Supercharge Focus & Cognition with Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Have you been struggling with procrastination, poor focus, low motivation, or fatigue? Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) can be a powerful addition to your toolbox for enhanced focus, energy, and mental cognition!

This valuable amino acid has been well-researched in all types of conditions ranging from ADHD, to Alzheimer's, and dementia. Read on to learn about the benefits of Acetyl-L-Carnitine, signs of carnitine deficiency and who is at risk, food sources of Acetyl-L-Carnitine, and potential side effects.

What is Acetyl-L-Carnitine?

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is an amino acid naturally produced in your body that is necessary to generate energy.

In supplement form, ALCAR is often used to support cognitive health and improve overall energy levels and focus. It has neuro-protective and neuro-enhancing effects, and research has indicated benefits in various neurological and cognitive conditions. 

How does Acetyl-L-Carnitine work in the body?

ALCAR is a superstar for energy! 

When your body burns fat for fuel, it takes stored body fat (or fat you eat), breaks it down into fatty acids and sends the fatty acids to your mitochondria. Your mitochondria turn those fatty acids into ATP (energy) that powers your cells.

But fatty acids can’t get into your mitochondria alone. ALCAR serves as a carrier that shuttles fatty acids into the mitochondria. Basically, ALCAR latches onto fatty acids and carries them into your mitochondria. It gives your mitochondria the raw materials to produce lots of energy and function at their best.

In other words, you need ALCAR to metabolize fat. If you’re low on ALCAR, fat can’t get into your mitochondria, and you struggle to use it for fuel. But with abundant ALCAR, your fat metabolism works like a well-oiled machine. 

What sets Acetyl-L-Carnitine apart from L-Carnitine is the acetyl group attached to the carnitine molecule. This modification allows ALCAR to cross the blood-brain barrier, a protective shield separating the general circulation from the brain environment. This makes ALCAR particularly effective in supporting brain health and cognitive function, as it can reach neurons more efficiently.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine for focus & mental cognition

ALCAR is an anti-aging nootropic, meaning it helps your brain perform better via its neuro-protective and neuro-enhancing effects. The acetyl group on it lets it pass your blood-brain barrier and reach your brain and nerves, where it can help to improve your mood, learning and memory.

One study found that elderly subjects who received ALCAR supplementation over a 6-month period showed significant improvements in cognitive function, including attention, long-term memory, verbal ability, and spatial orientation. 

Another exciting preliminary study found that 54% of a group of boys with ADHD showed improvement in behavior when taking L-carnitine, though more research is needed.

Some research suggests that Acetyl-L-Carnitine helps boost dopamine levels, a neurotransmitter that increases motivation and focus.

How to know if you're low on Acetyl-L-Carnitine

You can take a blood test for "Total and Free Carnitine" to measure the amount of carnitine in your blood.

Signs of carnitine deficiency include:

• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Lethargy
• Depression
• Poor memory
• Poor focus

Again, without carnitine, your body has trouble using fatty acids for energy. It uses the sugar in your blood for energy instead.

If your body can't use carnitine and you have low blood sugar, you can become weak, tired, and anemic. You may have heart and kidney problems. 

Who is at risk for carnitine deficiency?

There are several groups of people at risk for carnitine deficiency and who could especially benefit from supplementation. 

• Vegetarians and vegans, because Acetyl-L-Carnitine is an amino acid mainly in animal muscle meats, mostly red meat
• Some individuals also have a genetic modification that prevents the body from producing L-carnitine
• Others with medical conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, who have trouble absorbing nutrients could also be L-carnitine deficient
• Elderly individuals: studies have also shown that as one ages, L-carnitine production also reduces

Newborns are usually screened for a condition called primary carnitine deficiency. Some people also get a carnitine deficiency because of type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart problems, or kidney problems. 

Food sources of Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Carnitine is present in animal products, especially red meat. A 4-ounce beef steak has an estimated 56 mg to 162 mg of carnitine. Carnitine is also found in smaller amounts in chicken, milk and dairy products, fish, beans, and avocado

Side effects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine

While ALCAR is generally considered safe for most people, you could experience some side effects, including:

• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Restlessness

Of course, consult your physician before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or have a serious medical condition.

Attention Chews with Acetyl-L-Carnitine for focus & attention

If you've been struggling to stay focused and motivated, Attention Chews are for you!

Attention Chews were formulated by neuroscientists and psychiatrists with 518mg of Acetyl-L-Carnitine to support cognitive function, energy and focus.

Best of all, Attention Chews are a completely stimulant-free way to boost focus and energy. We intentionally did not add caffeine or adaptogens, which can be over-stimulating and cause anxiousness for some people, and instead used safe, effective and science-backed amino acids.

Regulate dopamine levels, skyrocket productivity, and enhance mental performance with Attention Chews!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Please consult with a healthcare provider before trying new supplements. This product is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition.