Findings from the literature
ALCAR is a modified L-carnitine molecule that can be readily absorbed by the body through oral ingestion. The acetyl ester addition allows the L-carnitine molecule to pass the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) and thus allows easier access for neuron contact. In addition to increasing fatty acid metabolism in the mitochondria, ALCAR has demonstrated anti-oxidant properties. Additionally, ALCAR has been demonstrated to be neuroprotective in the hippocampus and improve mitochondrial biogenesis, or the creation of new mitochondria. Other studies using an established Parkinson’s disease model in rats concluded that ALCAR protects dopaminergic neurons and improves motor coordination. Other studies have shown that ALCAR administration prevented the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of Parkinson’s-induced rats. A study dating back to 1991 found that ALCAR administration in aging rats reduced the decrease in taurine and increased the amount of dopamine when electrically stimulated. ALCAR has also been demonstrated to fully reverse age-related synaptic transmission delays and improve short-term synaptic plasticity in mice. In short, ALCAR has a significant amount of scientific research supporting its use in a clinical setting, such as in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases, but also in fighting depression and other neurological-related disorders.
Depression
The most commonly known and misconceived hypothesis of depression etiology is the "imbalance of chemicals." However, with the recent support of an umbrella review, this hypothesis has been shot down and other hypotheses have come to light. One of these hypotheses is centered around synaptic plasticity, suggesting that depression is caused in some part by lessened plasticity. A "plastic" neuron is just one that can change in response to a stimulus, while a "rigid" neuron may require a more intense signal to invoke a change, if at all. The neurons of a depressed individual may be more rigid, thus having a psychological effect on the individual's well-being. Interestingly, ALCAR has been shown to improve synaptic plasticity in multiple brain regions across multiple disease states, thus making its administration plausible for treating depression. A 2022 meta-analysis concluded that mitochondrial modulators exert a moderate antidepressant effect, which when considering this molecule is readily available over-the-counter, is extremely promising.
Brain Fog
While brain fog is not a diagnosable condition, many people experience it. To some people, it may be known as chronic fatigue, or it may be due to some underlying condition. In otherwise healthy individuals, brain fog can be present when one is hungry, tired, overworked, or overstimulated. This "brain fog" can be especially present after training with heavy weights, intense cardiovascular exercise, or a heavy carbohydrate meal. The goal of using various nootropics is to eliminate this brain fog, which can be caused by a myriad of things, one of which is acute neuroinflammation. There are various compounds on the market that reduce neuroinflammation and protect against neuronal apoptosis, one of the most effective being ALCAR. While animal studies have used doses such as 100 mg/kg, which equates to 7 grams in a 70 kg individual, a much more mild dose of around 50 mg/kg has demonstrated efficacy. Although not present in the scientific literature, but in personal experience, a more conservative dose of 1,000 to 3,000 mg has shown cognitive benefits in otherwise healthy individuals. While no significant changes occurred in bipolar patients given ALCAR and alpha-lipoic acid in combination, many animal models support the use of both drugs for their aid in fatty acid metabolism and protection against neuroinflammation.
Erectile Quality
A study conducted on nerve-sparing erectile dysfunction rats administered ALCAR as a treatment. ALCAR administration significantly improved fibrotic markers such as transforming growth factor-beta. ALCAR treatment also promoted the nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway, which plays a crucial role in smooth muscle relaxation and neuronal signaling. There are limited studies exploring the effects of ALCAR administration for the treatment of erectile dysfunction; thus, a need for future studies to support this initial hypothesis is needed to establish a solid conclusion.
Cognitive Enhancement
For those individuals who are looking to improve cognition, this section briefly dives into the use of ALCAR as a nootropic. Nootropics are drugs that elicit an acute positive change in cognition, thus making individuals more productive and possibly in a "flow state". While many nootropic formulations are poorly optimized and trendy, there is still a growing demand for information on the subject. Those looking to purchase nootropics should be advised that a majority of proprietary blends are poorly designed and poorly purified. Research on each ingredient should be conducted and trialed on oneself for true optimization of a nootropic stack. As for ALCAR, its neuroprotective and synaptic plasticity effects make it an ideal candidate as a nootropic. In my personal experience, a dose of 250 mg to 2,000 mg elicits a strong effect. Depending on the individual's sensitivity to dopaminergic compounds, the dose should be adjusted accordingly. An appropriate dose should be slightly stimulating, similar to a 300 mg oral administration of L-tyrosine. For those looking to use ALCAR for its numerous benefits yet seeking a harder dopamine hit, feel free to combine an appropriate amount of ALCAR with an appropriate amount of L-tyrosine (1000 mg).