Question for CS: Acetyl-L-Carnitine vs L-Carnitine tartrate

Hey CS.
I have been in the immortalhair regimen for around 4+ years now and I think I have been maintaining really well.

In the past, I have always used 1GM Acetyl-L-Carnitine with 300MG ALA, but I ran out of ALC and could not find it in my local supplements shop. Instead I found Jarrow's L-Carnitine tartrate and decided to give it a shot.

Is there a major difference between the two as it relates to hair loss related applications? I understand that ALC crosses the blood-brain barrier, but does it really help the hair-loss cause better than L-Carnitine tartrate?

Please advice. Thank you, and wishing you a great 2014.

ninelives25 - That's a good question.

I have tested both. Also before I answer, I would attempt to see if the following link will work (assuming they will ship to NZ), because price wise they are unbeatable for ALC. I use that site specifically for ALC, because it is so pricey else where. Also, as mentioned many times in the past--it's important to take this with lipoic acid.

http://www.bestvite.com/acetyll-carnitine500mg240capsules.aspx

The difference is a few fold....one is the price. L-Carnitine L-Tartrate is expensive stuff, it is patented. I have not noticed a difference when comparing them on and off. However, ALC is beneficial moreso when it comes to the reduction of cortisol. Antioxidant benefits to the brain is quite important..and any benefit to reduce stress can be a huge factor for some.

However, either form Tartrate or Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALC) will increase cardiolipin levels. Cardiolipin supports the function of the hair follicle in a similar manner to minoxidil.

Cardiolipin levels decline with age along with the efficiency of the mitochondria. The role of cardiolipin supports oxygen and energy conversion. Acetyl L-Carnitine assists in increasing levels of cardiolipin. When used along with Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid, it becomes a potent booster of both glucose and fatty acid metabolism.

Great post...

I agree with CS that ACL should be the staple, but perhaps you can modulate a few months here and there, for even better effects.

CS - I have the potassium chloride now and all the other components for that study that showed significant regrowth with opening up the potassium channels.

Any other recommendations for how to best do that?

M