Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR), ranked by real cost

Check whether the Supplement Facts line lists Acetyl-L-Carnitine itself or Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl. Labels reviewed for this update included transparent products that list the active Acetyl-L-Carnitine amount separately from the heavier HCl salt, plus powders and capsules that list only the HCl form.

Cost is driven by powder versus capsule format, serving count, and whether the product gives the active amount or only the salt-form weight. Bulk powders were the cheapest sampled format, while low-serving capsules and liquids pushed monthly cost much higher at the same comparison dose.

Do not compare 1,000 mg of Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl as if it were automatically 1,000 mg of Acetyl-L-Carnitine. For powders, also check whether the serving is a measured scoop or an approximate teaspoon amount, because several labels rely on weight-based dosing for accuracy.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine has moderate evidence, with better support for older adults, diabetic neuropathy, and some mood-related outcomes than for broad cognitive enhancement in young healthy adults. TrueServing compares labeled cost at 500 mg/day and does not validate salt-form conversion or cognition claims beyond the label data.