Brain Health and Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Acetyl-L-carnitine more readily crosses the blood-brain barrier than do other forms of L-carnitine, and in the human brain, the acetylation of L-carnitine is a normal event. This is one explanation sometimes given for the greater activity found with acetyl-L-carnitine than other forms of L-carnitine in the brain.

Acetyl-L-carnitine promotes healthy neural levels of acetylcholine, a major neurotransmitter that helps memory and proper brain function. Researchers have discovered that acetyl-L-carnitine acts as an antioxidant within the brain, that it promotes stabilization of cell membranes, enhances energy production within brain cells, and supports the functions of acetylcholine.

Acetyl L-Carnitine Research
Cellular energy production itself produces free radicals that can harm cell structures, including the mitochondria, if the body's natural antioxidant capacity is low. Acetyl l-carnitine and lipoic acid are both naturally present antioxidants in the body that have been shown to support mitochondrial function and help reduce free radical damage.

(Hagen TM et al., 1998; Lyckesfeldt J et al., 1998)

Acetyl l-carnitine enhances energy production by promoting the transport of fatty acids into the energy-producing units in the cells. In two animal studies from the University of California at Berkeley (Hagen TM et al., 1998) acetyl l-carnitine significantly benefited mitochondrial health and prmoted increased cellular respiration and membrane health.