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AICAR
AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) is a potent AMPK activator that mimics the effects of endurance training at the cellular level.
Key Ingredients
5-Aminoimidazol-4-carboxamid-ribonukleotid
Not sure about the right dosage?
Use our Peptide Dosage Calculator for optimal application
Main Information
AICAR is a lab-made compound that activates AMPK – an important enzyme that helps your body manage energy. When AMPK is turned on, it tells your body to burn fat, use sugar more efficiently, and build healthier cells, especially in muscles. AICAR can trigger many of the same effects that happen during endurance training – like better stamina, improved fat metabolism, and higher energy levels – even without exercise.
Scientific Background
AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) was first developed to protect the heart during low oxygen levels. It works by mimicking a natural molecule in your body called AMP, which activates AMPK. This enzyme acts like a “metabolic switch” that boosts fat burning, increases insulin sensitivity, and supports the production of new mitochondria – the energy factories in your cells. Research shows AICAR may improve endurance, support weight loss, and help with metabolic health, making it interesting for athletes and people focused on longevity.
In a landmark study by the Salk Institute, it was shown that four weeks of treatment with AICAR increased running performance by 44% in non-motile mice. This occurred through the activation of AMPK, which led to the conversion of muscle fibers into endurance, fat-burning type I fibers. Remarkably, these effects were achieved without physical training, positioning AICAR as a potential “training mimetic”.
Another study investigated the role of AMPK in the regulation of mitochondrial function and oxidative stress management in skeletal muscle. The researchers treated mice daily with AICAR (500 mg/kg) for four weeks and observed an AMPK-dependent increase in SIRT3 and MnSOD in skeletal muscle. These results suggest that AICAR improves mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative stress through AMPK activation
References
Višnjić D, Lalić H, Dembitz V, Tomić B, Smoljo T. AICAr, a Widely Used AMPK Activator with Important AMPK-Independent Effects: A Systematic Review. Cells. 2021; 10(5):1095. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10051095
Brandauer J, Andersen MA, Kellezi H, Risis S, Frøsig C, Vienberg SG, Treebak JT. AMP-activated protein kinase controls exercise training- and AICAR-induced increases in SIRT3 and MnSOD. Front Physiol. 2015 Mar 24;6:85. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00085. PMID: 25852572; PMCID: PMC4371692.
Usage Instructions
To ensure safe and effective use of AICAR, it’s essential to follow proper preparation, handling, and injection techniques. Below is a concise summary of the most important steps. For full details, please consult the Product Leaflet provided with your vial.
How to Use AICAR
- Inspect the solution before each use by gently swirling or tipping the vial or syringe once or twice.
- Do not use the solution if it appears cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.
- AICAR is designed for subcutaneous injection using insulin syringes (needle length up to 16 mm is standard).
- Always use a new, sterile syringe and needle for every injection to prevent contamination and maintain sterility.
- Rotate the injection site (abdomen, thigh, upper arm) regularly to avoid irritation, tissue stress, or lipodystrophy.
- Before injecting, check that the syringe is properly loaded. To ensure you receive the full dose and avoid injecting air, a small drop of solution should be visible at the needle tip. If not, discard the syringe and prepare a new one (refer to the Product Leaflet for visual steps, typically pages 10–11, sections E–G).
- Do not share your AICAR vial or syringes with others, even if you’re using sterile equipment, to avoid cross-contamination and potential health risks.
AICAR is an AMPK activator that affects cellular energy metabolism, glucose uptake and fat burning. Its applications range from performance enhancement in sports to metabolic health promotion and potential cardioprotective effects.
As AICAR has a short half-life (approx. 45 minutes-1 hour), dosing must be strategic to achieve optimal results.
Dosage Information
Endurance Enhancement for Athletes
- Who it’s for: Runners, cyclists, triathletes, and other endurance athletes
- How to use: A single dose of 500–1000 mg, taken orally or subcutaneously, about 30–60 minutes before training or competition
- Why it helps: AICAR activates AMPK, mimicking the cellular effects of endurance exercise and improving stamina – even without prior training.
- Pro Tip: Ideal for competitions or high-intensity training sessions where peak endurance is needed.
Support for Glucose Uptake & Insulin Sensitivity
- Who it’s for: Individuals with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, or insulin resistance
- How to use: 250–500 mg orally, once daily
- Why it helps: AICAR improves insulin sensitivity by promoting glucose uptake into muscle cells.
- Pro Tip: Can be used as a complementary therapy alongside other interventions for blood sugar regulation.
Fat Burning & Metabolic Optimization
- Who it’s for: Athletes in cutting phases, individuals with lipid metabolism issues, or those seeking body recomposition
- How to use: 250–750 mg orally, once daily
- Why it helps: AICAR enhances fat oxidation and boosts metabolic flexibility through AMPK activation.
Important Warnings
What to consider :
• Start with baseline labs: A full blood panel is strongly recommended before initiating AICAR to establish individual reference values.
• Research use only: AICAR is classified as a research chemical and is not approved for human consumption by medical authorities.
• Stacking caution: Avoid combining AICAR with other AMPK activators unless you’re confident in managing potential synergistic effects.
• Hydration matters: Ensure proper fluid and electrolyte intake, especially during endurance-focused or calorie-restricted protocols.
• Be alert to side effects: Stop use immediately if you experience dizziness, persistent fatigue, nausea, or other unusual symptoms.
• More is not always better: When combined with fasting or aggressive diet strategies, closer monitoring and conservative dosing are advised.
AICAR
AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) is a potent AMPK activator that mimics the effects of endurance training at the cellular level.
Key Ingredients
5-Aminoimidazol-4-carboxamid-ribonukleotid
Not sure about the right dosage?
Use our Peptide Dosage Calculator for optimal application