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Acetyl-L-Carnitine 500 mg

Thorne
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(2490 ratings)
Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg
Product Image
Score83
A clear, focused ALCAR chloride capsule at a useful amount. Solid quality is offset by average serving efficiency.
How scoring works
Quantity:60 Capsule(s) • (60 servings)
Goals:
Mental Focus
Brain Health
Cognitive Support
Anti-Aging
Energy
Productivity Boost
Metabolism Boost

Score 83

A clear, focused ALCAR chloride capsule at a useful amount. Solid quality is offset by average serving efficiency.
How scoring works
$32.00($0.53 per serving)
iHerb
$ 32.00
Amazon
$ 32.00
Vitacost
$ 32.00
Pure Formulas
$ 32.00
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Analysis

The acetylated chloride form and elemental weight are clearly disclosed. A practical serving supports brain and cellular energy without unrelated actives.

The formula is strongest for a focused ALCAR routine rather than direct weight loss or a broad nootropic stack. No branded raw material or independent purity evidence is supplied.

One capsule per serving is convenient, though the bottle count is only moderate. Comparable products may provide more servings with similar active disclosure.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking a simple ALCAR capsule
  • Users wanting a moderate trial supply
Best for
  • Cognitive-energy routines
  • One-capsule mitochondrial support

Pros

  • Clearly identified acetylated form
  • Useful amount
  • Single-active formula

Cons

  • Only moderate serving count
  • No purity testing supplied
  • No branded source

Warnings

  • May cause nausea or restlessness
  • Take earlier if sleep is affected
  • Review use with seizure or thyroid medicines

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

70 High impact

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

.

Value for money

83 Highest impact

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

.
Report analysis

Goals

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

Acetyl-L-carnitine directly supports brain energy metabolism and acetylcholine production. Human evidence is more consistent for fatigue or age-related cognitive challenges than for acute focus in healthy adults.

The 500 mg amount is a clear and practical entry-level clinical serving. The focused capsule uses the brain-accessible acetyl form without unrelated active ingredients.

Study evidence
Acetyl L-Carnitine Supportive 7 studies
Brain Health
Brain Health
Impact
Highest effect
B+ Goal FitA- Strength of SupportC CoverageA Formula Quality

Acetyl-L-carnitine supports brain energy production and provides an acetyl group for acetylcholine synthesis. The exact amount reaches a common clinical starting range.

The single active is transparent and focused, but no branded source or purity standard is given. A narrow mitochondrial pathway offers less complete brain support than a formula that also addresses membranes and oxidative stress.

Study evidence
Acetyl L-Carnitine Supportive 19 studies
Cognitive Support
Cognitive Support
Impact
Highest effect
B Goal FitA Strength of SupportD+ CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Acetyl L-Carnitine · 500 mg

Acetyl-L-carnitine directly supports mitochondrial energy in brain cells and may help mental fatigue in some settings. The 500 mg serving is a practical lower clinical amount rather than a broad cognitive formula.

The chloride form and exact amount are clearly disclosed, with no proprietary blend obscuring the dose. A single active gives focused depth but does not address circulation, stress resilience, structural fats, or several neurotransmitter pathways.

Study evidence
Acetyl L-Carnitine Supportive 20 studies
Anti-Aging
Anti-Aging
Impact
High effect
B- Goal FitA- Strength of SupportC CoverageA+ Formula Quality

Acetyl-L-carnitine supports mitochondrial fatty-acid transport and can reach the brain, giving it relevant cellular-energy and neurological roles. Human evidence suggests selected benefits for fatigue or cognitive function, but broad anti-aging effects remain uncertain.

The 500 mg amount is meaningful and the chloride salt is clearly identified. The single-active formula is transparent but does not address inflammation, glycation, or structural aging.

Study evidence
Acetyl L-Carnitine Supportive 1 study
Energy
Energy
Impact
High effect
A- Goal FitB Strength of SupportD+ CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Acetyl L-Carnitine · 500 mg

Acetyl-L-carnitine directly supports transport and use of fatty acids in mitochondria. The standard supplemental amount may help selected people with mental or physical fatigue, though effects are not universal.

The single-active capsule is clearly disclosed and avoids competing or decorative ingredients. Its focused design does not cover acute alertness or stress resilience and may require more than one capsule for higher studied intakes.

Study evidence
Acetyl L-Carnitine Supportive 19 studies
Productivity Boost
Productivity Boost
Impact
High effect
B Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportD+ CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Acetyl L-Carnitine · 500 mgAcetyl L-Carnitine · 500 mg

Acetyl-L-carnitine directly supports mitochondrial energy and supplies acetyl groups used in acetylcholine production. Its productivity role is plausible, though effects are less predictable than those of established acute stimulants.

The 500 mg amount meets a practical starting level and is fully disclosed as a chloride salt. A single-ingredient capsule gives strong dose clarity and avoids irrelevant additions.

Study evidence
Acetyl L-Carnitine Supportive 1 study
Acetyl L-Carnitine Supportive 1 study

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (Acetyl-L-Carnitine Chloride)
 500 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50
Report overview
Acetyl L-Carnitine (Acetyl-L-Carnitine Chloride) · 500 mg OverallScore88
A Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyD+ Value

The formula provides only acetyl-L-carnitine at a standard clinical amount. Its chloride salt and exact weight are clearly disclosed, while no additional active ingredients complicate the dose. Cost efficiency is moderate for the amount supplied.

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. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. [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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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