Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl (ALCAR) · Functional Nutrient for Cognitive, Energy & Sports Nutrition

Key characteristics

• Chemical name: (R)-3-acetoxy-4-(trimethylammonio)butanoate hydrochloride (acetyl-L-carnitine HCl).
• Form: typically a white or almost white, crystalline powder, often mildly hygroscopic.
• Solubility: freely soluble in water, suitable for use in capsules, tablets, powders and certain RTD beverages.
• Taste profile: acidic, slightly sour taste; flavour systems are designed to mask or integrate the note in liquid and powder applications.
• Function: used as a functional nutrient in products positioned around energy metabolism, active lifestyle and cognitive support, within applicable regulatory frameworks.
• Comparison with L-carnitine base: ALCAR provides the acetylated form of carnitine, and is typically favoured in capsule/tablet supplements and cognitive-oriented formulas, while L-carnitine remains widely used in beverages and sports drinks.
• Compatibility: generally compatible with B-vitamins, other amino acids, caffeine, plant extracts and minerals within supplement and functional beverage systems.

Atlas supports product developers in selecting between L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine and other forms, aligning the choice with application, labelling and consumer positioning.

Indicative specification points

Final specifications are tailored per project. Typical food and supplement-grade acetyl-L-carnitine HCl parameters include:

• Assay: high-purity acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride (on dried basis) according to agreed pharmacopeial or manufacturer standards.
• Appearance: white to almost white, crystalline powder, free from visible foreign matter.
• Identification tests: confirm acetyl-L-carnitine salt structure and the L-configuration.
• Specific rotation: within specified limits to verify optical purity.
• Loss on drying: controlled to maintain powder stability and defined potency.
• Residue on ignition / sulphated ash: limited in line with specification and regulations.
• pH (in solution): within agreed ranges suitable for beverage and premix applications.
• Related substances and organic impurities: controlled to meet food and supplement safety standards.
• Heavy metals and specific contaminants: limited to comply with global and local safety requirements.
• Microbiological profile: aligned with good manufacturing practice, with tighter limits available for specialised nutrition categories where applicable.

Each batch is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a detailed technical data sheet. Additional documentation (GMO status, allergen statements, dietary suitability, contaminants, origin, Halal/Kosher certificates) can be provided from approved producers.

Cognitive & active lifestyle supplements

• Capsules and tablets – one of the most common delivery forms for ALCAR, alone or combined with B-vitamins, choline sources, plant extracts and other actives.
• Stacked formulas – multi-ingredient cognitive or “nootropic-style” blends where ALCAR is paired with caffeine, L-theanine, B-vitamins and selected botanical extracts, subject to national regulations.
• Powder sticks and sachets – single-serve ALCAR-containing powders for on-the-go consumption in water, juices or smoothies.

Energy & sports nutrition

• Pre-workout formulas – ALCAR included in pre-workout drinks and powders together with amino acids, caffeine and performance ingredients.
• Intra- and post-workout products – formulations where ALCAR forms part of a multi-ingredient active profile with proteins, BCAAs, electrolytes and vitamins.
• Active lifestyle RTDs – selected ready-to-drink beverages with energy and performance positioning, where formulation technology allows ALCAR incorporation with acceptable stability.

Weight-management & specialised nutrition

• Weight-management blends – ALCAR combined with L-carnitine, caffeine, green tea extracts and other ingredients in products positioned around active lifestyle and weight-control, always within regulatory boundaries.
• Clinical and specialised nutrition – in some formulations, acetyl-L-carnitine is used as part of specialised oral or enteral nutrition products, subject to strict category rules and clinical evidence requirements.

Formulation guidance

• Typical ALCAR dosage is determined by:
  • Product category and target population,
  • Local regulatory maximum levels and notified use patterns,
  • Desired product positioning and on-pack messaging (where permitted).
• In dry formats (capsules, tablets, powders):
  • Pay attention to hygroscopicity and flow properties,
  • Use suitable carriers, fillers and anti-caking agents in blends.
• In beverages:
  • ALCAR can be added as a powder or liquid premix,
  • Consider pH, heat treatment, storage temperature and oxygen exposure when designing the process and packaging.
• Flavour and sweetness systems should be optimised to balance ALCAR’s acidic/sour note, especially at higher dosages.
• Regulatory and scientific teams must confirm authorised uses, maximum levels, labelling requirements and claims for ALCAR in each destination market and product type.

Quality & documentation

• Supplied as food or supplement-grade acetyl-L-carnitine HCl with agreed specifications for assay, impurities and physical properties.
• Each batch is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a technical data sheet describing key analytical parameters and methods.
• Additional documentation can include GMO status, allergen declarations, contaminants and heavy metal data, dietary suitability (e.g. vegetarian/vegan where applicable), BSE/TSE statements, origin and Halal/Kosher certificates, depending on the selected producer and grade.
• Manufacturing sites typically operate under recognised ISO and food safety management systems (e.g. HACCP, FSSC/ISO 22000), with further certifications available on request.
• Customers remain responsible for regulatory compliance, category permissions, maximum use levels, claims and labelling in each destination market.

Packaging, storage & logistics

• Standard packaging: typically 20–25 kg fibre drums, bags or cartons with inner liners to protect against moisture and contamination; alternative pack sizes can be evaluated as needed.
• Suitable for full-container or mixed-container shipments together with other vitamins, amino acids, nutritional enhancers, sweeteners and functional ingredients.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from heat, moisture and odour-intensive materials to maintain powder quality and flow.
• Typical shelf life is defined in the product specification and on the COA; customers should verify ALCAR stability and sensory impact in their own formulas via shelf-life studies.
• Shipments can be arranged under FOB, CFR, CIF or other agreed Incoterms, with export, customs and quality documentation coordinated from Ankara, Türkiye.

To receive a tailored offer, please share your intended applications (cognitive or active lifestyle supplements, pre-workout formulas, RTDs, powders, clinical or specialised nutrition, etc.), target acetyl-L-carnitine level per serving, preferred formats, annual volume, packaging needs, documentation/certification requirements and destination markets. Our team will recommend suitable grades and premix concepts.