afternoon (mildly stimulating); avoid evening doses
Can be taken with or without food.
References
- Montgomery SA, Thal LJ, Amrein R (2003). Meta-analysis of double blind randomized controlled clinical trials of acetyl-L-carnitine versus placebo in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease. International Clinical Psychopharmacology. DOI PubMed
- Veronese N, Stubbs B, Solmi M, et al. (2018). Acetyl-L-Carnitine supplementation and the treatment of depressive symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychosomatic Medicine. DOI PubMed
- Ames BN, Liu J (2004). Delaying the mitochondrial decay of aging with acetylcarnitine. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. DOI PubMed