Acetyl-L-Carnitine

L-carnitine is the conventional biologically active form of carnitine that can be formed by the body itself, but can also be found in food. It is formed from the two amino acids L-lysine and L-methionine. Those foods that are rich in carnitine include meat, poultry, fish and dairy products.

Acetyl-L-carnitine is an ester of the amino acid L-carnitine, which in turn functions as a transport molecule for fatty acids through the mitochondrial membrane. Since it is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, this form of carnitine is increasingly found in brain cells, where it can have a positive effect on brain functions. The increased influx of the fatty acid into the mitochondria positively supports the energy metabolism of the brain and nerve cells, as well as the energy production of all other cells in the body.

If the absorption of acetyl-L-carnitine through the diet is not sufficient or if there is an increased need, this nutrient can be supplemented through special food supplements.