Metabolic Category
AICAR
THE EXERCISE MIMETIC
5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide
AICAR tricks your cells into thinking you just exercised. It activates AMPK, your body's master energy switch, which normally only turns on during intense workouts. This leads to improved fat burning, better blood sugar control, and enhanced endurance, even without physical activity. It's most effective for people who are metabolically compromised or struggling to lose weight.
AICAR Evidence Snapshot
How these guides are reviewed- Regulatory status
- Not FDA approved · research use only
- Dosing guidance
- Reviewed by our clinical team
- Linked evidence
- 1 research sources
- Content updated
- Aug 28, 2026
Dose and schedule recommendations shown below come from The Peptide App Clinical Team. Research links are provided so readers can inspect the supporting evidence directly. Review the sources.
Quick Answers About AICAR
Is AICAR FDA approved?
No. This profile records AICAR as not FDA approved and for research use only.
More context
Review the regulatory and source details on this page for the current context.
What dose does The Peptide App Clinical Team recommend for AICAR?
Dose: 20-50 mg daily.
More context
Schedule: daily. Cycle: 4-6 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off. This is clinical-team guidance for reference and does not replace individualized instructions from a licensed clinician.
What research supports this AICAR guide?
This guide links to 1 curated or current research sources.
More context
Open the research section to inspect the source titles, publication details, study types, and available abstracts directly.
Review the AICAR research sourcesWhat are the side effects of AICAR?
Reported side effects of AICAR include Mild hypoglycemia, Headache, and Fatigue.
More context
They are reported or occasional reactions, not a prediction of what any one person will experience.
Is AICAR safe?
AICAR has an editorial safety grade of C (Moderate Safety).
More context
Research compound with limited human data. Generally well-tolerated in studies. Safety depends on dose, sourcing, health history and medical supervision, so this page does not call it safe for personal use.
Studied Effects & Mechanisms
AMPK Activation
Directly turns on your body's exercise sensor
Fat Burning
Shifts metabolism to burn fat for fuel
Mitochondria Boost
Increases the number and efficiency of cellular powerhouses
Cardio Protection
Improves heart function and blood vessel health
Who is this for
People with metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance · Those unable to exercise due to injury or disability · Endurance athletes seeking performance enhancement · Anyone looking to improve fat oxidation
AICAR price snapshot
In-stock prices from 18 vendors, checked Oct 14, 2026.
- Vendors
- 18
- Listings
- 18
- Observed range
- $32–$90
Market evidence
AICAR product testing and COAs
We found certificates from some of the AICAR vendors we track. Based on the certificates our crawler found; vendors may publish more than we index. Research on this page describes the molecule. Vendor certificates concern particular market samples or batches; they do not change the research evidence or establish clinical safety, sterility, or suitability for use.
AICAR research
The clinic network
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