Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) is a naturally occurring form of L-Carnitine,
a vitamin-like nutrient synthesized in the body from the amino acids lysine and methionine. ALC serves as a transport molecule for active acetate,
which is a source of fuel for metabolic processes that take place in cells.
ALC carries active acetate (the Acetyl portion) directly into the
mitochondrion, the cell's energy-generating structure. Active acetate is used to
produce cellular energy in the form of ATP. Both L-Carnitine and ALC
serve as fat carriers. Unlike L-Carnitine, ALC readily crosses the
blood-brain barrier, where it has specific benefits for brain neurons. When
taken orally, ALC has been shown to increase ALC levels in both
blood and cerebrospinal fluid, demonstrating its uptake in the brain.
Best Acetyl-L-Carnitine consists of Biosint Acetyl-L-Carnitine,
which is manufactured in Italy by the Sigma Tau company. It is derived
from a base of pharmaceutical-grade L-Carnitine manufactured using an
FDA-approved process that fully complies with international monograph
standards for carnitine production. Known as a global leader in L-Carnitine
research, Sigma Tau holds numerous patents for production of L-Carnitine,
and its L-Carnitine derivatives, such as ALC, which are used in
clinical trials.