Image 3. L-Carnitine and Acetyl L-Carnitine.

 

   L-carnitine and acetyl L-carnitine (ALCAR) have different characteristics. L-carnitine’s basic function is to transport fatty acids to mitochondria for energy conversion. On the other hand, acetyl L-carnitine passes the blood-brain barrier (BBB) better than L-carnitine and provides acetyl group to choline to enhance brain and cognitive functions.

 

   Despite these basic differences, L-carnitine’s functions include promotion of fat metabolism, energy boost, as well as triglyceride reduction, fat mass reduction, inhibition of alcoholic fatty liver, promotion of carbohydrate metabolism, and prevention of cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia, angina pectoris, and cardiomyopathy, etc. L-carnitine also strengthens muscle density and mobility and increases muscle mass.

 

Therefore, it is an ideal supplement for people who are combining dieting and exercise for muscle increase. It also helps recover brain functions and alleviate dementia symptoms, although this effect is stronger in acetyl L-carnitine. L-carnitine is known to increase sperm activity and is an essential nutrient for growing children.

 

Among the various benefits, I believe the key effects of IVNT should be fat metabolism (energy) and brain function improvement.

 

HELIOSⅡ/LOTUSⅡ/HYPERION – Manufacturer: LASEROPTEK(www.laseroptek.com)

 

NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)

 

   Along with methionine, cysteine is an amino acid containing sulfur (thiol group). As methionine is degraded in the body to form cysteine, cysteine is categorized as a nonessential amino acid. However, as it cannot be generated without methionine, an essential amino acid, cysteine should be supplemented like an essential amino acid. NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) which includes acetyl has better absorption and activity than cysteine (Image 5). Acetyl can be recycled in acetyl CoA or acetylcholine, which is another benefit of NAC.

 

-To be continued