Acetyl-L-Carnitine Side Effects

Acetyl-L-carnitine or ALCAR, though it is thought of as a so-called natural substance as it is found in the human body, can cause side effects. Thus, there are several possible side effects of using this amino acid, and there are also some possibly serious side effects that can be caused by supplements of acetyl-L-carnitine.

What is This Natural Substance?

ALCAR is one of the compounds called amino acids, which means it is a construction block for building up proteins and it is produced naturally within the body and furthermore, it aids the body in producing energy.

This amino acid is also used to relieve the symptoms of an assortment of mental conditions such as the following: Alzheimer’s disease, late-life depression, age-linked memory loss, and also cognitive problems linked with alcoholism, as well as Lyme disease. Acetyl-L-carnitine also has a use in treating chromosomal conditions such as Down’s syndrome, as well as cataracts, reduced blood flow within the brain, and even diabetes-related nerve tenderness, and nerve pain caused by medicaments used in treating AIDS, as well as facial paralysis.

Also, some men consume ALCAR for sterility, or for symptoms of the so-called “male menopause”, which are low levels of testosterone due to the process of aging.

The human body can transfer from L-carnitine to the compound acetylcarnitine, but also the reverse can happen. And yet it is still unknown if the effects of ALCAR result from the substance itself, or from the L-carnitine that the body can produce, or on the other hand, from some other substance produced during the process. For the time being, it is advised not to replace one type of carnitine for a different one.

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Using This Amino Acid?

It is known that acetylcarnitine is a nutritive supplement, nutrients which have not been systematically researched like for instance prescription and nonprescription medicaments so that information about any likely unfavorable reactions to these kinds of supplements is frequently scarce and piecemeal.

However, some of the side effects of acetyl-L-carnitine that have been reported include the following:

1. Vomiting
2. Upset stomach
3. Nausea
4. Fishy-smelling breath

What Are Some Of The Serious Side Effects Of Using This Supplement?

Some acetyl-L-carnitine side effects are potentially serious and ought to be reported instantly to the physician or the health care provider. These may include the following:

- Depression
- Confusion or a feeling of being disorientated
- Agitation or anxiety
- Manic behavior of some kind
- Allergies (some signs of an allergic reaction are itching, rashes, difficulty breathing, etc.)

How does this amino acid work?

Acetyl-L-carnitine aids the body to produce energy and it is very important for the brain and heart functions, for muscle movements, and for various additional body processes.

What are the benefits of consuming this natural supplement?

ALCAR is said to be useful for the treatment of various conditions, such as for instance male infertility, Alzheimer’s disease, and ADHD. Even though there is some indication showing that ALCAR may have some more medicinal uses, more research is needed.

How Safe Is ALCAR?

It is believed to be quite safe, especially when used in moderation and appropriately. Some people with certain conditions, though, may have problems with it, including the following:

• Seizures or epilepsy.
• An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), as this amino acid can make the condition worse.
• Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• Any chronic medical condition.

Also, inform the physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it is still unknown whether this amino acid is safe to use in these circumstances.