BulkSupplements.com Acetyl L-Carnitine Powder - as ALCAR HCl, Carnitine Supplement - Gluten Free, 1.5g per Serving, 250g (8.8 oz) (Pack of 1)

Acetyl L-Carnitine, also known as ALCAR, is a supplement that is becoming more and more popular, especially with the "nootropics" community. After extensive research, I took the plunge and ordered a 100-gram bag. I have tried regular L-Carnitine in the past with no real benefits. However, this was much differentALCAR is an acetylated form of L-Carnitine. It has been shown to enhance transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria, and has been used for anti-depressant effects. Moreover, it has also been used to slow mental decline in elderly patients. It can cross the BBB (Blood Brain Barrier) and act as a potent antioxidant. If you want to check out some studies for yourself, it's worth checking out the studies on PubMed.gov and using your own judgement.First off, the product arrived quickly and looked untouched. Credit for that. Also, on the bag that the ALCAR is in, a handy chart in included for measuring different doses with teaspoons (1/8 tsp, 1/4 tsp, etc). This is a huge plus, especially for those who don't have a digital scale. While it takes doses from 4-6 KG to really experience some side effects, it's always nice to know approximately how much you're taking.The powder inside is the real gem, though. It is plain white with no real smell. It instantly dissolves on contact with water, so any kind of mixing/blending isn't required.I take this stuff immediately after waking up on an empty stomach. Within 10 minutes, I'm feeling MUCH more energized and ready to take on the day. Even when I don't get my nice 8 hours of sleep, I still feel ready for whatever is thrown at me. It's an amazing feeling. One thing to note, though, is that ALCAR doesn't really give you a "stimulated" effect. It's calm, clean energy. In my opinion, it's much better than being jittery with caffeine.Overall, great product. Would recommend to anyone.Pros: Great, clean energized feeling. Mood elevation. Feeling more focusedCons: None come to mind

[+] THE OTHER HALF OF THE STORYThis is a great product, but it only tells half the story. People take this product to boost mental and physical performance. I'm only focused on the mental performance, and this is why everyone is telling you half the story about that.The boost to mental performance revolves around boosting the ActylCholine neurotransmitter. The neurotransmitter is made up of two molecules: ActylCholine neurotransmitter = Actyl group + Choline group. This product, Acetyl L-Carnitine is made up of an Acetyl group bonded to the L-Carnitine amino acid. When digested, the two components detach thus freeing up the Actyl group to bond to a Choline group and also freeing up the L-Carnitine amino acid to be metabolized. The L-Carnitine amino acid is what boosts physical performance. The Actyl group is what I am most interested in for mental performance. Remember what I said about the Actyl group bonding to a Choline group? But what if there is no Choline group to bond with? Well, then you don't magically get the ActylCholine neurotranmitter with just the Actyl group alone. There needs to be Choline and you might not be getting enough Choline from dietary intake alone.That's why, for increased mental performance, it is just as important to take a Choline supplement to make sure there is the second half of that equation available to manufacture the neurotransmitter. And, that's the other half of the story everyone else is missing. If you learned something from this, then throw me a helpful vote.[+] THE REVIEWThis product has saved my life and my pocket book. I use this product in combination with Bulksupplements Choline L-Bitartrate Powder (250 grams) in a 2:1 ratio respectively. This combination works very effectively at maintaining mental acuity over longer periods of time. At first I used NOW Alpha GPC 300 mg,60 Veg Capsules, but popping those every day became very expensive. So, I searched for a cheaper alternative. Fortunately, I found this combination, which works as well if not better.This product, along with the Choline supplement, has given me my mind back (i'm in my 50's). The Acetyl group is needed to combine with choline to make Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. I take about 1/2 teaspoon daily (with 1/4 teaspoon Choline) to keep my mind sharp. If your just starting this product, I recommend taking less to start out with. Maybe take 1/4 teaspoon every other day and increase from there. The reason is because when your body can produce more neurotransmitters, it does so everywhere, not just in your mind. Neurotransmitters are also used to control your gut, muscles, etc. Taking too much too fast could result in gitters or an active GI. If that happens, just stop taking until symptoms go away and then start up again. The symptoms are not telling you something bad is happening; it is telling you something good is happening. Don't take my word for it. There are books written about this subject by people who have much more knowledge than I do. Don't let your mind wilt away with age.ps. Don't forget to up-vote if you liked this review, or you think this review will help others.