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Acetyl-L-Carnitine

What are other common names?

  • Acetyl Carnitine
  • Acetyl L-Carnitine Hydrochloride
  • Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate Dihydrochloride
  • Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate HCl
  • Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl
  • Acetyl-Levocarnitine
  • Acetylcarnitine
  • ALC
  • ALCAR
  • Aminocarnitine
  • Bicarnesine
  • Carnitine
  • Carnitine Acetyl Ester
  • Carnitine, Acetyl-L
  • Carnitor
  • Gamma-Trimethyl-Beta-Acetylbutyrobetaine
  • L-3-hydroxytrimethylaminobutanoate
  • L-Acetylcarnitine
  • L-beta-hydroxy-γ-trimethyl-amino-butyric acid
  • L-Carnitine
  • LC
  • Levacecarnine
  • Levocarnitine
  • N-Acetyl-Carnitine
  • N-Acetyl-Carnitine Hydrochloride
  • N-Acetyl-L-Carnitine
  • Propionyl-L-carnitine
  • ST-200
  • Vitamin B(t) Acetate
  • Vitamin BT
  • γ-trimethyl-beta-acetyl-butyrobetaine

What is this product used for?

Acetyl-L-carnitine is also known as ALC. It is used by some people with high blood sugar to help with cholesterol as well as nerve pain, such as tingling in their hands and feet. Others have used it to help stop cell damage. It may also help to improve appetite and increase energy levels. Some people use it to improve mood. People with blood vessel problems in their legs have used it to help them walk better and to walk with less pain. ALC may also help people with low carnitine levels to have a more normal level in their blood.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

  • Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.

  • Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

    • Heart or blood vessel disease

    • Kidney problems

    • Diabetes

    • Seizures

  • Keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.

What should I watch for?

  • Upset stomach

  • Cramps

  • Body odor or urine smells like fish

When do I need to call the doctor?

  • Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

  • Signs of low blood sugar. These include hunger, dizziness, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating.

  • Very bad throwing up

  • Very bad belly pain

  • Very bad loose stools

Where can I learn more?

Last Reviewed Date

2018-04-18

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your healthcare provider. Only your healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. You should not rely on this information in deciding whether or not to use, or accept your healthcare provider’s advice regarding use of, any natural products or similar treatments, therapies, or life-style choices. This information does not endorse any natural products or similar treatments, therapies, or life-style choices as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about natural products, possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to you. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about your health and treatment options.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer