Acetyl Carnitine
Acetyl-L-carnitine is sold as a dietary supplement in the U.S. but is not GRAS for general food use.
What it is
Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR), an acetylated form of the amino-acid derivative L-carnitine, used as a dietary supplement and in some functional foods.
Dietary supplement ingredient; not a typical food additive.
Why it's flagged
- GI side effects at high supplement doses
- Fishy body odor (trimethylamine) at high intake
What regulators actually say
"Carnitine, including its acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine forms... daily oral doses of approximately 2 g or less appear to be well tolerated... Side effects from high doses (e.g., 3 g/day) of carnitine supplements can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and a fishy body odor."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Sold as a dietary supplement under DSHEA; not GRAS for conventional food use.
European Union — EFSA
EFSA has evaluated L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine for use in food supplements; permitted under conditions.
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