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Acetyl L-Carnitine Caps 500 mg

Country Life
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(104 ratings)
Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg
Chloride 90 mg
Product Image
Score84
A well-dosed, good-value ALCAR capsule for mental energy and focus, with only minor labeling limitations.
How scoring works
Quantity:120 Capsule(s) • (120 servings)
Goals:
Energy
Productivity Boost
Mental Focus
Cognitive Support
Brain Health
Metabolism Boost
Anti-Aging

Score 84

A well-dosed, good-value ALCAR capsule for mental energy and focus, with only minor labeling limitations.
How scoring works
$32.88($0.27 per serving)
Vitacost
$ 47.49
iHerb
$ 32.88
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Analysis

One capsule provides 500 mg of acetyl L-carnitine hydrochloride, a standard useful amount for focused ALCAR supplementation. The acetylated form is more relevant to cognitive and mental-energy goals than plain carnitine.

Vitamin B6 adds a modest metabolic cofactor, while 90 mg of chloride is listed without a clearly named source in its own line. The active amounts are otherwise straightforward and free of proprietary blends.

Single-capsule dosing and competitive cost make it practical for routine use. It fits energy and focus goals better than weight-loss expectations.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking acetyl L-carnitine
  • People focused on mental energy
  • Users wanting one-capsule dosing
Best for
  • Cognitive support
  • Mental focus
  • Mitochondrial energy support

Pros

  • Useful 500 mg ALCAR amount
  • One-capsule serving
  • Competitive value

Cons

  • No purity or manufacturing assurance supplied
  • Chloride source line is unclear
  • Limited relevance to weight loss

Warnings

  • Acetyl L-carnitine may feel stimulating and can disrupt sleep if taken late
  • It may increase thyroid-hormone effects or interfere with thyroid management in sensitive users
  • People with a seizure disorder should seek clinical advice before using concentrated carnitine

Nutrient quality

87 Highest impact

Acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride is a suitable form for neurological and metabolic use in a focused formula. The amount is useful but sits below stronger targeted servings, while pyridoxine adds only modest support.

Ingredient transparency

87 Highest impact

All active ingredients have separate amounts and no blend hides the formula. Complete capsule excipients and timing guidance are not supplied.

Customer satisfaction

70 High impact

The strong average rating has a modest review base. No review excerpts describe taste, tolerance, ease of use, or repeated complaints, so those experiences remain uncertain.

Value for money

88 Highest impact

A very long supply and focused formula provide good ongoing value. The moderate active amount prevents exceptional potency value but remains competitive for routine use.

Report analysis

Goals

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

Acetyl L-Carnitine provides relevant support for energy. Directly facilitates fatty acid metabolism for ATP production in both the brain and muscles.

The formula provides ALCAR hydrochloride at a standard effective amount. Its exact single-capsule dose is clear, though no manufacturing or purity assurance is supplied.

Study evidence
Acetyl L-Carnitine Supportive 19 studies
Productivity Boost
Impact
Highest effect
B Goal FitA- Strength of SupportC- CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Vitamin B6 · 8.5 mgAcetyl L-Carnitine · 500 mgAcetyl L-Carnitine · 500 mg

Acetyl-L-carnitine supports cellular energy and has plausible relevance to mental fatigue and cognition. The effective amount is paired with vitamin B6 for metabolic support.

The formula lacks an acute alertness ingredient or a stress-response adaptogen. Purity and manufacturing details for the carnitine source are not provided.

Study evidence
Acetyl L-Carnitine Supportive 1 study
Acetyl L-Carnitine Supportive 1 study
Vitamin B6 Disputed 6 studies
Mental Focus
Impact
High effect
B+ Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportC- CoverageA Formula Quality
Vitamin B6 · 8.5 mgAcetyl L-Carnitine · 500 mg

Acetyl-L-carnitine directly supports brain mitochondrial energy and acetylcholine-related function. Its focused design does not add stress resilience, alertness, or other cognitive pathways.

The ALCAR hydrochloride form and 500 mg amount are clearly stated and reach an effective range. Manufacturing and purity assurances are not supplied.

Study evidence
Acetyl L-Carnitine Supportive 7 studies
Cognitive Support
Impact
High effect
B+ Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportC CoverageA- Formula Quality
Vitamin B6 · 8.5 mgAcetyl L-Carnitine · 500 mg

Acetyl-L-carnitine directly supports mitochondrial energy and acetylcholine-related metabolism in the brain. The amount reaches a useful starting level, and vitamin B6 adds a relevant neurotransmitter cofactor.

The carnitine salt and active amount are clearly disclosed. Pyridoxine is less direct than active P-5-P, but the compact formula remains focused and easy to evaluate.

Study evidence
Acetyl L-Carnitine Supportive 20 studies
Vitamin B6 Supportive 17 studies
Brain Health
Impact
High effect
B Goal FitB Strength of SupportC CoverageA- Formula Quality
Vitamin B6 · 8.5 mg

The focused acetyl L-carnitine formula may support brain energy and acetylcholine production. A clearly disclosed hydrochloride form reaches a standard useful amount in one capsule.

It does not address memory, stress adaptation, or membrane structure beyond this single pathway. The formula is best suited to users who specifically want a straightforward acetyl L-carnitine product.

Study evidence
Acetyl L-Carnitine Supportive 19 studies
Vitamin B6 Supportive 29 studies
Metabolism Boost
Impact
High effect
B Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportC- CoverageA Formula Quality
Vitamin B6 · 8.5 mgAcetyl L-Carnitine · 500 mg

Acetyl L-carnitine directly supports mitochondrial fuel transport and is paired with vitamin B6 for energy metabolism. The combination remains non-stimulant and focused on cellular fuel use.

A standard acetyl L-carnitine amount is clearly disclosed as the hydrochloride salt. The formula lacks thermogenic, thyroid, glycemic, and broader mitochondrial partners.

Study evidence
Acetyl L-Carnitine Adverse 1 study
Vitamin B6 Supportive 16 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride)
8.5 mg
Chloride
90 mg
Acetyl L-Carnitine (Acetyl L-Carnitine Hydrochloride)
500 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegan Kosher Dairy Free Sugar Free Halal Vegetarian
Report overview
A- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB Value

The formula provides ALCAR hydrochloride at a standard effective amount. Its exact single-capsule dose is clear, though no manufacturing or purity assurance is supplied. The cost per effective amount is competitive.

Chloride · 90 mg OverallScore60
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityC Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyA+ Value

Provides chloride without a named source salt at a dose suited to general wellness. Capsule delivery is standard rather than already dissolved. Low serving cost is the clearest strength.

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Sources

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

  1. 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
  2. Evaluating the effects of amantadin, modafinil and acetyl-L-carnitine on fatigue in multiple sclerosis--result of a pilot randomized, blind study.
    Ledinek AH; Sajko MC; Rot U · Clinical neurology and neurosurgery · 2014
    Randomized trial60 participantsEnergy forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  3. 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
  4. 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 participantsMental Focus Brain Health forAcetyl L-Carnitine
  5. 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
  6. [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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. Vitamin B12, B6, or Folate and Cognitive Function in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
    Zhang C; Luo J; Yuan C; Ding D · Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD · 2021
    Meta-analysis21 studies pooledBrain Health forVitamin B6
  16. Relationship between serum pyridoxal 5'-phosphate concentration and cognitive function in older Japanese.
    Itoh K; Kuwabara A; Otsuka R; Sugimoto T; Sakurai T; Niida S; Ao M; Tanaka K; Takenaka S; Kanouchi H · Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition · 2025
    Cross-sectional study266 participantsBrain Health forVitamin B6
  17. A randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of pyridoxine and ascorbic acid on cognitive function and quality of life in post-menopausal women.
    Dhivya K; Sarumathy S; Manigandan G · Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology · 2025
    Randomized trial180 participantsBrain Health forVitamin B6
  18. Lower Plasma Vitamin B-6 is Associated with 2-Year Cognitive Decline in the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study.
    Palacios N; Scott T; Sahasrabudhe N; Gao X; Tucker KL · The Journal of nutrition · 2020
    Cohort study949 participantsBrain Health Cognitive Support forVitamin B6
  19. Are Dietary Supplements and Nutraceuticals Effective for Musculoskeletal Health and Cognitive Function? A Scoping Review.
    Iolascon G; Gimigliano R; Bianco M; De Sire A; Moretti A; Giusti A; Malavolta N; Migliaccio S; Migliore A; Napoli N; Piscitelli P; Resmini G; Tarantino U; Gimigliano F · The journal of nutrition, health & aging · 2017
    Scoping review12 studies pooledBrain Health forVitamin B6
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. Safety and Efficacy of High-Dose Vitamin B6 as an Adjunctive Treatment for Antipsychotic-Induced Hyperprolactinemia in Male Patients With Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia.
    Zhuo C; Xu Y; Wang H; Fang T; Chen J; Zhou C; Li Q; Liu J; Xu S; Yao C; Yang W; Yang A; Li B; Chen Y; Tian H; Lin C · Frontiers in psychiatry · 2021
    Randomized trial200 participantsCognitive Support forVitamin B6
  23. Associations between dietary B vitamin intakes and cognitive function among elderly individuals: An observational study.
    Chen Q; Huang J; Shi X; Peng Y; Chen A; Huang L; Zhang Y; Chen X · Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.) · 2025
    Cross-sectional study2,716 participantsCognitive Support forVitamin B6
  24. Lower water-soluble vitamins and higher homocysteine are associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
    Zhang C; Hu Y; Cao X; Deng Y; Wang Y; Guan M; Wu X; Jiang H · Scientific reports · 2025
    Cohort study926 participantsCognitive Support forVitamin B6
  25. Associations of one-carbon metabolism, related B-vitamins and ApoE genotype with cognitive function in older adults: identification of a novel gene-nutrient interaction.
    Gordon S; Hoey L; McNulty H; Keenan J; Pangilinan F; Brody LC; Ward M; Strain JJ; McAnena L; McCann A; Molloy AM; Cunningham C; McCarroll K; Hughes CF · BMC medicine · 2025
    Observational study4,553 participantsCognitive Support forVitamin B6
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. Plasma vitamin B6 vitamers before and after oral vitamin B6 treatment: a randomized placebo-controlled study.
    Bor MV; Refsum H; Bisp MR; Bleie Ø; Schneede J; Nordrehaug JE; Ueland PM; Nygard OK; Nexø E · Clinical chemistry · 2003
    Randomized trial90 participantsMetabolism Boost forVitamin B6
  32. Dietary one-carbon metabolism nutrients and risk of MASLD progression: a prospective cohort study.
    Shen L; Wang K; Li R; Li Y; Guo Y; Li F; Yuan J; Yang Z; Xia B; Lin X · European journal of clinical nutrition · 2026
    Cohort study46,800 participantsMetabolism Boost forVitamin B6
  33. Associations of Vitamin B6 Intake and Plasma Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate with Plasma Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in US Older Adults: Findings from NHANES 2003-2004.
    Kim H; Enrione EB; Narayanan V; Li T; Campa A · Nutrients · 2022
    Cross-sectional study461 participantsMetabolism Boost forVitamin B6
  34. Influence of oral contraceptives, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), and tryptophan on carbohydrate metabolism.
    Adams PW; Wynn V; Folkard J; Seed M · Lancet (London, England) · 1976
    Clinical trial46 participantsMetabolism Boost forVitamin B6
  35. Effect of oral contraceptives and vitamin B6 deficiency on carbohydrate metabolism.
    Rose DP; Leklem JE; Brown RR; Linkswiler HM · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 1975
    Clinical trialMetabolism Boost forVitamin B6
  36. Vitamin B6, B9, and B12 Intakes and Cognitive Performance in Elders: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2014.
    Xu H; Wang S; Gao F; Li C · Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment · 2022
    Cross-sectional study2,421 participantsProductivity Boost forVitamin B6
  37. Effect of megavitamin treatment on mental performance and plasma vitamin B6 concentrations in mentally retarded young adults.
    Coburn SP; Schaltenbrand WE; Mahuren JD; Clausman RJ; Townsend D · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 1983
    Non-randomized trialProductivity Boost forVitamin B6
  38. Identifying Key Predictors of Cognitive Dysfunction in Older People Using Supervised Machine Learning Techniques: Observational Study.
    Rankin D; Black M; Flanagan B; Hughes CF; Moore A; Hoey L; Wallace J; Gill C; Carlin P; Molloy AM; Cunningham C; McNulty H · JMIR medical informatics · 2024
    Cohort studyProductivity Boost forVitamin B6
  39. Inappropriate nutrients intake is associated with lower functional status and inferior quality of life in older adults with depression.
    Guligowska A; Pigłowska M; Fife E; Kostka J; Sołtysik BK; Kroc Ł; Kostka T · Clinical interventions in aging · 2017
    Case-control study49 participantsProductivity Boost forVitamin B6
  40. A nutritional blend of taurine, vitamins B6, B9, and B12 improves motivated behaviors in healthy adults-a double-blinded randomized clinical trial.
    Anlacan VM; Jamora RDG; Krattinger LF; De Longis E; Hartweg M; Steinmann M; Trovò L · Frontiers in nutrition · 2026
    Randomized trial44 participantsProductivity Boost forVitamin B6