Forms Comparison
| Form | Bioavailability | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl | High | Most common supplemental form; well-absorbed and crosses blood-brain barrier |
| Acetyl-L-Carnitine (free base) | High | Capsule supplementation; equivalent efficacy to HCl form |
Types of Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR): Forms & Bioavailability
Evidence:Moderate
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Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl
Bioavailability: High. Best for: Most common supplemental form; well-absorbed and crosses blood-brain barrier.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (free base)
Bioavailability: High. Best for: Capsule supplementation; equivalent efficacy to HCl form.
References
- 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
- Li S, Li Q, Li Y, et al. (2015). Acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System. DOI PubMed
- 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
- Tejani AM, Wasdell M, Spiwak R, Rowell G, et al. (2010). Carnitine for fatigue in multiple sclerosis.. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. DOI PubMed