L-Carnitine
L-carnitine; acetyl-L-carnitine; L-carnitine L-tartrate
Vitaminoid and related nutrients
Aliases / common names
Carnitine; ALCAR; acetyl-L-carnitine; carnitine tartrate
Natural food sources
Red meat, poultry, fish and dairy; the body synthesizes it from lysine and methionine.
Main wellness functions
Transports long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria; used in sports, energy and healthy-aging formulas.
Deficiency signs
Primary deficiency is rare but can cause muscle weakness, hypoglycemia and cardiomyopathy; secondary deficiency may occur in specific diseases.
Recommended intake
No official RDA/AI has been established. Follow product labels and professional advice when used for specific goals.
Excess intake effects
May cause nausea, cramps, diarrhea, fishy odor and, rarely, seizure worsening in susceptible people.
Contraindicated / caution groups
Use caution with seizure disorders, warfarin, severe kidney disease or trimethylaminuria.
Common dosage forms
Capsules, tablets, liquids, powders; L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine and L-carnitine tartrate.
Common product strengths
500-2,000 mg/day equivalent; ALCAR often 500-1,500 mg.
Use precautions
Do not position as a stand-alone weight-loss solution; pair claims with exercise and energy-metabolism support wording.
Supplement notes
Some research discusses TMAO generation from gut metabolism; cardiovascular relevance remains under study.
This information is for general nutrition education and product reference only. It does not replace medical diagnosis, treatment or individualized dietary advice.