L-Carnitine

Overview

Carnitine is found in nearly all cells of the body and plays a critical role in the production of energy. It transports long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria so they can be oxidized or burned to produce energy. Carnitine also transports toxic compounds out of the cellular organelles, preventing any accumulation. Given these functions, carnitine is concentrated in tissues that utilize fatty acids as fuel, like skeletal and cardiac muscles. For most people, the body makes enough carnitine. However, some people have genetic or medical conditions that prevent their bodies from meeting the necessary amount. This is when oral or injected supplementation is essential. Carnitine occurs in two forms: D-carnitine and L-carnitine. They are isomers (or mirror images) of each other. L-carnitine is the active form found in the body that transports fat to cells to be used as fuel in metabolic processes. D-carnitine does not occur naturally in humans. L-carnitine is synthesized in the brain, liver, and kidneys from the amino acids methionine and lysine and is critical to heart and brain function, muscle movement, and several other body processes. Insufficient carnitine can lead to problems in the liver, heart, and muscles.

What Is Carnitine Prescribed For?

Carnitine is indicated in those with cardiovascular disease, renal (kidney) insufficiency, male infertility, diabetes, muscular disease, and HIV/AIDS.

Other Uses

Helps turn fat into energy, which makes it an ideal supplement for fitness goals. L-Carnitine may help reduce muscle damage during resistance training.

Dosage, Concentration, Route of Administration

Dosage: Seek advice from a licensed physician, medical director, or other healthcare provider

Concentration: 500mg/ml

Route of Administration: IV/IM

Precautions/Side Effects

According to the National Institutes of Health, carnitine interacts with pivalate-conjugated antibiotics such as pivampicillin which are used in the treatment of urinary tract infections. Taking these antibiotics increases the excretion of pivaloyl-carnitine, which can lead to carnitine depletion. Carnitine also interacts with the anticonvulsants valproic acid, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or carbamazepine. Taking these have been shown to significantly decrease blood levels of carnitine. In addition, the use of valproic acid with or without other anticonvulsants may cause hepatotoxicity and increase plasma ammonia concentrations, leading to encephalopathy.

Some common side effects include:

• – Nausea
• – Vomiting
• – Stuffy nose
• – Diarrhea
• – Restlessness
• – Insomnia
• – Body odor (“fishy” smell)

Some serious side effects may include:

• – Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
• – Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• – Fever

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature. Protect from light.