• Each year, 6.1 million Americans have failed attempts to conceive a child according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
• Approximately 90% of all infertility can be treated.
• Sperm quality affects 40% to 60% of infertility issues.

Low sperm motility occurs when sperm do not swim vigorously enough to reach the egg. This totally safe product will help low sperm motility—a common problem with sperm.

ALCAR, also known as Acetyl-L-Carnitine, increases your sperm motility. Motility involves the ability of sperm to swim strongly and vigorously. Motility appears to be one of the most important factors to assess the fertilizing capability of sperm. This extremely safe supplement helps sperm swim more vigorously thus improves male fertility.

Other Ingredients:Gelatin, water.

About ALCAR (Acetyl-L-Carnitine)
Congratulations on discovering a safe, low cost, and highly beneficial option for taking charge of male infertility. There is encouraging scientific research suggesting ALCAR supports male fertility by increasing sperm motility. This is because sperm motility is regarded by scientists as one of the most important factors to assess the fertilizing capability of sperm, and motility is directly related to the level of ALCAR in human sperm.

Boost sperm quality with this safe and effective supplement!

Quality
This product is made with an exclusive excipient-free process, which allows the capsule to be filled with nothing but pure Acetyl-L-Carnitine. This 100% pure ingredient technology is rarely found in competing brands. Made with the highest quality Acetyl-L-Carnitine from Lonza.

Supplemental Acetyl-L-Carnitine is extremely safe for daily use as it falls into the same category as a vitamin or amino acid supplement. It is synthetically derived from other amino acids, and is suitable for people who prefer that the products they buy are animal-free. Since this product is safe & pure and has no significant side effects, you can rest assured that you are giving your child to be the best start possible. At the time of conception, wouldn't you want to know that you were pure and that you weren't passing on any harmful side effects to your unborn child.

ALCAR is a part of the energetic system of both seminal plasma and sperm cells. Because it plays a critical role in fatty acid metabolism and energy, ALCAR is essential for optimal sperm maturation, motility, and vigor.

Ingredients
Each capsule contains pure Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCL 800 mg, Gelatin, and water. This is the world’s highest quality carnitine from Lonza containing pure “L” grade carnitine and no harmful “D” grade. Competitors use less expensive and inferior grade carnitine in a lower dose which often leads to disappointing results. There is no fructose in this product since fructose has been found to speed the aging and glycation of cells.

Suggested Use
Take 2 capsules twice daily between meals. Each bottle contains 90 capsules of 800mg. Some people find ALCAR to be energizing, so taking your second dose before 6pm may be a good idea. Research shows you should take ALCAR at least 3-6 months since this is how long it takes for sperm to fully mature and incorporate the mitochondrial boost provided by carnitine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended dose? How do I take them and when?
The recommended dose of 3,200mg daily Take 2 capsules twice daily between meals. Each capsule contains 800mg of Acetyl –L-Carnitine, thus 4 capsules equals. Some people find ALCAR to be energizing, so taking your second dose before 6pm may be a good idea.

How many bottles will I need to buy each month?
You will need 1.5 bottles of 90 capsules per month. This will supply you with 4 capsules per day (3,200mg) for one full month.

How long will I need to take ALCAR to improve my sperm motility?
We recommend you take Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) for at least three to six months. Optimization of sperm quality is slow because it takes sperm a long time to mature. Sperm take 74 days to mature and an additional 20 days to become capable of fertilization. Initial improvement may be seen in as early as three months, yet, since it takes six months to optimize sperm quality, it is recommended that you continue supplementation for at least this time period. You should continue to take ALCAR as long as you and your partner want to optimize your sperm quality.

Why is this product better than other Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) products?
First, this superior grade of ALCAR is manufactured by Lonza who supplies the world’s highest quality carnitine containing pure “L” grade carnitine, and no harmful “D” grade. Competitors use less expensive and inferior grade carnitine which often leads to disappointed results. Also, this product is superior to others in its unique excipients free manufacturing process containin.

Are there any side effects with ALCAR?
Taking ALCAR is very safe. There were no side effects reported in clinical trials using ALCAR. Since L-carnitine is energizing, some sensitive individuals may find it gives them more energy than they are use to. It may also interfere with sleep if taken later in the evening. Some people report more vivid dreams. A small number of customers (less than 1%) have reported mild gastrointestinal complaints including upset stomach, heartburn, flatulence (gas) and loose stools. On a positive note, the good side effects include improved short and long term memory and improved learning capacity. ALCAR works on the mitochondria of the sperm and the brain cells.

Are there any interactions with prescription or non-prescription drugs?
There are no known drug interactions between ALCAR and any prescription or non-prescription drug available in the United States. As with all supplements, you should consult with your doctor before taking ALCAR if you are taking any prescription medication.

Are there any guarantees that ALCAR will make my sperm fertile?
No, there are no guarantees that all men will respond to Acetyl-L-Carnitine supplementation. But, there have been 12 human clinical trials to date demonstrating the ability of Acetyl-L-Carnitine to optimize sperm quality in men with poor sperm quality. As with any dietary supplement, vitamin, or medication, response can vary from person to person with some not responding at all. Approximately 20-30% of men with poor sperm quality did not respond to L-Carnitine treatment. This could in part be due to any number of factors that effect sperm quality including nutritional status, diet, health, environment, lifestyle, hormone levels and age.

Why is ALCAR (Acetyl-L-Carnitine) a dietary supplement and not a prescription?
ALCAR is a natural substance similar to an amino acid, and is made and used in the body by organs such as the liver, kidney, and brain. Additionally, ALCAR is found in red meat. According to FDA definition, ALCAR is a nutritional supplement.

Other Nutritional Products for Male Fertility
In order to optimize the quality of your sperm, there are other supplements you should take along with ALCAR which could enhance this product’s effectiveness. Studies show that Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), Lipoic Acid, and Antioxidants are nutritional products critical to optimize sperm health. In general, CoQ10 and Lipoic Acid help strengthen the mitochondria of sperm so that they have optimal energy and vigor to reach their destination. Ultimate Antioxidant is important to help protect the sperm from the damaging effects of free radicals. Please read about these great synergistic supplements which will support your efforts to have healthy and vigorous sperm.

Abstracts & Scientific References on L-Carnitine for Male Infertility

1. Use of carnitine therapy in selected cases of male infertility: a double-blind crossover trial. Fertil Steril 2003;79:292-300. Lenzi A, Lombardo F, Sgrò P, et al.

Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

Participants: 86 male subjects (ages 20 to 40 years) with the following baseline sperm selection criteria: concentration, 10-20 x 106/mL; total motility, 10-30%; forward motility, < 15%; atypical forms, < 70%; velocity, 10-30 µ/s; linearity, < 4.

Study Medication and Dosage: After a two-month washout period subjects were given L-carnitine (Sigma tau, Pomezia, Rome, Italy), 2 g/day or placebo for two months. This was followed by a two-month washout period, after which subjects received crossover treatment for two months.

Duration: Ten months.

Outcome Measures: The main outcome measure was the change in the sperm parameters used in the patients selection-particularly sperm motility. Semen analysis was performed at the beginning of the washout period (- 2 month), one month prior to baseline (-1 month), baseline, and months 2, 4, 6, and 8 of active treatment. The following semen variables were measured-volume, pH, concentration, total sperm count, total and forward sperm motility, sperm morphology, sperm velocity, and linearity (index). Total motile spermatozoa/ml and spermatozoa/ejaculate were also calculated. In addition, the following analysis was carried out-complete microscopic and computer analysis, seminal carnitine concentration, seminal alpha-glycosidase concentration and sperm lipid peroxidation (LPOp). The number of pregnancies during the entire observation was a secondary outcome measure. The researchers recorded the induced number of pregnancies during the observation period and their assumed time of fertilization (on the basis of the last ovulatory period of the female partner before the first ß-hCG positive result).

Key Findings: Excluding outliers, a statistically significant improvement in semen quality was measured after L-carnitine therapy compared to placebo. Specifically, significant improvements were noted in the L-carnitine group for sperm concentration (p = 0.01), sperm linearity (p = 0.03), total motile spermatozoa/mL (p = 0.008) and forward sperm motility (p = 0.006). The increase in forward sperm motility was more significant in those patients with lower initial values of < 5 x 106 or < 2 X 106 of forward motile sperm per ejaculate or sperm/mL. No statistically significant variation was seen in semen volume, sperm velocity, alpha-glycosidase concentration, LPOp, or sperm morphology, although a greater improvement was observed during the L-carnitine therapy period than during the placebo period.

Eight pregnancies were achieved during the entire observation period. Evaluation of female partner menstrual history showed that all pregnancies were achieved during the L-carnitine therapy period (six during the first period of therapy with L-carnitine and two during the second period of treatment of L-carnitine therapy.

Practice Implications: L-carnitine and the related compound acetyl-L-carnitine may be the most promising nutritional interventions studied to date for men with oligoasthenospermia. It is interesting to note that among healthy couples having difficulty conceiving, poor sperm quality is a contributing factor in nearly 40% of cases. Previous trial lasting 3 to 4 months have found that 3 to 4 g/day of either L-carnitine or acetyl-L-carnitine have significantly improved sperm motility, maturation, concentration, and percent rapid linear progression. These results, as well as those of the trial summarized above, suggest that a 4-month trial with L-carnitine is a safe and cost-effective first step in addressing male infertility.

2. Effect of acetylcarnitine treatment in oligoasthenospermic patients.
Moncada ML, Vicari E, Cimino C, Calogero AE, Mongioi A, D'Agata R.

First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Catania Medical School, Italy.
Acetylcarnitine (AC), present in human spermatozoa and seminal fluid, plays an important role in sperm metabolism. To further investigate the effect of AC on sperm quality, AC (4 g/day) was given to 20 patients with idiopathic oliogasthenospermia for 60 days. AC had no effects on sperm density and total motility, but it did significantly increase progressive sperm motility (mean +/- SEM: 21.7 +/- 3.2% vs 38.2 +/- 4.7). The increment in sperm motility was sustained ( > or = 40%) in 12 patients (mean increment 2.7 fold). This parameter returned to basal value 4 months after therapy discontinuation. Five pregnancies occurred during treatment and only 2 during the 4 months follow-up ensuing therapy discontinuation.

3. The metabolism of acetylcarnitine and acetate by bovine and hamster epididymal spermatozoa. Bruns KA, Casillas ER.

Chemistry Department New Mexico State University, Las Cruces 88003.
Since acetylcarnitine has been identified in the epididymal plasma of many mammalian species, we investigated whether acetylcarnitine could serve as an energy substrate for epididymal bull and hamster spermatozoa. Intact caudal cells from both species oxidized [I-14C]acetyl-l-carnitine to 14CO2, in vitro, and the amount oxidized was dependent on time, substrate concentration, and cell number. Within each species, the rate of oxidation was the same as the rate at which free [1-14C]acetate was oxidized. Spermatozoa incubated with [3H]acetyl-L-carnitine hydrolyzed the compound and [3H]acetate accumulated in the medium. Unlabeled acetate added to the incubation medium competed with cellular uptake of [3H]acetate and resulted in further increase in [3H]acetate accumulation in the medium. Furthermore, the acetyl group of acetylcarnitine was oxidized by spermatozoa without concomitant uptake of the carnitine group. Purified plasma membrane vesicles contained an acetylcarnitine hydrolase activity that was solubilized from whole cells by detergents and that could be distinguished from acetylcholinesterase also present in the cells. The solubilized acetylcarnitine hydrolase activity was inhibited by p-hydroxymercuriphenylsulfonate, but not by the specific acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, eserine or BW63C47. The sulfhydryl blocker also inhibited the production of 14CO2 from [1-14C]acetylcarnitine by intact cells; acetylcholinesterase inhibitors did not. From estimates of sperm energy requirements, our results indicate that extracellular acetylcarnitine serves as a physiologically important energy substrate for maturing sperm cells.

PMID: 2804215 [PubMed—indexed for MEDLINE.

4. [Acetylcarnitine and spermatozoa: relationship with epididymal maturation and motility in the boar and man ] [Article in French]
Jeulin C, Soufir JC, Marson J, Paquignon M, Dacheux JL.

Laboratoire d'Histologie, C.H.U. Kremlin-Bicetre, France.
The level of carnitine and acetylcarnitine in spermatozoa of boar epididymal origin and of human ejaculates was demonstrated. In the epididymal fluid of boars, the concentration of carnitine (nmol/mg protein) began to increase from 20 in the distal caput to rise progressively to 700 in the distal cauda. By contrast, the carnitine content of spermatozoa only started to increase in the proximal cauda where the concentration of carnitine in the fluid was 200-300 nmol/mg protein, then gradually increased in spermatozoa from more distal sites. The increase in the acetylcarnitine content of spermatozoa paralleled that of the carnitine amount, represented 50% of total carnitine (carnitine + acetylcarnitine) and coincided with the acquisition of progressive motility. In two populations of human seminal spermatozoa selected by migration and characterized by a very large difference in their percentage of progressively motile cells, higher carnitine and acetylcarnitine contents (40%) were found in migrated spermatozoa compared to the residual population. These results suggest that accumulation of carnitine and its metabolite may be an important factor in the acquisition and the maintenance of progressive motility. Measurement of acetylcarnitine content of human seminal spermatozoa could be used as a marker of epididymal maturation.
PMID: 3253902 [PubMed—indexed for MEDLINE.

5. Distribution of carnitine and acylcarnitine in the hamster epididymis and in epididymal spermatozoa during maturation.
Casillas ER, Villalobos P, Gonzales R.

The highest levels of carnitine and acylcarnitine were found in the cauda epididymidis, and spermatozoa from the cauda contained greater amounts of total carnitine (free carnitine plus acylcarnitine) than those removed from the corpus or caput epididymidis. Spermatozoa from the distal cauda contained significantly greater amounts of both free and total carnitine than those removed from the proximal cauda epididymidis. The acylcarnitine:carnitine ratio was 1.7 and 0.37 in caput and cauda spermatozoa, respectively and 1.7 and 1.3 in caput and cauda fluid, respectively. It is suggested that the accumulation of carnitine is involved in sperm maturation and that acylcarnitine serves as an energy substrate for epididymal spermatozoa.

PMID: 6471048 [PubMed—indexed for MEDLINE.

6. Effects of carnitine and some related compounds on the motility of rat spermatozoa from the caput epididymidis.
Hinton BT, Brooks DE, Dott HM, Setchell BP.

Spermatozoa were collected from the rat caput epididymidis by micropuncture and their motility assessed after dilution in physiological saline containing carnitine or related compounds. L(+)-Carnitine caused, 2 min after dilution, a transient stimulation of the motility of spermatozoa with low initial motility. No stimulatory effects were seen on spermatozoa which had high initial motility. The D-isomer inhibited the motility of spermatozoa with high initial motility after 2 min and all compounds tested appeared to inhibit, at 20 min after dilution, the motility of spermatozoa with high initial motility. Acetyl-L-carnitine and acetyl-D-carnitine stimulated the motility of spermatozoa with low initial motility. This study suggests that carnitine may be important in the development by spermatozoa of the potential for motility and also to maintain mature spermatozoa in a quiescent state.

PMID: 7452626 [PubMed—indexed for MEDLINE.

7. The distribution of carnitine and acetylcarnitine in the rabbit epididymis and the carnitine content of rabbit spermatozoa during maturation.
Casillas ER, Chaipayungpan S.

The highest levels of carnitine and acetylcarnitine were found in the cauda, and spermatozoa from the proximal cauda contained significantly greater amounts of carnitine than those removed from the corpus or caput epididymidis. Acetylcarnitine levels (as a % of the total carnitine pool) were greater in all regions of the rabbit epididymis than has been reported in other species. It is suggested that the accumulation of carnitine is involved in sperm maturation.

PMID: 480302 [PubMed—indexed for MEDLINE.

In vitro stimulation of human sperm motility by acetylcarnitine.
Tanphaichitr N.

An increase in motility of ejaculated human spermatozoa was observed after the addition of acetylcaritine or carnitine. Similar results were also obtained in the diluted semen with 25--30% initial motilities. However, indirect evidence suggests that carnitine is converted to acetylcarnitine prior to its stimulatory action. In addition, this stimulation was shown to be the result of no increase in ionic strength nor any change in the levels of ATP.