Acetyl-L-Carnitine nootropic supplement is an amino acid that has been connected to several positive effects in the body. The body naturally releases Acetyl-L-Carnitine, despite the fact that many people have nutrient deficiency. Increasing the levels of Acetyl-L-Carnitine by using a health supplement can provide some potent cognitive effects in the body. Acetyl-L-Carnitine is also referred to as Acetylcarnitine or ALCAR.

We usually acquire Acetyl-L-Carnitine from eating red meat. This is the main reason why vegetarians seem to be more deficient compared to other groups of individuals. There are also some people who are also lacking in Acetyl-L-Carnitine due to complications in medications or genetic issues.

Basically, Acetyl-L-Carnitine is an acetylated type of carnitine. It is a fatty acid that carries body fat to the mitochondria, which uses the fatty acids for fuel, creating cellular energy in turn. This particular cellular energy increases physical and mental energy that can provide positive effects on the memory and state of mind.

These days, Acetyl-L-Carnitine is used to address dementia, Alzheimer’s and many other degenerative brain diseases. It is also used to deal with depressive disorder or age-related loss of memory. Moreover, there are men who use Acetyl-L-Carnitine in an attempt to increase their testosterone levels and counteract the effects of male menopause.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine – How Does it Work?

Considering that Acetyl-L-Carnitine is the acetylated type of L-Carnitine. This acetylation causes it to be more bioavailable, meaning it can easily have an effect on the brain cells and cross the blood-brain barrier faster.

After consuming Acetyl-L-Carnitine, it journeys to the brain and through the heart. For this reason, Acetyl-L-Carnitine is considered to be both a heart supplement and a nootropic supplement. It is a highly effective instrument for improving the overall health and wellness of a person.

Antioxidation is one of the essential elements in Acetyl-L-Carnitine. Acetyl-L-Carnitine acts as an antioxidant in the body that targets free radicals. Free radicals are harmful toxins that can negatively affect the body system, and play a role in physical and mental aging.

Another vital element of Acetyl-L-Carnitine is the acetyl, which makes a contribution to the formation of acetylcholine. For this, Acetyl-L-Carnitine is considered to belong in the cholinergic class as it immediately influences the cholinergic system by increasing the levels of acetylcholine and choline.

A final essential mechanism of Acetyl-L-Carnitine is its capability to process fat, which boosts the protection level of the myelin sheath. This myelin sheath layers the nerve cells and is developed mostly from fat. The more fat content the myelin sheath has, the more the brain cells can communicate effectively. Low myelin sheaths are linked to health problems including multiple sclerosis, and reveal a condition in the nervous system. Strong myelin sheaths help neurotransmission throughout the brain.

Overall, Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a beneficial amino acid that has been connected with various systems all over the heart and brain. Even though some functions act like other cholinergics, what make Acetyl-L-Carnitine unique compared to other nootropics,.is its ability to metabolize fat.

The Right Way to Take Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Acetyl-L-Carnitine can be ingested in two ways, either as a capsule or in powder form. No matter which one you choose, Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a water-soluble nutritional supplement that needs to be taken with food to help in the absorption.

Soon after the body absorbs Acetyl-L-Carnitine, it goes into the blood vessels and starts traveling to the heart and brain. It passes across the blood-brain barrier rather quickly, which is something that L-Carnitine does not do. For this reason, Acetyl-L-Carnitine is more like a mental supplement, while L-Carnitine is more like a physical supplement.

The recommended daily intake of Acetyl-L-Carnitine is from 500mg to 1500mg. If you are just starting out, then go lower. If you are a long-time user, you may slowly work your way to 1500mg a day.

Several users stated not being able to really feel the benefits right until they come to a dosage of 1000mg daily. But, if you are using Acetyl-L-Carnitine for overall health benefits, then a lower dosage is good enough.

Lots of people also choose to stack Acetyl-L-Carnitine together with other supplements. It is possible to stack it with other cholinergics to experience powerful cognitive effects. Acetyl-L-Carnitine improves the acetylcholine production, while other cholinergics such as Citicoline and Alpha GPC supply the choline to the brain so it can produce acetylcholine. By choosing to stack these nootropic supplements together, you are able to improve both ends of the cholinergic system and experience potent cognitive gains and enhanced memory retention.

Benefits of Acetyl-L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine is already present in the body. But, most people are deficient in amino acid. It just seems sensible that using a supplement that provides a considerable dosage of this amino acid at a higher bioavailability would have highly effective effects on the mind and body. Below are some of the benefits that you can expect while using Acetyl-L-Carnitine:

• Minimize Damage from Degenerative Brain Disorders – Acetyl-L-Carnitine has revealed strong cognitive benefits in various scientific and clinical studies. It has been proven to cure the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s. It also aid in the recovery process of stroke.

• Enhanced Motivation – Acetyl-L-Carnitine increases the levels of energy and dopamine, which then improves motivation, focus and mental state.

• Better Neuroprotectivity – Acetyl-L-Carnitine processes fat, which improves the myelin sheath and maximizes neurotransmission.

• Better Memory and Learning –  As with any cholinergics, Acetyl-L-Carnitine has been associated with much better memory retention and learning as it increases the acetylcholine levels in the brain.

• Detoxify the Brain – Acetyl-L-Carnitine serves as an antioxidant that targets harmful toxins in the mind and body. Free radicals are poisons that cause mental fog and some other cognitive ailments.

L-Carnitine is popular among bodybuilders and athletes, while Acetyl-L-Carnitine is  preferred among the nootropic industry. However, both provide cross-over positive effects.

Side Effects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine

It is generally safe to the body system. Numerous studies involving adults, kids as well as the elderly, have all been well-tolerated without any documented negative effects. Given that the liver and kidneys naturally generate little amounts of this chemical substance, the body can process it easily.

With that being said, consuming Acetyl-L-Carnitine in higher doses can result in some minor negative effects. Some reported adverse reactions include body odor, rashes, nausea, vomiting and headaches.

You may overcome some of these side effects by using a highly effective nootropic stack. For example, headaches are usually the effect of not enough choline, and so using a choline supplement can relieve your headaches.

In addition, there were some documented negative effects from patients who take the following medications; Stavudine for HIV, Cisplatin for chemotherapy, and Didanosine and Taxol for cancer treatment. It is really important to consult a doctor before you take Acetyl-L-Carnitine if you are currently taking medication, or suffering from any disease.

History and Research of Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Acetyl-L-Carnitine was initially recognized in Europe in the early 1980s. It became a widely used treatment for neurological conditions and heart disease. It was distributed in America in 1994. These days, it is available as a health supplement across America. It is offered as a drug to other countries.

In spite of its young history, several studies about Acetyl-L-Carnitine have been conducted throughout the years. It has been well-tolerated in most scientific studies to this date. Its memory and cognition boosting effects are also well-documented.

A study tested in 1987 on 24 geriatric individuals who were in the hospital due to depressive syndrome. Half of these patients received Acetyl-L-Carnitine while the other half got a placebo. The research came to the conclusion that acetylcarnitine was significantly effective in patients that are displaying more extreme clinical symptoms. An additional benefit was that the drug triggered no side-effects at the regimens and dosages used.

Another scientific study in 1986 showed the same outcomes. Certain patients with senile brains were observed after receiving two 500mg of Acetyl-L-Carnitine a day. After 40 days of treatment, the final conclusion was that the L-acetylcarnitine treatment established a considerable progress of the main mental parameters of the senile brain, without any major side effects.

Another popular study included  young adults from 22 to 27 years old. They used Acetyl-L-Carnitine for a month, and then exhibited 3 to 4 times better efficiency in video game maze when compared to another group of people.

Purchasing Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplements Online

Acetyl-L-Carnitine is available legally in most parts of the world, which include America and Canada. Canada only recently authorized Acetyl-L-Carnitine to be used as a health supplement, and now it is widely used in the country.

Naturally, you do not need to purchase Acetyl-L-Carnitine supplements as a way to increase the L-Carnitine levels in your system. Cod, chicken, bacon, beef and pork all have high amounts of carnitine in them.

If you live in North America, Australia or  Europe, going online is the best option to order Acetyl-L-Carnitine supplements. You will find a wide selection of effective online nootropic stores that offer huge discounts and a wide selection. Regardless of where you purchase Acetyl-L-Carnitine, it is not necessary to get a prescription and you can buy it over the counter.

The never-ending quest for the substance that can bring about significant changes in the way people think and carry on with their daily lives without ever growing tired had resulted in the rediscovery of many of the existing pharmaceutical and herbal products that man has ever used in his lifetime. Many of these substances or chemicals have been used extensively in certain health conditions to elicit a desired therapeutic outcome with some very unique side effects.

Of particular importance are endogenous compounds that have been discovered many years ago but whose exact physiologic mechanisms are poorly understood. With the advent of molecular biochemistry as well as advances in bioengineering, molecular scientists and healthcare experts are slowly beginning to understand the mechanisms upon which these endogenous substances play in the many complex processes of the body.

Scientists and experts continue to hone or tame the complex physiologic properties of these naturally-occurring substances to provide a strikingly different and entirely novel idea towards the treatment of another fully different health condition or perhaps even help enhance the body’s natural metabolic and physiologic processes.

Introducing Alpha-GPC

L-alpha gylcerylphosphorylcholine, in short Alpha-GPC, is one such endogenous substance that is now being more thoroughly investigated by the scientific community for its being an important biosynthetic precursor of the equally important and physiologically active neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine. In fact, the benefits of Alpha-GPC are closely linked to the action of acetylcholine through the cholinergic nervous system pathway.

A product of fatty acid synthesis from soy products, milk and milk-based food items, beef, and eggs, Alpha-GPC is known to have profound cognitive effects especially in terms of memory retention and processing and learning processes.

In several studies among patients with Alzheimer’s disease and / or senile dementia, it is generally believed that the cognitive and perceptual deficits among these patients can be attributed to the diminished levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. As such, enhancing the delivery of Alpha-GPC to the brain has been taken to be almost synonymous with improved acetylcholine functioning through an increase in its levels. The result is an overall improvement in cognitive performance.

Alpha-GPC is thus an effective way to boost one’s cognitive potentials, improving focus and memory, and enhancing the ability to learn new things.

The History of Alpha-GPC

The history of Alpha-GPC is undoubtedly linked to the discovery of choline. Discovered in 1864 by the German chemist Adolph Strecker, choline was first isolated from the bile of ox and pig. Strecker’s work on amino acid synthesis earned him the naming of the choline biosynthetic pathway as the Strecker amino acid synthesis.

In 1865, Oscar Liebreich chemically synthesized the very first laboratory-produced choline in the world. The chemically synthesized molecule was not called choline at that time and was referred to as neurine primarily because of its observed physiologic effects on neural processes. In 1898, scientists discovered that neurine was structurally and chemically identical to the choline molecule that was discovered by Strecker in 1864. Hence, neurine was officially named the fully synthetic version of the naturally occurring choline in the body. Research suggests that Alpha-GPC products are the direct descendants of the very first neurine.

It was in 1998 when the Institute of Medicine’s Food and Nutrition Board finally classified choline as an essential nutrient which needs to be taken in sufficient amounts by the body so that its maximum physiologic effects will be optimized for a variety of metabolic and neural processes.

Currently, Alpha-GPC is often used as treatment for neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Many countries label Alpha-GPC as a non-prescription drug while the United States has classified it as a substance that is ‘generally-recognized-as-safe’.

Several studies have been conducted to ascertain the effectiveness of Alpha-GPC on improving cognitive functions and processes. While the results have been quite mixed, generally, the studies show a remarkable trend towards validating the efficacy of Alpha-GPC in the improvement of memory, enhancement of learning processes, and increasing attention span.

Understanding How Alpha-GPC Works

Alpha-GPC is a cholinergic molecule. This means that it mimics the action of cholinergic nerve pathways through the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Simply put, to understand the action of Alpha-GPC is to understand what acetylcholine does for the rest of the body.

Acetylcholine has a central role in sustaining focus and attention as well as in the enhancement of overall sensory perceptions. Cholinergics, in general, can bring about improvements in memory and learning as well as enhancing the brain’s neuroplasticity.

With diet or supplementation, the amount of circulating Alpha-GPC in the blood is increased. Because of a difference in pressure gradient between the blood and the brain tissue, Alpha-GPC crosses this barrier and undergoes oxidative phosphorylation where it loses its phosphate group. What is thus left is choline which is then integrated into the complex biosynthesis of acetylcholine.

Alpha-GPC also enhances dopamine levels in the brain particularly the frontal lobe and the cerebellum, optimizing the coordination of fine and gross motor skills with visual sensory inputs.

Benefits of Alpha-GPC

The benefits of Alpha-GPC are closely related to its cholinergic action. Generally, Alpha-GPC can provide the following benefits:

• Improved clarity, attention, and focus – The physiologic effects of acetylcholine in sustaining attention as well as enhancing sensory perceptions can bring about significant improvements in the way you can look at a certain problem, understand the unique attributes of the problem, and identify the correct and most sensible approach to managing such problems. Thus, Alpha-GPC can provide you with a clear understanding of what needs to be done as well as the focus and concentration required to accomplish it.

• Enhanced memory – Acetylcholine is generally regarded as an important neurotransmitter in learning and memory processes. Taking Alpha-GPC will significantly enhance the overall physiologic benefits of acetylcholine.

• Improved mood – Although not necessarily a strong point of acetylcholine, per se, Alpha-GPC’s observed effects on dopaminergic receptors can provide you both with the psychological and emotional energy boost that you need as well as improve your overall sense of well-being and good mood.

Using Alpha-GPC

Alpha-GPC is a water-soluble molecule that can be taken with or without meals. The recommended dose is 300 milligrams although this can be increased up to 1,200 milligrams per day. It is best to take Alpha-GPC early in the morning, preferably with breakfast so that its effects will be felt the whole day through.

In some cases, Alpha-GPC can be combined with racetams. As these nootropics require increased amounts of acetylcholine, adding Alpha-GPC in your diet or as an adjunct to racetam supplementation will greatly increase the amount of available acetylcholine in the brain. As such, the concomitant consumption of racetams will be fully optimized.

Side Effects of Alpha-GPC

The side effects of Alpha-GPC will be closely associated with cholinergic effects such as headaches, dizziness, heartburn, insomnia, and skin rashes. Nonetheless, the US FDA has labelled it as generally safe.

Buying Alpha-GPC Online

Although Alpha-GPC is not a prohibited substance in the US, many pharmacies and drugstores simply do not carry many of these cognitive enhancing substances. This is why the safest and most practical way to purchase an Alpha-GPC or even a racetam will be from well-recognized and reputable online shops that provide these kinds of nutritional supplements.

There are countless legends about the existence of a particular drug of often mythical and magical proportions supposedly to enhance the many facets of human performance while at the same time affording individuals with super computer abilities and unparalleled memory. While it may seem more like a product of one’s very active and often wild imagination, something like what you would expect from a sci-fi movie where there is a very thin, almost imperceptible, line between illusion and reality, this kind of drug does exist. Well, perhaps close to what you can imagine.

Introducing Huperzine A

Found in the Huperzia serrata firmoss, Huperzine A is a naturally occurring plant alkaloid that have been extensively studied for its effects on improving the cognitive functions of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. While meta analyses of these studies have shown that the results were not really clearly established so as to provide a causal explanation to the observed responses, Huperzine A is nonetheless being continuously used by both medical practitioners and specialists in the symptomatic treatment of dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions.

History of Huperzine A

Understanding the roots of Huperzine A is more like taking a stroll down the memory lane especially when it comes to the fact that firmoss has been extensively used by traditional health care practitioners in the Far East, particularly China and India, for more than a few centuries. It has been used primarily for the treatment of muscle strains, bruising, swelling, colds, and rheumatism. Chinese physicians have been known to use Huperzine A in the management of schizophrenia, autoimmune disorders, and insecticide poisoning.

With the recent advances in medical technology, molecular biology, and molecular biochemistry, Western schools of thought have begun considering the efficacy of Huperzine A as a nootropic and as a viable treatment for Alzheimer’s disease with relative seriousness.

Today, Huperzine A is currently marketed as a treatment for neurodegenerative disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It is also marketed as a nutritional supplement for enhancing mental functions and improving memory.

How Does Huperzine A Works ?

Research on Huperzine A suggests that the compound closely mimics the action of many cholinergic substances. However, molecular biochemists point out that Huperzine A’s action is closely associated with the inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, This enzyme is responsible for breaking down acetylcholine into its component parts in the brain. Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter that is largely credited for many of the mental processes and abilities that occur in the brain including learning, memory, attention, and focus.

That being said, if the acetylcholinesterase keeps on breaking down acetylcholine, then the important cognitive processes will be severely hampered. It will be more difficult to retain memory or even to learn. Therefore, acetylcholinesterase must be prevented from breaking down acetylcholine. This is where Huperzine A comes in. By inhibiting the action of acetylcholinesterase, there is significantly more acetylcholine present in the brain. This results in significantly improved cognitive performance.

Several studies have shown that Huperzine A can significantly improve the global clinical status of Alzheimer’s disease patients as well as improve their cognitive functioning and functional activities of daily living. This has greatly improved the quality of life of these individuals.

Some experts have also begun studying the observed effects of Huperzine A in the treatment and management of patients with myasthenia gravis.

Benefits of Huperzine A

The clinical benefits of Huperzine A is largely attributed to its ability to protect acetylcholine from being broken down into component molecules by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase.

• Enhanced concentration and attention – Acetylcholine is largely credited as the neurotransmitter that can provide you with absolute concentration and focus. By making sure that there is enough acetylcholine in the brain, Huperzine A gives you the benefit of excellent focus, clarity of understanding, and unparalleled attention span.

• Enhanced learning abilities – Huperzine A blocks the action of acetylcholinesterase to allow the more efficient nerve impulse transmission necessary for effective learning, especially of new materials, and the application of such in practical real-life situations.

• Improved memory– Acetylcholine improves the transmission of nerve impulses to significantly increase the ability of the brain to process both short- and long-term memory with relative ease.

Using Huperzine A

The recommended average daily dose of Huperzine A is around 200 milligrams. However, it has been generally observed that many Huperzine A users do not actually follow manufacturers’ recommendations perhaps because of the lure of immediate beneficial effects. As Huperzine A has not been extensively studied regarding the optimal therapeutic dose required to elicit a desired response, it is best to stay within the recommended daily limits as identified by the manufacturers of Huperzine A preparations.

Side Effects of Huperzine A

While Huperzine A is not necessarily a cholinergic, its indirect effects on acetylcholine can also spell the same side effects that may be seen among individuals taking the supplement.

The common side effects that are often associated with Huperzine A use include sweating, slurring of speech, blurring of vision, restlessness, listlessness, loss of appetite, cramping, muscle twitching, decreased heart rate, and inability to control urination, known as urinary incontinence.

Huperzine A should always be used with caution especially in patients who are also receiving or taking anti-hypertensives. As one of the side effects of Huperzine A is a decrease in heart rate, this might potentiate the effects of antihypertensives to significantly lower the blood pressure to dangerously low levels.

As such, it is always best to seek medical advice whenever you wish to consume Huperzine A, or any other medication or supplement for that matter, if you have a heart problem or anything that might prove detrimental to your overall health.

Purchasing Your Huperzine A Online

Online shops that provide supplements such as Huperzine A are your best bet when it comes to purchases of such commodities. With the proven nootropic benefits of Huperzine A, it is no wonder that many individuals who would like to see dramatic improvements in their cognitive functioning, like that mystical drug that was described in the beginning of this article, would clearly benefit from the physiologic properties of Huperzine A.