What is L carnitine?
There are a lot of misconceptions out there about what L carnitine actually is. Some people refer to it as an amino acid, but that’s technically incorrect. It’s amazing how many sources out there have this wrong! Yes, it is extremely similar in structure, but L carnitine is actually a derivative of the amino acid, lysine.

What is L carnitine used for?
In a nutshell, it plays a crucial role in the metabolism of fat, specifically the “long chain” fatty acids.

You see, fats and nutrients flow through our blood and this supplies our cells with “fuel.” The mitochondria inside your cells use these supplied fats and sugars to make energy. The short and medium chain fatty acids can enter the mitochondrial wall by themselves. However, the long chain fats reportedly need L carnitine in order to get inside. So natural L carnitine is said to be good for supporting the metabolism of these fats.

Where does L carnitine come from?
There are two sources…

What we eat: Foods derived from animals contain carnitine. Unfortunately plant based sources contain only trace amounts. Therefore if you a strict vegan you are hardly getting any L carnitine through your diet.

Our body: Your body does produce carnitine naturally. However, there is a vast amount of research that suggests our body’s production of carnitine declines with age. This is why so many people in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and up are turning to L carnitine supplements.

How are L carnitine supplements used?
As a dietary supplement, the most common dosage on the market at this time appears to be 500mg, however some people use more or less depending on their age and circumstances (ask your doctor to find out what he recommends). Many people report increased energy from using L carnitine supplements, so for this reason some say it should avoided near the end of the day (just as you would avoid coffee late in the day). One of the most popular versions of this supplement is alpha lipoic acid acetyl l carnitine, because these two cellular nutrients combined are a powerful combination!

There are many different theories about aging. Some believe it’s an inevitable process that cannot be slowed down. Meanwhile there are many scientists that believe the right combination of nutrients and a healthy lifestyle can significantly slow down the process. So who’s right?

L carnitine: Your body makes less as you age?
Most of our carnitine comes from our body’s internal production of it. Yes, we do get some from diet, but unless you are a caveman eating several pounds of red meat per day, odds are you probably aren’t getting a great deal of it through diet alone.

There have been many studies done and reportedly our body’s ability to naturally produce it declines as we get older. That brings us to the chicken and egg question… is aging causing us to produce less L carnitine… or… is less L carnitine causing us to age? It’s impossible to know, but what we do know is that the older we get, the less we make.

Acetyl l carnitine and alpha lipoic acid… the perfect pair?
So why is alpha lipoic acid and acetyl l carnitine considered to be such an important duo? Well, here’s one reason…

As you probably know, L carnitine is important in the digestion of long chain fatty acids. In order to be burned, they need to enter the mitochondria in our cells. Unfortunately, the “long chain” size fats reportedly cannot penetrate the mitochondrial wall unless it is attached to carnitine.

So if carnitine enables metabolism of these long chain fatty acids, then in theory that would mean increased activity within the mitochondria (because they would be metabolizing more than they would without carnitine). In summary, higher energy production would be accompanied by increased electron flow… this can cause greater oxidative stress.

The argument for alpha lipoic acid acetyl L carnitine…
As we all know, oxidative stress isn’t a good thing (this is why antioxidants are so popular). What’s unique about alpha lipoic acid is that it is a powerful antioxidant that is an essential cofactor in four mitochondrial enzyme complexes. Therefore, evidence suggests that alpha lipoic acid may help balance out the increased electron flow associated with carnitine.

The duo is so special it’s patented…
Just how special is this finding? Well the benefits of acetyl l carnitine and alpha lipoic acid, when used together, was discovered by the University of California and they were granted a patent for it (5,916,912). Today, they license out the alpha lipoic acid acetyl L carnitine formula to various supplement manufacturers.

So if you’re going to take acetyl L carnitine, many say it only makes sense to take one formulation of it, and that is acetyl l carnitine and alpha lipoic acid.

Regular L Carnitine Dosage: A typical recommended daily dosage is often L carnitine 500 mg to 1,000 mg. However it’s important to realize that L carnitine is reportedly known for boosting energy levels, similar to caffeine. Therefore it’s best to take before 3pm. Also, some nutritionists recommend co-supplementing acetyl L carnitine and alpha lipoic acid, because they are said to work best together.

There have been dozens of clinical trials which suggest L carnitine supplements may be very beneficial for a number of diseases and conditions, however the FDA has not evaluated any of these claims. It’s important to understand that L carnitine is only a dietary supplement (not medicine) and cannot be used for the diagnosis, prevention, cure, or treatment of a disease.

L Carnitine Dosage Weight Loss & Endurance
L carnitine reportedly supports weight loss in two different ways:

Fat Burning: Carnitine assists in the burning of fat. In fact, long chain fatty acids reportedly cannot be metabolized by your mitochondria without the aid of carnitine. While it’s true our bodies make carnitine naturally, there’s less produced as we get older. Furthermore, studies have suggested that L carnitine deficiencies appear more prevalent in obese individuals.

Energy Support: When taking a supplemental L carnitine dosage, one benefit is energy support. This makes sense, since carnitine supports cell mitochondria in burning long chain fatty acids, turning them into energy. Common sense also tells you that when a person has a healthy amount of energy, they’re more likely to be physically active, exercise, etc.

According to numerous online publications, the typical L carnitine dosage for weight loss seems to be between 1 to 3 grams (1,000 to 3,000 mg) daily. That being said, it seems to be more common to stick to the low end of that range.

L Carnitine Dosage For Heart
Perhaps some of the most promising benefits of L carnitine are those which are heart related. There have been quite a few clinical studies which have shown very exciting results, especially for angina.  Logically speaking, it makes sense since the heart is a muscle. It has been said that muscles get up to seventy percent of their energy through burning fatty acids.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center website, here are the adult recommended supplemental L carnitine dosages for heart conditions:

• Heart failure & Angina: 1.5 to 2 grams daily
• Peripheral vascular: 2 to 4 grams per day
• Heart disease: 600 to 1,200 mg taken 3 times per day, or 750 mg taken 2 times per day

Of course as a reminder, L carnitine is not medicine and should NOT be used to treat, cure, or prevent any of the above!

L Carnitine Dosage For Brain
What’s unique about acetyl L carnitine is that is has the ability to pass through the blood-brain barrier. Proper energy metabolism for the brain is vital since it makes up 20% of your body’s energy consumption. This is why research suggests L carnitine supplements are beneficial for degenerative brain conditions. The studies have had mixed results so far, so further research is needed. However this isn’t stopping many doctors and nutritionists from recommending acetyl L carnitine supplements for this purpose.

L carnitine dosage for this use varies greatly. There are some sources which recommend 250 mg to 300 mg to avoid possible side effects – such as nausea – which may occur in people who are sensitive to supplements. However there have been other sources which recommend the typical dosage of L carnitine 500 mg to 1,000 mg for supporting brain health. Others have recommended even higher. Consult your doctor to find out what would be best for you.

L Carnitine Dosage For Other Conditions
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center resource (discussed above) here are some other L carnitine dosages which were mentioned for specific conditions, but of course this should only be done under the direction of a physician:

• Overactive thyroid: 2 to 4 grams daily, divided in 2 to 4 doses
• Diabetic neuropathy: 3 grams daily
• Male infertility: 300 mg 1,000 mg, three times per day
• Chronic fatigue syndrome: 500 to 1,000 mg, 3 to 4 times per day

Important L Carnitine Dosage Warning
With the fatty acids being metabolized by the cells more efficiently, there is naturally an increase in electron flow that goes along with it. Inevitably, that may mean an increase in oxidative stress. In order to help balance these things out, some say it’s best to combine acetyl L carnitine & alpha lipoic acid (a powerful antioxidant and natural cofactor in mitochondrial enzymes). So ideally a two-in-one alpha lipoic acid acetyl L carnitine supplement.

Why is L carnitine useful?
Some of the L carnitine side effects actually make sense once you understand how it works.

Most of your body’s energy is made by the mitochondria inside your cells. These mitochondria burn nutrients, turning them into energy. Carnitine is an essential nutrient that helps your mitochondria absorb and metabolize certain types of fats.

The so called “long chain” fats cannot make it into the cells by themselves. These types of fats need carnitine to transport them from the blood’s plasma into the cell. Without carnitine acting as a transporter, reportedly this category of fats cannot be metabolized by the mitochondria.

What are the side effects of L carnitine?
This process supports the burning of long chain fats. Naturally, that can reportedly lead to higher cellular energy production. Along with that, reportedly there may be certain side effects. Some are common (like increased energy) while others seem to only affect certain groups of people with specific medical conditions. Of course like almost any supplement or food, mild side effects like upset stomach or nausea are possible. Some sources claim a fishy odor in the urine, sweat, and breath can occur, but that probably only occurs with a high dosage as that is a side effect which you don’t hear about.

Please note that dietary supplements (like L carnitine) should never be used for the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, or cure of any disease or medical condition. None of the claims re-published on this site have been evaluated by the FDA. Nor does this site itself make any claims to L carntine – all of the alleged information presented here has been gathered from various sources.

Here are various tips for taking L carnitine supplements which have been published on other websites:

Don’t take them late in the day. Because L carnitine is known for boosting energy levels, it’s important to avoid them later in the day (just like caffeine). The notable nutritionist Robert Crayon, who dedicated several years researching carnitine, advises against taking it after 3pm since doing so may make it difficult to fall asleep a few hours later. This is the most common L carnitine side effect, but obviously it can be easily controlled by simply taking them early on in the day.

Have cancer or HIV? Then you should avoid this supplement unless your doctor tells you otherwise. This is because one of the L carnitine side effects is that it may interfere with medicines used in treating these diseases.

Have a history of seizures? Then you should not take L carnitine supplements, unless specifically directed by your doctor. L carnitine supplements have been known to increase the frequency and/or seriousness of seizures for those that have a history of them. It has been theorized that the reason for this may be because L carnitine causes increased cellular activity and energy, which in turn may trigger the “switch” which causes an episode.

Are you pregnant? There is not enough known as to whether there are any L carnitine side effects for women who are expecting. Therefore if that’s you, it would be best to be safe and avoid L carnitine unless directed by your doctor.

Under-active thyroid? There is some research which may suggest L carnitine supplements may not be a good idea for those suffering from this condition. It is suspected that an L carnitine side effect is  that it might possibly interfere with this gland’s hormone.

Is L carnitine safe to take?
This is a naturally occurring nutrient that we’ve known about for over a hundred years and is likely safe, according to numerous sources. There have been many clinical trials conducted and it appears to greatly support the health of our heart, brain, muscles, the burning of fat, and your energy. Our bodies produce less as we age, which is why deficiency is common. L carnitine been coined the anti-aging supplement by because both scientists and consumers. For best results, it has been recommended to take alpha lipoic acid and L carnitine supplements together as they compliment each other.

Mitochondria and Aging?
Why do your cells age and become less efficient? Well the mitochondria inside are said to have a lot to do with it. You see, each cell is its own powerplant which holds up to a thousand or more mitochondria… they are responsible for producing the cell’s energy. When these mitochondria don’t function properly, the energy production of the cell suffers. And as you can probably guess, when a cell doesn’t have its needed energy, degeneration will occur.

Do You Need Acetyl L Carnitine?
Carnitine helps “feed” the mitochondria so they can do their job. In fact, without carntine, the long chain fatty acids would not be able to enter the mitochondria membrane. The “short” and “medium” chain fats can do it alone, but the long chain fats need carnitine to transport it through the membrane so they can be metabolized.

Your carnitine comes from two sources; your body makes it and you get it from certain foods. However as we age our bodies make much less of it. The amount we get from diet is dismal, at best. The highest natural source of it is red meats, however you would need to consume a staggering two pounds of it daily to get 500 mg L carnitine.

Unfortunately there aren’t any healthier alternative food sources; the second-best source – milk – has less than 1/10th as much as beef. Chicken, fish, and cheese come in even lower at around 1/20th. Fruits and veggies have only trace amounts. This is why so many believe that acetyl L carnitine supplements are important.

Acetlyl L Carnitine Benefits
There are different formulations of carnitine. While all of them are said to support the metabolism of fats, research suggests that acetyl L carnitine offers a number of additional, unique benefits. This is why it has been the most widely researched carnitine formulation.

*Please understand that acetyl L carnitine is a dietary supplement. You should never use dietary supplements for the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. The claims and benefits published here have NOT been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Furthermore, this site makes no claims about acetyl L carnitine – all of the alleged benefits discussed here are nothing more than reproduced information gathered from other sources.

Nerve and Brain Function: Acetyl L carnitine is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Although your brain makes up only 2% of your weight, it accounts for 20% of your body’s energy consumption. This is why it’s so vital that the mitochondria in your brain cells work properly – so they can supply your brain cells with the energy they need. In research and clinical studies, acetyl L carnitine benefits have been associated with a number of degenerative brain conditions.

Diabetic Neuropathy: Victims of this disease are susceptible to nerve damage from high levels of blood sugar. One of the most exciting acetyl L carnitine benefits is that it may help combat this problem. There were two placebo controlled, double-blind clinical studies which monitored 1,257 people with this problem for one full year. The patients which were given acetyl L carnitine reportedly showed improvement, less pain and better sensory perception. There was even evidence to suggest it may be promoting regeneration of the nerve fiber. To dosages administered involved acetyl L carnitine 500 mg or 1,000 mg daily, with the 1,000 mg group showing the most improvement.

On a related note, there has been preliminary data which suggest it might assist in blood sugar control for those with adult-onset (type 2).

Cardiac Function: Studies have shown that muscles generate up to 70% of their energy through the burning of fats. Your heart is the hardest working muscle in your body, so it makes sense why carnitine is said to be so beneficial for it. There have many studies, including ones which were placebo controlled and double blind, which suggest that L carnitine may be beneficial for a number of different cardiac problems.

Warning About Acetyl L Carnitine Supplements
Reportedly acetyl L carnitine benefits the mitochondrial processing of fats, which support cellular energy. However, greater energy also means greater electron flow, which may cause increased oxidation. The solution? In laboratory research using animals, scientists have discovered that co-supplementing with alpha lipoic acid helped decrease the effects of oxidation.

Not only is alpha lipoic acid an ultra potent antioxidant which helps neutralize oxidative damage, but it is an essential cofactor in four different mitochondrial enzymes. This is why it’s considered to be the ideal way to help balance out the increased oxidative stress that accompanies the higher energy production. That’s why many says its best to take acetyl l carnitine & alpha lipoic acid together.

Q: How do the alleged L carnitine fumarate benefits differ from the other version, acetyl L carnitine?

Note: Dietary supplements are never to be used for the prevention, treatment, cure, or diagnosis of a disease. The claims mentioned here about L carntine fumarate benefits have NOT been evaluated by the FDA. Nor does this article itself make any claims – the information reported here is merely reproduced from various sources.

A: Both variations are forms of carnitine, so as you can guess, they are extremely similar. But there are some extremely important things you need to know…

Their primary benefit is supporting the metabolism of so called “long chain” fatty acids (one of the three types of fatty acids we get from our food). L carnitine fumarate and acetyle L carnitine transport these fatty acids to your mitochondria, where they are “burned” or metabolized.

The other two types of fatty acids can enter the mitochondria by themselves. However these “long chain” fats reportedly cannot penetrate the mitochondria membrane without the help of carnitine to transport them there. Without carnitine, reportedly these fats cannot be metabolized.

Since up to seventy percent of our muscles get their energy through fat, one can guess why L carnitine is such an important nutrient. This is why it’s such a popular dietary supplement for athletes seeking to support energy, as well as for everyday people seeking to support their metabolism to maximize weight loss.

L carnitine fumarate benefits
Reportedly both forms are excellent for supporting your metabolism and muscles. However research suggests that L carnitine fumarate benefits weightloss to a greater extent. This is why many bodybuilders opt for it. Meanwhile the “acetyl” type appears to offer better neurological support than L carnitine fumarate.

Who is a candidate for L carnitine supplements?
Since we make less of it as we age, some experts go so far as to claim supplementation is crucial for everyone over the age of 40. However there is a large body of scientific research which suggests a significant portion of the population – regardless of age – suffers from deficiency.

This is because red meats are the only foods which really contain much of it (nearly 10x more than other types of meat). Unfortunately, a person would need to consume a whopping 2lbs of red meat per day just to get 500 mg L carnitine! How many people do you know that do that?! Furthermore, strict vegetarians get almost no L carnitine since only trace amounts are found in their food.

Now you know why this supplement is getting so much buzz. Reportedly both acetyl and L carnitine fumarate benefits the body and supports our health in big ways. Deficiency can reportedly lead to poor energy levels and frequent physical fatigue. This is why L carnitine supplements are something you should ask your doctor about.