Carnitine, also referred to as L-Carnitine, is an amino acid that helps break down fats in the body for the generation of energy. While carnitine occurs naturally in the body, being produced by the liver and kidneys and stored in the muscles, heart, brain, and sperm, it can also be found in several foods or taken as a nutritional supplement.
The majority of people get all the carnitine they require naturally and from the foods they eat. These foods include red meats, especially lamb, and dairy products, fish, poultry, asparagus, avocados, and peanut butter.
When people are deficient in carnitine they may take supplements to improve their health in a variety of ways. Carnitine is used to treat several conditions and some studies suggest that it may be helpful in treating even more. Some people also take carnitine supplements to assist with energy production and weight loss.
Not all types of physical activity are suitable for everyone. Users take training advice at their own personal risk.
Carnitine Benefits Canitine has been proven beneficial for the treatment of a wide range of disorders ranging from heart conditions, to Alzheimer’s disease, to male infertility. Some conditions have had more research done than others linking carnitine to an improvement or reduction in symp... more
Canitine has been proven beneficial for the treatment of a wide range of disorders ranging from heart conditions, to Alzheimer’s disease, to male infertility. Some conditions have had more research done than others linking carnitine to an improvement or reduction in symptoms. For some of these conditions there is also conflicting evidence as to whether or not Carnitine helps at all, yet many people swear by its treatment benefits. Conditions that may benefit from Carnitine supplementation include several heart conditions:
Other conditions benefitting from Carnitine:
Some medications can also cause a deficiency in carnitine levels. These include Isotretinoin, used to treat severe acne, and Valporic Acid, used as an anticonvulsant medication. Both of these have been shown to reduce carnitine in the body so those taking one of these drugs may be advised to also take supplemental carnitine.
Carnitine comes in several forms. The most common and least expensive is simply called L-carnitine or just carnitine. Another form, Acetyl L-carnitine, is often used to treat people with Alzheimer’s disease and other brain disorders. Propionyl L-Carnitine is often used with people who have heart conditions or peripheral vascular disease.
The dosage for a carnitine supplement varies depending on your age and your reason for taking carnitine. In children, carnitine should only be used when there is a significant carnitine deficiency in the body and only under the close supervision of a doctor. In adults, the most common dosage is one to three grams per day. This can vary depending on your medical condition. Some common doses for different conditions are listed below.
Those taking carnitine to increase the benefits of exercise should take two to four grams one hour before exercising for two weeks.
Since the main source of carnitine comes from animal proteins, those who are allergic to any food protein should not take carnitine. This includes allergies to eggs, milk, and wheat. Also women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon should not take carnitine.
Other than these precautions, carnitine side effects are very rare. Those taking more than five grams a day may experience diarrhea. Some other very rare side effects include increased appetite, body odor, or a rash. In a small number of cases more severe effects were seen in muscles. If you experience any muscle weakness while taking carnitine you should discontinue its use and call a doctor right away.
Additionally, there are some medications that can negatively interact with carnitine. The first is AZT, a drug used in the treatment of HIV and AIDS. Carnitine may protect muscle tissue against AZT, thereby reducing the drug’s effectiveness. The same is true for the drug, Doxorubicin, a chemotherapy treatment. Carnitine may reduce its effectiveness by protecting the body from its effects.
If you think you may benefit from the nutritional supplement Carnitine you should speak to your physician. Some people may have carnitine deficiencies without having any of the disorders discussed here. These include premature infants, the elderly, vegans, and breast feeding women. Your doctor can help you decide if Carnitine supplementation is right for you and inform you if you have any medical conditions that could be worsened by the supplements effects. Use the supplement finder provided to locate the best additions to your diet today!
Diarrhea |
Body Odor |
Increased Appetite |
Rashes |
Muscle Weakness |
Protein Allergic Reaction |
Contraindicated During Pregnancy |
3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-1-propanaminium inner salt, (3-carboxy2-hydroxypropyl) trimethylammonium hydroxide inner salt, 3-hydroxy-4-N-trimethylaminobutyrate, B-hydroxy-N-trimethyl aminobutyric acid, Beta-hydroxy-gamma-trimethylammonium butyrate, B(t) Factor, L-Carnitine, Carnitor, D-Carnitine, DL-Carnitine, L-3-hydroxy-4-(trimethylammonium)-butyrate, Levocarnitine, Levocarnitine Fumurate, L-Carnitina, L-Carnitine Fumarate, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, L-Carnitine Tartrate, (R)-(3-carboxy-2-hydroxypropyl) trimethylammonium hydroxide, (R)-3-hydroxy-4-trimethylammonio-butyrate, Vitacarn, Vitamin B(t) |
Alzheimer's |
Diabetic Neuropathy |
Energy |
Erectile Dysfunction |
Exercise Performance |
Heart Conditions |
Kidney Disease |
Male Infertility |
Muscle Mass |
Overactive Thyroid |
Peripheral Vascular Disease |
Peyronie’s Disease |
Weight Loss |