Adapt

Acetyl-L-carnitine (often shortened to ALCAR) is the acetylated form of L-carnitine, a compound synthesised naturally in humans via methylation of the essential amino acid lycine. As this process by itself produces insufficient amounts of l-carnitine, healthy levels can be reached through consumption of dairy products and red meat. Additional supplementation may increase availability of l-carnitine to optimal levels, particularly in vegetarians. L-carnitine is a key player of mitochondrial energy production in both skeletal muscles and brain neurones, and may also have a direct effect on concentration of major neurotransmitters including acetylcholine, noradrenaline and serotonin. This explains the potential of ALCAR as a nootropic for focus, and as a strength-boosting supplement.

In large parts of India, the Middle East and Africa, the herb Withania somnifera has been used for centuries for its calming and sleep-promoting properties. Steroid-like compounds called withanolides have been extracted and formed into the nootropic Ashwagandha. Their actions are wide-ranging and include antioxidant neuroprotective effects, direct promotion of nerve growth and neurosynaptic reconstruction and recovery.

L-tyrosine is a unique nootropic: The more demanding the situation, the more effective it becomes. This is due to its neuropharmacological properties of being a conditionally essential amino acid. Only under significant stress does it becomes an essential precursor for the vital neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline. This implies that L-tyrosine may have powerful concentration-enhancing properties.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) is a vital cofactor for reactions that are essential in development and function of the central nervous system. Supplementation is particularly important in vegetarians and vegans, as plant-based foods do not contain Vitamin B12.