Introducing...Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) by SupplementIQ - 100% pure Pharmaceutical Grade (USP) ALC!!
► Acetyl-L-Carnitine Key Benefits:
► What is ALC? Acetyl-L-Carnitine is probably best known and most widely used for its cognitive benefits. ALC is a form of carnitine - a naturally occurring substance found throughout the body and in particular in the brain, neural tissues, muscles and heart.
Importantly, carnitine is not able to cross the blood-brain barrier nearly as well as its activated form - acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC) - thus ALC has significantly more noticeable cognitive effects versus carnitine. In short, acetyl-l-carnitine is a highly bioavailable form of carnitine and not only contributes to boosting cognitive function but also enhances cellular energy!
► ALC and Energy: When metabolized in the body, the acetyl group of ALC is used to form acetyl-CoA, the most critical intermediary in extracting energy from all macronutrients (proteins, fats and carbohydrates). In effect, ALC is an energy reserve of acetyl groups and thus helps to improve energy production regardless of the macronutrient type. This is why a majority of individuals who use ALC report an increase in their energy levels. ► ALC and Cognitive Performance: While improved energy is a great benefit of ALC supplementation, the cognitive improvements ALC offers have been studied most thoroughly. In fact, the acetyl group of ALC is also used by the body to make the very important brain chemical acetylcholine - some studies even suggest that ALC may act as a neurotransmitter itself! Research into ALC's benefits also indicates that it contributes to the stabilization of cell membranes as well as protects synapses and neurons against damage from oxidation.
Arguably, some of the most widely published research on ALC related to its cognitive effects is in the area of treating Alzheimer's Disease (AD). It is believed that ALC may be helpful in the treatment of AD in that ALC helps form acetylcholine (often deficient in individuals with AD), clears toxic accumulations of fatty-acid metabolites from mitochondria (allowing for improved energy production) and may help regenerate cholinergic neurons.
One study conducted in 1991 (double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial) evaluated the efficacy of a one-year treatment with 2 grams of ALC per day, administered to 130 patients with AD. After one year, both the placebo and treated groups realized a deterioration in condition, however, the treated group showed better scores on logical intelligence, verbal critical abilities and long-term verbal memory tests.
Please note that using ALC for general cognitive support purposes is considered, by most medical professionals, to be a safe, prudent application of the supplement - provided dosing recommendation are followed and that the individual is generally in good health.
However, if using ALC for treatment of Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia should one should be very cautious - one trial suggests that while ALC may help prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease in its early stages, it may in fact worsen symptoms in later stages of the disease. Note: For improved cognitive performance results you may also want to consider using ALC in conjunction with Brain Supreme.
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