ALCAR (Acetyl-L-Carnitine)
Acetylated L-Carnitine. Crosses the blood-brain barrier. The cognitive sibling of L-Carnitine — same shuttle role plus a brain layer.
What it actually is
Not a peptide. ALCAR is L-Carnitine with an acetyl group attached, which lets it cross the blood-brain barrier where regular L-Carnitine can't go efficiently. The acetyl group also serves as a precursor for acetylcholine in cholinergic neurons.
Why peptide users come across it
Common in nootropic stacks. Used alongside Semax/Selank or as a solo cognitive primer. Often paired with ALA (alpha-lipoic acid) for the senior-aging-brain protocols popularized by the Bruce Ames lab.
Mechanism
Documented dose range
Side effects
Contraindications
The Pepdex take
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