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Your Guide to AICAR: Benefits, Dosage, and More

Looking to optimize your health or performance with AICAR? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about this popular metabolic modulator, from its benefits and dosage to the latest research and biohacker insights.

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What is AICAR?

AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) is a synthetic nucleoside analog that acts as an AMP mimetic. It is primarily known for its ability to activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key regulator of cellular energy metabolism.

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Key Potential Benefits & Uses

Based on research and biohacker experiences, AICAR is often used for:

• Exercise Mimetic Effects: Can mimic some cellular metabolic responses associated with exercise, potentially improving glucose and lipid metabolism.
• Increased Endurance: Animal studies have shown significant improvements in exercise capacity and endurance by promoting the growth of slow-twitch muscle fibers.
• Metabolic Regulation: Influences metabolic pathways related to energy balance, potentially impacting fat oxidation and insulin sensitivity.
• Mechanism: Works by activating the enzyme AMPK, which plays a central role in regulating cellular energy homeostasis.

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Scientific Evidence: What Does the Research Say?

• Limited human research; primarily animal studies: Most studies demonstrating significant performance enhancement effects have been conducted in rodents, showing notable increases in endurance and metabolic changes. Human research is limited and often focuses on therapeutic potential rather than athletic performance.
• Strength of Evidence: Limited for human performance benefits; Emerging for therapeutic metabolic applications.

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How to Take AICAR

• Common Forms: Powder, Injectable. (Note: AICAR is not typically sold as a dietary supplement and is prohibited in competitive sports).
• Typical Dosage: Dosage is not standardized for human use and varies significantly in research settings. Animal studies often use doses in the mg/kg range. Human "research" dosages are highly variable and experimental. Always consult with a qualified professional before considering use.
• Timing: Depends on the intended research application. Not standardized for general use.
• Bioavailability Tips: Injectable administration is common in research to ensure systemic delivery. Oral bioavailability in humans is not well-established.

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Synergies & Stacking

• AICAR is often studied in research settings alone or in combination with other metabolic agents to investigate synergistic effects on energy metabolism and performance.
• Avoid Combining With: Due to limited human data, interactions with other supplements or medications are not well-documented. Use with caution and under professional guidance.

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Potential Side Effects & Precautions

Like any substance, AICAR may cause side effects, though they are typically not well-documented in humans for performance use. Potential effects are often theoretical based on its mechanism of action.

• Potential Metabolic Changes: Activation of AMPK could theoretically impact various metabolic pathways; long-term effects in humans are unknown.
• [Precautions]: AICAR is a prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and other sports organizations. There is limited human safety data, especially for long-term use. It should be considered a research chemical and used only under strict supervision in appropriate research contexts. Consult a doctor before considering any use.

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Choosing the Right Form & Quality

• [Form Comparison]: Powder form requires accurate measurement for research applications. Injectable forms are used in some research settings for precise dosing and systemic delivery.
• [Quality Tips]: Look for suppliers providing purity testing (e.g., HPLC) for research-grade material. Ensure proper handling and storage instructions are followed.

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Biohacker Insights & Community Experiences

• Common Experiences: Anecdotal reports from individuals using AICAR outside of formal research are limited but sometimes align with animal study findings, focusing on perceived improvements in endurance or metabolic function.
• Pro Tip: Given its status as a research chemical and prohibited substance, any consideration of using AICAR should be approached with extreme caution and full awareness of the legal and health implications.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Is AICAR legal for general use or in sports?
  • Answer: AICAR is generally considered a research chemical and is explicitly prohibited in competitive sports by WADA and other anti-doping bodies. Its legal status for non-research human use varies by location.
• Is AICAR safe for humans?
  • Answer: There is limited published data on the safety of AICAR in humans, particularly regarding long-term or non-therapeutic use. Its safety profile is not well-established outside of controlled research settings.

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Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.