Acetyl-L-carnitine
Acetyl-L-carnitine suppliers and sourcing guide
Acetyl-L-carnitine is the acetic acid ester of L-carnitine. It is made by acetylating L-carnitine, then purified and crystallized, and is almost always sold as the hydrochloride salt, a white crystalline powder with a slight acetic odor. Brands buy it for capsules, tablets and powders, and less often as acetyl-L-carnitine arginate dihydrochloride.
- Category
- Proteins and amino acids
- Also known as
- ALCAR · Acetylcarnitine · Acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of acetyl-l-carnitine
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Acetyl-L-carnitine HCl
The standard hydrochloride salt; label amounts may be given as the salt or as acetyl-L-carnitine.
Acetyl-L-carnitine arginate dihydrochloride
A salt with arginine, offered by fewer suppliers.
Granulated grades
Granulated or flow-aided grades for direct-compression tableting.
Fine powder
Milled powder for capsule filling and powder blends.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Identity
- Infrared spectrum matched to a reference standard, plus specific optical rotation, which confirms the L-form of acetyl-L-carnitine.
- Assay
- Purity on a dried basis by HPLC or titration, reported against the USP, FCC or supplier specification.
- Related substances
- Free L-carnitine and acetic acid by HPLC; both rise as the ester hydrolyzes with moisture and heat.
- Loss on drying and residue on ignition
- Moisture by loss on drying and inorganic residue as residue on ignition (sulfated ash), with chloride and sulfate where the specification lists them.
- Heavy metals and microbiology
- Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS, plus total plate count, yeast and mold, E. coli and Salmonella.
- Chloride and water
- Chloride content, which confirms the hydrochloride, and water by Karl Fischer.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Acetyl-L-carnitine HCl is hygroscopic and hydrolyzes slowly in moist conditions, giving off a vinegar odor, so keep it tightly sealed with desiccant in a cool, dry place. Shelf life or retest date is set by the supplier's specification, with assay, free carnitine and water as retest points.
Lots and expiry dates
Record assay, free L-carnitine and water for each lot; a strong vinegar smell on opening is a reason to retest before use. Rotate stock FEFO.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
A Health Canada natural health product monograph lists acetyl-L-carnitine arginate dihydrochloride and acetyl L-carnitine hydrochloride as source ingredients for acetylcarnitine.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's L-Carnitine monograph limits combined L-carnitine and acetylcarnitine to 4 grams per day and 2 grams per single dose.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Acetyl-L-carnitine suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking acetyl-l-carnitine suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell acetyl-l-carnitine? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of acetyl-l-carnitine can brands buy?
Common forms include acetyl-L-carnitine HCl, acetyl-L-carnitine arginate dihydrochloride, granulated grades and fine powder. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for acetyl-l-carnitine include?
Expect identity, assay, related substances, loss on drying and residue on ignition, heavy metals and microbiology and chloride and water, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should acetyl-l-carnitine be stored?
Acetyl-L-carnitine HCl is hygroscopic and hydrolyzes slowly in moist conditions, giving off a vinegar odor, so keep it tightly sealed with desiccant in a cool, dry place. Shelf life or retest date is set by the supplier's specification, with assay, free carnitine and water as retest points.
What is the regulatory status of acetyl-l-carnitine?
A Health Canada natural health product monograph lists acetyl-L-carnitine arginate dihydrochloride and acetyl L-carnitine hydrochloride as source ingredients for acetylcarnitine. Health Canada's L-Carnitine monograph limits combined L-carnitine and acetylcarnitine to 4 grams per day and 2 grams per single dose.
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