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Amino acid derivative

L-Carnitine

L-carnitine is a compound the body makes from the amino acids lysine and methionine and also gets from meat. It carries fatty acids into the mitochondria to be burned for energy.

Also listed as Acetyl-L-Carnitine, ALCAR, Acetylcarnitine, L-Carnitine-L-Tartrate

LongevityImmune SupportCognitionEnergyFitness

Similar names do not guarantee the same evidence

L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine are related forms, but the dementia trials described by NIH used acetyl-L-carnitine. A cognitive finding should not be transferred to every product labeled carnitine. The German consumer advice also distinguishes L-carnitine from its tartrate compound: about 3 g of the tartrate supplies 2 g L-carnitine. 1 2

What amounts have researchers used?

In the older weight-loss trials summarized by NIH, most amounts ranged from 1.8 to 4 g/day over 30–360 days. The cognitive studies used different forms and schedules. These are research exposures, not evidence that a larger dose produces more energy or a recommended routine for healthy adults. 1

Sources

  1. Carnitine: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals NIH Office of Dietary Supplements