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Acetyl-L-Carnitine 500 mg

The Vitamin Shoppe
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(172 ratings)
Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg
Product Image
Score83
A focused ALCAR HCl capsule at a useful starting amount. Clear dosing supports brain and cellular energy goals, while sourcing detail is limited.
How scoring works
Quantity:60 Capsule(s) • (60 servings)
Goals:
Energy
Anti-Aging
Mental Focus
Productivity Boost
Metabolism Boost
Brain Health
Cognitive Support

Score 83

A focused ALCAR HCl capsule at a useful starting amount. Clear dosing supports brain and cellular energy goals, while sourcing detail is limited.
How scoring works

Also available as

1 option
240 servings Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg • 240 Capsule(s) • 240 servings $50.00 ($0.20 per serving)
$0.00($0.00 per serving)
iHerb
$ 0.00
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Analysis

Acetyl-L-carnitine is the sole active and uses a clearly named hydrochloride form. The amount reaches the lower end of a useful targeted range for mitochondrial and cognitive support.

The acetylated form is better aligned with brain-focused use than standard L-carnitine. Benefits are more plausible for fatigue or impaired energy metabolism than as an immediate stimulant or reliable weight-loss aid.

One capsule and a moderate serving count make a trial straightforward. Users seeking stronger dosing may need label-directed adjustment or a higher-strength option.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking stimulant-free cellular energy support
  • Users wanting a simple ALCAR capsule
Best for
  • Brain-energy and mental-fatigue routines
  • Starting-level ALCAR supplementation

Pros

  • Appropriate acetylated form
  • Useful starting amount
  • Single-active capsule

Cons

  • No branded source is identified
  • Purity testing is not supplied
  • Narrow formula does not address broader weight-loss pathways

Warnings

  • May cause restlessness or digestive upset in sensitive users
  • Discuss use with thyroid or seizure medications
  • Take earlier in the day if it affects sleep

Nutrient quality

94 Highest impact

A specific acetyl-L-carnitine salt and meaningful amount support the intended energy and cognitive uses. The focused formula avoids obvious filler or excessive dosing.

.

Ingredient transparency

83 Highest impact

The active form and amount are disclosed clearly without a hidden blend. Daily-use directions and non-active ingredients are not supplied.

.

Customer satisfaction

67 High impact

The available rating is strong and the sample is moderate. Detailed feedback was not supplied, so repeated complaints and alignment with the intended use remain uncertain.

.

Value for money

86 Highest impact

A meaningful focused amount and good supply deliver good practical value. No unnecessary active extras inflate the formula.

.
Report analysis

Goals

Energy
Energy
Impact
Highest effect
A- Goal FitA+ Strength of SupportB- CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Acetyl L-Carnitine · 500 mg

Acetyl-L-carnitine supports mitochondrial fatty-acid transport and may help energy production and mental stamina. The 500 mg amount fits a meaningful targeted range and the hydrochloride form is clearly identified.

The single active offers no acute stimulant or adaptogen pathway. Its focused construction still provides dependable depth without unnecessary ingredients.

Study evidence
Acetyl L-Carnitine Supportive 19 studies
Anti-Aging
Anti-Aging
Impact
Highest effect
B+ Goal FitA- Strength of SupportC CoverageA Formula Quality

Acetyl-L-carnitine directly supports mitochondrial energy and neurological function in a brain-accessible form. The disclosed amount fits a useful daily range.

The narrow formula does not address structural tissues or chronic inflammation, but it has good depth for energy metabolism. No branded source or independent purity testing is disclosed.

Study evidence
Acetyl L-Carnitine Supportive 1 study
Mental Focus
Mental Focus
Impact
Highest effect
B Goal FitA Strength of SupportC- CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Acetyl L-Carnitine · 500 mg

Acetyl-L-carnitine supports brain energy metabolism and can contribute to acetylcholine production. Its focus benefits are more likely to matter during mental fatigue or impaired energy metabolism than as an immediate stimulant.

The 500 mg amount uses a clearly identified acetylated hydrochloride form that can reach the brain. The single-active design is focused but does not add alertness or stress-resilience support.

Study evidence
Acetyl L-Carnitine Supportive 7 studies
Productivity Boost
Productivity Boost
Impact
Highest effect
B Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportC CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Acetyl L-Carnitine · 500 mgAcetyl L-Carnitine · 500 mg

Acetyl-L-carnitine supports cellular energy in the brain and acetylcholine-related metabolism. Evidence is more convincing for fatigue or age-related cognitive concerns than for acute productivity in healthy adults.

The amount is clearly disclosed and provides a useful starting level. The acetylated hydrochloride form is appropriate for cognitive use, while branded purity evidence is not provided.

Study evidence
Acetyl L-Carnitine Supportive 1 study
Acetyl L-Carnitine Supportive 1 study
Metabolism Boost
Metabolism Boost
Impact
High effect
B Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportC- CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Acetyl L-Carnitine · 500 mg

Acetyl-L-carnitine supports mitochondrial fatty-acid transport and cellular energy production. The role is biologically relevant, but supplementation does not reliably raise resting metabolic rate in well-nourished users.

The 500 mg HCl serving is clearly disclosed and fits a practical target range. The single-active formula is focused, though branded sourcing and independent purity testing are not stated.

Study evidence
Acetyl L-Carnitine Adverse 1 study
Brain Health
Brain Health
Impact
High effect
B- Goal FitA- Strength of SupportC- CoverageA Formula Quality

Acetyl-L-carnitine supports brain energy metabolism and can cross into the brain more readily than standard carnitine. The evidence is useful but does not establish broad cognitive improvement for every healthy user.

The disclosed ALCAR HCl amount sits in a practical target range and keeps the formula focused. Salt identity is clear, while branded sourcing and purity testing are not supplied.

Study evidence
Acetyl L-Carnitine Supportive 19 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl)
 500 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Dairy Free Sugar Free
Report overview
Acetyl L-Carnitine (Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl) · 500 mg OverallScore90
A- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB Value

The 500 mg ALCAR HCl dose is clearly disclosed and fits the target range. The identified HCl salt is useful, although no branded source, cGMP manufacturing, or purity testing is stated. The formula is narrowly focused, and the supplied cost data indicate reasonable rather than leading value.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
84 Performance

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate

Life Extension
<p>Ingredient coverage is more compelling because two identified acetyl-L-carnitine salts provide a combined 620 mg serving. The original already has a clear 500 mg single-ingredient dose; the alternative provides a more differentiated and clearly disclosed way to support the same collection.</p>
81 Performance

RegenerLife Watermelon

Natural Factors
<p>Ingredient coverage is more compelling because 1,500 mg acetyl-L-carnitine is paired with 300 mg CoQ10 plus measured glutathione and antioxidant enzymes. The original already has a clear 500 mg single-ingredient dose; the alternative provides a more differentiated and clearly disclosed way to support the same collection.</p>
81 Performance

CoQ10 + Alpha Lipoic Acid + Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl

Nature's Lab
<p>Ingredient coverage is more compelling because 500 mg acetyl-L-carnitine is paired with 300 mg alpha-lipoic acid and 200 mg CoQ10. The original already has a clear 500 mg single-ingredient dose; the alternative provides a more differentiated and clearly disclosed way to support the same collection.</p>
87 Budget

Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg

Swanson
<p>It offers a lower listed serving cost while retaining a clearly described active formula. The original already has a clear 500 mg single-ingredient dose; in comparison, a focused 500 mg acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride serving avoids unrelated additions.</p>
86 Budget

Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg

Source Naturals
<p>It offers a lower listed serving cost while retaining a clearly described active formula. The original already has a clear 500 mg single-ingredient dose; in comparison, a focused 500 mg acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride serving avoids unrelated additions.</p>
86 Budget

Acetyl-L-Carnitine 500 mg

The Vitamin Shoppe
<p>It offers a lower listed serving cost while retaining a clearly described active formula. The original already has a clear 500 mg single-ingredient dose; in comparison, a focused 500 mg acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride serving avoids unrelated additions.</p>
86 Value

Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg

Swanson
<p>It balances practical value with a purposeful formula because a focused 500 mg acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride serving avoids unrelated additions. The original already has a clear 500 mg single-ingredient dose; the alternative offers a useful trade-off between ingredient focus, disclosed amounts, and serving cost.</p>
85 Value

Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg

Source Naturals
<p>It balances practical value with a purposeful formula because a focused 500 mg acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride serving avoids unrelated additions. The original already has a clear 500 mg single-ingredient dose; the alternative offers a useful trade-off between ingredient focus, disclosed amounts, and serving cost.</p>
84 Value

Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg

Nature's Way
<p>It balances practical value with a purposeful formula because a focused 500 mg acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride serving avoids unrelated additions. The original already has a clear 500 mg single-ingredient dose; the alternative offers a useful trade-off between ingredient focus, disclosed amounts, and serving cost.</p>
Report alternatives

Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. Acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in minimal hepatic encephalopathy.
    Malaguarnera M; Gargante MP; Cristaldi E; Vacante M; Risino C; Cammalleri L; Pennisi G; Rampello L · Digestive diseases and sciences · 2008
    Randomized trial125 participantsCognitive Support Brain Health forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  2. Acetyl-L-carnitine improves cognitive functions in severe hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized and controlled clinical trial.
    Malaguarnera M; Vacante M; Motta M; Giordano M; Malaguarnera G; Bella R; Nunnari G; Rampello L; Pennisi G · Metabolic brain disease · 2012
    Randomized trial61 participantsBrain Health Cognitive Support forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  3. Oral acetyl-L-carnitine therapy reduces fatigue in overt hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
    Malaguarnera M; Vacante M; Giordano M; Pennisi G; Bella R; Rampello L; Malaguarnera M; Li Volti G; Galvano F · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2011
    Randomized trial121 participantsEnergy forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  4. Acetyl L-carnitine slows decline in younger patients with Alzheimer's disease: a reanalysis of a double-blind, placebo-controlled study using the trilinear approach.
    Brooks JO; Yesavage JA; Carta A; Bravi D · International psychogeriatrics · 1998
    Randomized trial334 participantsCognitive Support forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  5. A 1-year controlled trial of acetyl-l-carnitine in early-onset AD.
    Thal LJ; Calvani M; Amato A; Carta A · Neurology · 2000
    Randomized trial229 participantsCognitive Support forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  6. Double-blind, placebo controlled study of acetyl-l-carnitine in patients with Alzheimer's dementia.
    Rai G; Wright G; Scott L; Beston B; Rest J; Exton-Smith AN · Current medical research and opinion · 1990
    Randomized trial36 participantsBrain Health forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  7. Carnitine for fatigue in multiple sclerosis.
    Tejani AM; Wasdell M; Spiwak R; Rowell G; Nathwani S · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2012
    Systematic review1 studies pooledEnergy forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  8. Mental impairment in aging: selection of patients, methods of evaluation and therapeutic possibilities of acetyl-L-carnitine.
    Passeri M; Iannuccelli M; Ciotti G; Bonati PA; Nolfe G; Cucinotta D · International journal of clinical pharmacology research · 1989
    Randomized trial30 participantsBrain Health forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  9. Double-blind, multicenter trial comparing acetyl l-carnitine with placebo in the treatment of fibromyalgia patients.
    Rossini M; Di Munno O; Valentini G; Bianchi G; Biasi G; Cacace E; Malesci D; La Montagna G; Viapiana O; Adami S · Clinical and experimental rheumatology · 2007
    Randomized trial102 participantsEnergy forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  10. The Effect of Acylcarnitines on Cognitive Function: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study.
    Luan S; Zhang J; Wang C; Wang Z; Zhou J · Brain and behavior · 2025
    OtherBrain Health forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  11. Acylcarnitines metabolism in depression: association with diagnostic status, depression severity and symptom profile in the NESDA cohort.
    Montanari S; Jansen R; Schranner D; Kastenmüller G; Arnold M; Janiri D; Sani G; Bhattacharyya S; Mahmoudian Dehkordi S; Dunlop BW; Rush AJ; Penninx BWHJ; Kaddurah-Daouk R; Milaneschi Y · Translational psychiatry · 2025
    Cohort study2,574 participantsEnergy forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  12. Acetyl-L-carnitine Slows the Progression from Prefrailty to Frailty in Older Subjects: A Randomized Interventional Clinical Trial.
    Malaguarnera G; Catania VE; Bertino G; Chisari LM; Castorina M; Bonfiglio C; Cauli O; Malaguarnera M · Current pharmaceutical design · 2022
    Randomized trial92 participantsAnti-Aging forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  13. Long-term acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in Alzheimer's disease.
    Spagnoli A; Lucca U; Menasce G; Bandera L; Cizza G; Forloni G; Tettamanti M; Frattura L; Tiraboschi P; Comelli M · Neurology · 1991
    Randomized trial130 participantsBrain Health Cognitive Support forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  14. Pharmaco-electroencephalographic and clinical effects of the cholinergic substance--acetyl-L-carnitine--in patients with organic brain syndrome.
    Herrmann WM; Dietrich B; Hiersemenzel R · International journal of clinical pharmacology research · 1990
    Randomized trialBrain Health forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  15. Acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of mildly demented elderly patients.
    Passeri M; Cucinotta D; Bonati PA; Iannuccelli M; Parnetti L; Senin U · International journal of clinical pharmacology research · 1990
    Randomized trial60 participantsBrain Health Mental Focus forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  16. A double-blind, parallel, multicenter comparison of L-acetylcarnitine with placebo on the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in fragile X syndrome boys.
    Torrioli MG; Vernacotola S; Peruzzi L; Tabolacci E; Mila M; Militerni R; Musumeci S; Ramos FJ; Frontera M; Sorge G; Marzullo E; Romeo G; Vallee L; Veneselli E; Cocchi E; Garbarino E; Moscato U; Chiurazzi P; D'Iddio S; Calvani M; Neri G · American journal of medical genetics. Part A · 2008
    Randomized trial63 participantsCognitive Support forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  17. Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue.
    Malaguarnera M; Gargante MP; Cristaldi E; Colonna V; Messano M; Koverech A; Neri S; Vacante M; Cammalleri L; Motta M · Archives of gerontology and geriatrics · 2008
    Randomized trial96 participantsCognitive Support forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  18. 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.
    Malaguarnera M; Vacante M; Bertino G; Neri S; Malaguarnera M; Gargante MP; Motta M; Lupo L; Chisari G; Bruno CM; Pennisi G; Bella R · Journal of interferon & cytokine research : the official journal of the International Society for Interferon and Cytokine Research · 2012
    Randomized trial60 participantsEnergy forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  19. Acetyl-L-carnitine reduces depression and improves quality of life in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy.
    Malaguarnera M; Bella R; Vacante M; Giordano M; Malaguarnera G; Gargante MP; Motta M; Mistretta A; Rampello L; Pennisi G · Scandinavian journal of gastroenterology · 2011
    Randomized trial67 participantsEnergy forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  20. A prospective study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral acetyl-L-carnitine for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
    Sun Y; Shu Y; Liu B; Liu P; Wu C; Zheng R; Zhang X; Zhuang Z; Deng Y; Zheng L; Xu Q; Jiang B; Ouyang X; Gao J; Xu N; Li X; Jiang S; Liang C; Yao Y · Experimental and therapeutic medicine · 2020
    Randomized trial239 participantsEnergy forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  21. Metabolomic biomarkers for (R, S)-ketamine and (S)-ketamine in treatment-resistant depression and healthy controls: A systematic review.
    Kumar R; Nuñez NA; Joshi N; Joseph B; Verde A; Seshadri A; Cuellar Barboza AB; Prokop LJ; Medeiros GC; Singh B · Bipolar disorders · 2024
    Systematic reviewEnergy forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  22. Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplementation During HCV Therapy With Pegylated Interferon-α 2b Plus Ribavirin: Effect on Work Performance; A Randomized Clinical Trial.
    Malaguarnera G; Pennisi M; Gagliano C; Vacante M; Malaguarnera M; Salomone S; Drago F; Bertino G; Caraci F; Nunnari G; Malaguarnera M · Hepatitis monthly · 2014
    Randomized trial62 participantsMental Focus Productivity Boost forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  23. [Psycho-functional changes in attention and learning under the action of L-acetylcarnitine in 17 young subjects. A pilot study of its use in mental deterioration].
    Lino A; Boccia MM; Rusconi AC; Bellomonte L; Cocuroccia B · La Clinica terapeutica · 1992
    Non-randomized trial17 participantsMental Focus forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  24. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a multi-site, placebo-controlled pilot trial.
    Arnold LE; Amato A; Bozzolo H; Hollway J; Cook A; Ramadan Y; Crowl L; Zhang D; Thompson S; Testa G; Kliewer V; Wigal T; McBurnett K; Manos M · Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology · 2008
    Randomized trial112 participantsMental Focus forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  25. Acetyl-L-carnitine for patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
    Martí-Carvajal AJ; Gluud C; Arevalo-Rodriguez I; Martí-Amarista CE · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2019
    Meta-analysis398 participants5 studies pooledMental Focus forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  26. Low Bioavailability and High TMAO Production: Novel Insights Into Acetylcarnitine and Carnitine Metabolism.
    Krims-Davis K; Ozola M; Razzivina V; Gukalova B; Konrade I; Dambrova M; Liepinsh E · Molecular nutrition & food research · 2025
    Randomized trialMetabolism Boost forAcetyl L-Carnitine