FAQs About L-Carnitine Supplements
What is L-Carnitine?
L-Carnitine is an amino acid derivative that may support weight loss by assisting with the transportation of fatty acids into the cells’ mitochondria, where they are oxidised to produce usable energy (Mawer, R. 2018).
Mawer, R. 2018, ‘L-Carnitine: Benefits, Side Effects, Sources and Dosage’, Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/l-carnitine
Mawer, R. 2018, ‘L-Carnitine: Benefits, Side Effects, Sources and Dosage’, Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/l-carnitine
Is L-Carnitine a fat burner?
L-Carnitine is generally known as a fat burner because, on a cellular level, that is its primary service. L-Carnitine supports the transportation of fatty acids to your mitochondria, where they are oxidised for energy (Beabout, L. 2020).
Beabout, L. 2020, ‘What’s L-Carnitine, and Does It Live Up to the Hype?’ Greatist, https://greatist.com/health/l-carnitine
Beabout, L. 2020, ‘What’s L-Carnitine, and Does It Live Up to the Hype?’ Greatist, https://greatist.com/health/l-carnitine
What are the benefits of L-Carnitine for weight loss?
The primary function of L-Carnitine for weight loss is that it supports the transportation of fatty acids to the mitochondria, where they are oxidised for energy. L-Carnitine can also boost antioxidant capacity and reduce inflammation and metabolic health (Examine. 2022).
Examine. 2022, ‘L-Carnitine’, https://examine.com/supplements/carnitine/
Examine. 2022, ‘L-Carnitine’, https://examine.com/supplements/carnitine/
Are L-Carnitine supplements safe?
L-Carnitine should be safe and free of side effects if you’re consuming 2 or fewer grams. In long-term use, there may be mind side effects like nausea and stomach discomfort. If you experience any side effects, you should discontinue use and consult a GP for advice (Mawer, R. 2018).
Mawer, R. 2018, ‘L-Carnitine: Benefits, Side Effects, Sources and Dosage’, Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/l-carnitine
Mawer, R. 2018, ‘L-Carnitine: Benefits, Side Effects, Sources and Dosage’, Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/l-carnitine
How does L-Carnitine work to promote weight loss?
L-Carnitine works by stimulating your body into burning more triglycerides (type of fat found in your blood). L-Carnitine promotes the use of triglycerides as an energy source in place of carbohydrates. Supplementing with L-Carnitine can help your body oxidise those fatty acids (triglycerides), allowing your body to spare its supply of glycogen and burn more fat by using it as a fuel source (The O’Brien Clinic).
The O’Brien Clinic. ‘L-Carnitine And Fat Loss’, https://www.obrienclinic.com/general/l-carnitine-and-fat-loss/#:~:text=L%2Dcarnitine%20works%20by%20stimulating,source%20as%20compared%20to%20carbohydrates
The O’Brien Clinic. ‘L-Carnitine And Fat Loss’, https://www.obrienclinic.com/general/l-carnitine-and-fat-loss/#:~:text=L%2Dcarnitine%20works%20by%20stimulating,source%20as%20compared%20to%20carbohydrates
How much L-Carnitine should I take for weight loss?
If you’re supplementing with L-Carnitine, follow the nutritional panel on the back for directions on how much to take. The general recommended dosage is approximately 1-3 grams per day (Johnson, J. 2020).
Johnson, J. 2020, ‘What to know about L-carnitine’, Medical News Today, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/l-carnitine
Johnson, J. 2020, ‘What to know about L-carnitine’, Medical News Today, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/l-carnitine
How often should I take L-Carnitine for weight loss?
When taken orally, L-Carnitine should be safe to take for up to 12 months, and it is most commonly used in doses of 2 grams daily (WebMD).
WebMD. ‘L-Carnitine - Uses, Side Effects, And More’, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1026/l-carnitine#:~:text=When%20taken%20by%20mouth%3A%20L,%2Dcarnitine%20and%20DL%2Dcarnitine
WebMD. ‘L-Carnitine - Uses, Side Effects, And More’, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1026/l-carnitine#:~:text=When%20taken%20by%20mouth%3A%20L,%2Dcarnitine%20and%20DL%2Dcarnitine
When should I take L-Carnitine?
If your goal is to lose weight, consuming L-Carnitine before and during exercise may improve your performance and results. L-Carnitine appears to limit muscle metabolism during high-intensity workouts, so it may be effective when consumed during training (Johnson, J. 2020).
Johnson, J. 2020, ‘What to know about L-carnitine’, Medical News Today, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/l-carnitine
Johnson, J. 2020, ‘What to know about L-carnitine’, Medical News Today, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/l-carnitine
Who should take L-Carnitine?
If you are trying to improve your weight-loss results, supplementing with L-Carnitine may help you enhance your results. Additionally, if you are deficient in carnitine, a supplement may help you replenish yourself.
Who should not take L-Carnitine?
L-Carnitine should be safe to take as long as it is taken in accordance with the recommended dosage on the nutritional panel and in line with a balanced diet. However, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, prone to seizures, suffer from hypothyroidism or have any other allergies, prescription medications, or medical conditions, then you should check with a GP before consumption (WebMD).
WedMD. ‘L-Carnitine - Uses, Side Effects, And More’, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1026/l-carnitine#:~:text=When%20taken%20by%20mouth%3A%20L,%2Dcarnitine%20and%20DL%2Dcarnitine
WedMD. ‘L-Carnitine - Uses, Side Effects, And More’, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1026/l-carnitine#:~:text=When%20taken%20by%20mouth%3A%20L,%2Dcarnitine%20and%20DL%2Dcarnitine
What are the side effects of L-Carnitine?
If consumed correctly, you shouldn’t experience any side effects. However, side effects like heartburn, diarrhea, seizures, and stomach discomfort are all possible, particularly in long-term use. You may also experience a ‘fishy’ odour in the breath, sweat and urine. Discontinue use and consult a GP if you experience any of these symptoms (WebMD).
WedMD. ‘L-Carnitine - Uses, Side Effects, And More’, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1026/l-carnitine#:~:text=When%20taken%20by%20mouth%3A%20L,%2Dcarnitine%20and%20DL%2Dcarnitine
WedMD. ‘L-Carnitine - Uses, Side Effects, And More’, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1026/l-carnitine#:~:text=When%20taken%20by%20mouth%3A%20L,%2Dcarnitine%20and%20DL%2Dcarnitine
Can L-Carnitine cause headaches?
You shouldn’t experience headaches when consuming L-Carnitine, particularly if you are consuming the recommended dosage. If you experience headaches, it may be due to potential allergies, reactions to other medications, or another issue. If symptoms persist, discontinue use and consult a GP.
Can L-Carnitine cause hair loss?
On the contrary, studies have shown that L-Carnitine can stimulate hair growth. This is due to its ability to increase proliferation and decrease apoptosis in follicular cells. Carnitine supports an increase in the energy supplied to the hair follicles matrix (Complementary Compounding Services).
Complementary Compounding Services. ‘Natural Hair Loss Treatment’, https://custommedicine.com.au/health-articles/natural-hair-loss-treatment/#:~:text=Studies%20have%20shown%20that%20L,potassium%20channels%20in%20hair%20follicles
Complementary Compounding Services. ‘Natural Hair Loss Treatment’, https://custommedicine.com.au/health-articles/natural-hair-loss-treatment/#:~:text=Studies%20have%20shown%20that%20L,potassium%20channels%20in%20hair%20follicles
Can L-Carnitine cause acne?
No. In fact, L-Carnitine may actually support the reduction of acne. L-Carnitine helps to enhance the metabolism of fats and oils, which helps to reduce the excess sebum produces by the skin. Less sebum means acne-causing bacteria have less food, potentially assisting with the reduction of acne (Widrin, C. 2015).
Widrin, C. 2015, ‘L-carnitine, a Natural Non-Cystic Acne Remedy’, Balance Blends, https://balanceblends.com/blogs/news/71340805-l-carnitine-a-natural-non-cystic-acne-remedy#:~:text=L%2DCarnitine%20is%20an%20amino,bacteria%2C%20which%20means%20less%20acne
Widrin, C. 2015, ‘L-carnitine, a Natural Non-Cystic Acne Remedy’, Balance Blends, https://balanceblends.com/blogs/news/71340805-l-carnitine-a-natural-non-cystic-acne-remedy#:~:text=L%2DCarnitine%20is%20an%20amino,bacteria%2C%20which%20means%20less%20acne
What are the best L-Carnitine supplements?
Among the best L-Carnitine supplements is Evolve L-Carnitine, a 100% pure formula that is unflavoured, can be stacked with your favourite supplements and can support your weight goals and energy production.
