Nutritional Supplement

L-Carnitine

Also indexed as:Carnitine

Where to Find It

Dairy and red meat contain the greatest amounts of carnitine. Therefore, people who have a limited intake of meat and dairy products tend to have lower L-carnitine intakes.

Best Form to Take

Derivatives of L-carnitine, specifically propionyl-L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine, are available in supplement form, and have been used in some studies. Propionyl-L-carnitine has been used in some studies as an alternative to L-carnitine; it reportedly has greater affinity for cardiac and skeletal muscle than L-carnitine. Although acetyl-L-carnitine can be a source of L-carnitine and shows benefits in its own right, the use of L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine are not interchangeable. DL-carnitine, which is a mix of L-carnitine and its isomer, D-carnitine, is no longer used due to concerns about D-carnitine’s safety and its interference with the L-isomer.78

How to Use It

Most people do not need carnitine supplements. For therapeutic use, typical amounts are 1–3 grams per day.

It remains unclear whether the propionyl-L-carnitine form of carnitine used in congestive heart failure research has greater benefits than the L-carnitine form, since limited research in both animals and humans with the more common L-carnitine has also shown very promising effects.79

References

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31. Kothari SS, Sharma M. L-carnitine in children with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Indian Heart J 1998;50:59-61.

32. Gasser P, Martina B, Dubler B. Reaction of capillary blood cell velocity in nailfold capillaries to L-carnitine in patients with vasospastic disease. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1997;23:39-43.

33. Zhang JJ, Wu ZB, Cai YJ, et al. L-carnitine ameliorated fasting-induced fatigue, hunger, and metabolic abnormalities in patients with metabolic syndrome: a randomized controlled study. Nutrition Journal. 2014 Nov;13:110.

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38. Samimi M, Jamilian M,Ebrahimi FA, et al. Oral carnitine supplementation reduces body weight and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Clinical Endocrinology. 2016 Jun;84(6):851–7.

39. Adeva-Andany M, Calvo-Castro I, Fernandez-Fernandez C, et al. Significance of l-carnitine for human health. IUBMB Life 2017;69:578–94.

40. Bene J, Hadzsiev K, Melegh B. Role of carnitine and its derivatives in the development and management of type 2 diabetes. Nutr Diabetes 2018;8:8.

41. Ramazani M, Qujeq D, Moazezi Z. Assessing the Levels of L-Carnitine and Total Antioxidant Capacity in Adults with Newly Diagnosed and Long-Standing Type 2 Diabetes. Can J Diabetes 2019;43:46-50.e41.

42. Poorabbas A, Fallah F, Bagdadchi J, et al. Determination of free L-carnitine levels in type II diabetic women with and without complications. Eur J Clin Nutr 2007;61:892–5.

43. Ringseis R, Keller J, Eder K. Role of carnitine in the regulation of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity: evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies with carnitine supplementation and carnitine deficiency. Eur J Nutr 2012;51:1–18.

44. Vidal-Casariego A, Burgos-Pelaez R, Martinez-Faedo C, et al. Metabolic effects of L-carnitine on type 2 diabetes mellitus: systematic review and meta-analysis. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2013;121:234–8.

45. El-Sheikh H, El-Haggar S, Elbedewy T. Comparative study to evaluate the effect of l-carnitine plus glimepiride versus glimepiride alone on insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients. Diabetes Metab Syndr 2019;13:167–73.

46. Derosa G, Maffioli P, Ferrari I, et al. Orlistat and L-carnitine compared to orlistat alone on insulin resistance in obese diabetic patients. Endocr J 2010;57:777–86.

47. Derosa G, Maffioli P, Salvadeo S, et al. Sibutramine and L-carnitine compared to sibutramine alone on insulin resistance in diabetic patients. Intern Med 2010;49:1717–25.

48. Galvano F, Li Volti G, Malaguarnera M, et al. Effects of simvastatin and carnitine versus simvastatin on lipoprotein(a) and apoprotein(a) in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2009;10:1875–82.

49. Molfino A, Cascino A, Conte C, et al. Caloric restriction and L-carnitine administration improves insulin sensitivity in patients with impaired glucose metabolism. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 2010;34:295–9.

50. Imbe A, Tanimoto K, Inaba Y, et al. Effects of L-carnitine supplementation on the quality of life in diabetic patients with muscle cramps. Endocr J 2018;65:521–6.

51. Fathizadeh H, Milajerdi A, Reiner Z, et al. The effects of L-carnitine supplementation on glycemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Excli j 2019;18:631–43.

52. Johri A, Heyland D, Hetu M, et al. Carnitine therapy for the treatment of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease: evidence and controversies. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2014;24:808–14.

53. Alipour B, Barzegar A, Panahi F, et al. Effect of L-Carnitine Supplementation on Metabolic Status in Obese Diabetic Women with Hypocaloric Diet. Health Scope 2014;3:e14615.

54. Salehpour S, Nazari L, Hoseini S, et al. Effects of L-carnitine on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. JBRA Assist Reprod 2019;23:392–5.

55. Sima A. Acetyl-L-carnitine in diabetic polyneuropathy: experimental and clinical data. CNS Drugs 2007;21:13–23.

56. Evans J, Jacobs T, Evans E. Role of acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Ann Pharmacother 2008;42:1686–91.

57. Li S, Chen X, Li Q, et al. Effects of acetyl-L-carnitine and methylcobalamin for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. J Diabetes Investig 2016;7:777–85.

58. Cavallini G, Caracciolo S, Vitali G, et al. Carnitine versus androgen administration in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, depressed mood, and fatigue associated with male aging. Urology2004;63:641-6.

59. Costa M, Canale D, Filicori M, et al. L-carnitine in idiopathic asthenozoospermia: a multicenter study. Andrologia 1994;26:155-9.

60. Vitali G, Parente R, Melotti C. Carnitine supplementation in human idiopathic asthenospermia: clinical results. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1995;21:157-9.

61. Moncada ML, Vicari E, Cimino C, et al. Effect of acetylcarnitine treatment in oligoasthenospermic patients. Acta Europaea Fertilitatis 1992;23:221-4.

62. Van Oudheusden LJ, Scholte HR. Efficacy of carnitine in the treatment of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2002;67:33-8.

63. Geier DA, Kern JK, Davis G, et al. A prospective double-blind, randomized clinical trial of levocarnitine to treat autism spectrum disorders. Med Sci Monit 2011;17:PI15-23.

64. Cavallini G, Caracciolo S, Vitali G, et al. Carnitine versus androgen administration in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, depressed mood, and fatigue associated with male aging. Urology2004;63:641-6.

65. Kuratsune H, Yamaguti K, Takahashi M, et al. Acylcarnitine deficiency in chronic fatigue syndrome. Clin Infect Dis 1994;18(1 suppl):S62-7.

66. Plioplys AV, Plioplys S. Amantadine and L-carnitine treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. Neuropsychobiology 1997;35:16-23.

67. Gramignano G, Lusso MR, Madeddu C, et al. Efficacy of L-carnitine administration on fatigue, nutritional status, oxidative stress, and related quality of life in 12 advanced cancer patients undergoing anticancer therapy. Nutrition2006;22:136-45.

68. Cruciani RA, Dvorkin E, Homel P, et al. Safety, tolerability and symptom outcomes associated with L-carnitine supplementation in patients with cancer, fatigue, and carnitine deficiency: a phase I/II study. J Pain Symptom Manage 2006;32:551-9.

69. Cerretelli P, Marconi C. L-carnitine supplementation in humans. The effects on physical performance. Int J Sports Med 1990;11:1-14 [review].

70. Heinonen OJ. Carnitine and physical exercise. Sports Med 1996;22:109-32 [review].

71. Bucci LR. Nutrients as ergogenic aids for sports and exercise. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1993, 47-52 [review].

72. Colombani P, Wenk C, Kunz I, et al. Effects of L-carnitine supplementation on physical performance and energy metabolism of endurance-trained athletes: a double blind crossover field study. Eur J Appl Physiol 1996;73:434–9.

73. Decombaz J, Deriaz O, Acheson K, et al. Effect of L-carnitine on submaximal exercise metabolism after depletion of muscle glycogen. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1993;25:733-40.

74. Trappe SW, Costill DL, Goodpaster B, et al. The effects of L-carnitine supplementation on performance during interval swimming. Int J Sports Med 1994;15:181-5.

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76. Al-Biltagi M, Isa M, Bediwy AS, et al. L-Carnitine improves the asthma control in children with moderate persistent asthma. J Allergy (Cairo) 2012;2012:509730.

77. Giamberardino MA, Dragani L, Valente R, et al. Effects of prolonged L-carnitine administration on delayed muscle pain and CK release after eccentric effort. Int J Sports Med 1996;17:320-4.

78. Gaby, AR. Nutritional Medicine. Concord, NH: Fritz Perlberg Publishing, 2011.

79. Kobayashi A, Masumura Y, Yamazaki N. L-carnitine treatment for congestive heart failure—experimental and clinical study. Jpn Circ J 1992;56:86-94.

80. Dipalma JR. Carnitine deficiency. Am Fam Physician 1988;38:243-51.

81. Kendler BS. Carnitine: an overview of its role in preventive medicine. Prev Med 1986;15:373-90.

82. Tamamogullari N, Silig Y, Icagasioglu S, Atalay A. Carnitine deficiency in diabetes mellitus complications. J Diabetes Complications 1999;13:251-3.

83. Del Favero A. Carnitine and gangliosides. Lancet 1988;2:337 [letter].

Copyright © 2024 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.

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