Product Image

Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg

Source Naturals
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(639 ratings)
Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg
Product Image
Score86
A highly practical ALCAR HCl tablet with a useful amount and many servings. It is focused and efficient but lacks sourcing verification.
How scoring works
Quantity:120 Tablet(s) • (120 servings)
Goals:
Metabolism Boost
Mental Focus
Energy
Brain Health
Productivity Boost
Anti-Aging
Cognitive Support
Weight Loss

Score 86

A highly practical ALCAR HCl tablet with a useful amount and many servings. It is focused and efficient but lacks sourcing verification.
How scoring works

Also available as

1 option
60 servings Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg • 60 Tablet(s) • 60 servings $15.10 ($0.25 per serving)
$21.96($0.18 per serving)
Pure Formulas
$ 21.96
Amazon
$ 25.43
Vitacost
$ 28.16
iHerb
$ 23.83
Report prices

Analysis

The acetylated hydrochloride form is clearly identified and supplied at a practical targeted amount. A single active makes daily intake easy to understand.

ALCAR can support brain and cellular energy, especially where fatigue is relevant. It does not reliably produce weight loss or an acute stimulant-like effect.

The high tablet count favors established users and reduces reordering. People sensitive to tablets may prefer a capsule version with the same dose.

Who is it for
  • Established ALCAR users
  • Adults comfortable with tablets
Best for
  • Long-term cellular-energy routines
  • High serving-count convenience

Pros

  • Clearly identified ALCAR HCl
  • Useful amount
  • High serving count

Cons

  • No purity credentials supplied
  • No branded raw material
  • Tablet may not suit all users

Warnings

  • May cause nausea or restlessness
  • Use earlier if it affects sleep
  • 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

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

98 Highest impact

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

.
Report analysis

Goals

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

Acetyl L-carnitine supports fatty-acid transport and mitochondrial energy production. The 500 mg amount reaches the stated effective range for this collection.

The hydrochloride salt and exact active amount are clearly disclosed. Its single-ingredient design provides focused mitochondrial support rather than broad metabolic coverage.

Study evidence
Acetyl L-Carnitine Adverse 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 may support brain energy production and acetylcholine synthesis. The acetylated form reaches the brain more readily than standard carnitine, and the 500 mg serving is meaningful.

Its evidence is stronger for fatigue or age-related cognitive concerns than for acute focus in healthy adults. The simple formula is transparent, although no branded source or purity testing is supplied.

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

Acetyl L-carnitine directly supports fatty-acid transport and may help mental or physical fatigue in some settings. Evidence is more consistent in selected older or fatigued groups than as a universal energy enhancer.

The clearly disclosed hydrochloride form and focused serving make the formula easy to assess. A single tablet may feel activating for some users, so taking it late in the day can be a poor fit if it disrupts sleep.

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

Acetyl L-carnitine directly supports mitochondrial energy in the brain and can contribute acetyl groups for neurotransmitter synthesis. The clearly stated amount is clinically relevant for a focused cognitive supplement.

The single active provides strong depth in cerebral energy metabolism but does not cover membrane or antioxidant pathways. No meaningful product-specific safety concern is evident from the disclosed ingredient and amount.

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

Acetyl-L-carnitine may support brain energy and acetylcholine production, making it relevant to mental fatigue and clarity. Human evidence is useful for selected fatigue and cognitive settings but less definitive for productivity in healthy adults.

The 500 mg amount reaches a practical starting level, and the acetylated HCl form is fully disclosed. The single-ingredient formula provides focused depth without broader support for stress control or sustained attention.

Study evidence
Acetyl L-Carnitine Supportive 1 study
Acetyl L-Carnitine Supportive 1 study
Anti-Aging
Anti-Aging
Impact
High effect
B Goal FitA- Strength of SupportC CoverageA Formula Quality

Acetyl-L-carnitine directly supports mitochondrial energy metabolism and may help preserve cognitive and physical energy with age. Its anti-aging value is focused rather than broad.

The 500 mg ALCAR HCl amount is clearly disclosed and reaches a practical target range. Branded sourcing, manufacturing standards, and purity testing are not supplied.

Study evidence
Acetyl L-Carnitine Supportive 1 study

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl
500 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Dairy Free Sugar Free Vegetarian
Report overview
Acetyl L-Carnitine · 500 mg OverallScore95
A- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyA+ Value

The clearly identified acetyl form and effective serving support the intended cognitive and metabolic use. Exact dose disclosure makes the formula easy to assess, although no manufacturing or purity credentials are supplied. Its low cost per effective serving adds strong 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

The Vitamin Shoppe
<p>No eligible candidate has a lower listed serving cost, but it is among the closest available cost options with 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>
85 Budget

Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg

Source Naturals
<p>No eligible candidate has a lower listed serving cost, but it is among the closest available cost options with 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>
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>
84 Value

Acetyl L-Carnitine Caps 500 mg

Country Life
<p>It balances practical value with a purposeful formula because 500 mg acetyl-L-carnitine is paired with a moderate 8.5 mg vitamin B6 amount. 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