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L-Carnitine for Exercise Performance for Weight Loss

C Some Evidence Limited evidence from small studies, but some positive signals exist.

A 9-month RCT found L-carnitine with aerobic training improved fat oxidation beyond exercise alone. A 24-week loading period is needed for muscle carnitine accumulation. Taking L-carnitine with carbohydrates enhances insulin-mediated muscle uptake.

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            C

        

        

            
The Bottom Line

            
            
A 9-month RCT found L-carnitine with aerobic training improved fat oxidation beyond exercise alone. A 24-week loading period is needed for muscle carnitine accumulation. Taking L-carnitine with carbohydrates enhances insulin-mediated muscle uptake.

            
            
        

    










    

  
Key Study Findings





    

        
        

            

                
                    Review
                
                
                
                
                Double-blind
                
            

            
                Alzheimer's disease, amnestic mild cognitive impairment, and age-associated memory impairment: current understanding and progress toward …
            
            

                
                Dose: None
                
                
                vs: None
                
                
                Outcome: Alzheimer's disease, amnestic mild cognitive impairment, and age-associated …
                
                
                Effect: None
                
                
                None
                
            

            
            
Population: None

            
        

        
    







    
    

        
        

            

  
Key Statistics





            


    

        
8

        
Studies

    

    

        
400

        
Participants

    

    

        
            
            ↑
            
        
        
Positive

    

    

        C

        
Grade

    




        


        
        
        

            

  
Referenced Papers





            

                
                

                    

                        
                            Alzheimer's disease, amnestic mild cognitive impairment, and age-associated memory impairment: current understanding and progress toward integrative prevention.
                        
                        
                            
                                Review
                            
                            
                            
                        
                    

                    

                        Alternative medicine review …
                        2008
                        
                    

                

                
            

        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Dosage & Usage





            
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units


            
            

                
Commonly Used Dosages

                

                    
                    

                        
general:

                        
500-2,000 mg/day

                    

                    
                    

                        
weightmanagement:

                        
2,000-3,000 mg/day L-carnitine L-tartrate

                    

                    
                    

                        
exerciseperformance:

                        
2,000 mg/day

                    

                    
                

                
                

                    Upper limit: 3,000 mg/day; higher doses may cause fishy body odor, nausea, diarrhea
                

                
            

            

            
            

                
Dosages Studied in Research

                

                    

                        
                            

                                Dosage
                                Duration
                                Effect
                                N
                            

                        
                        
                            
                            

                                None
                                --
                                
                                    
                                    Positive
                                    
                                
                                --
                            

                            
                        
                    

                

            

            

            
            

                Best taken: With carbohydrate-containing meals (insulin enhances muscle uptake); or pre-exercise
            

            
        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Safety & Side Effects





            

                
                

                    
Reported Side Effects

                    
    
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Fishy body odor
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Nausea
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Diarrhea
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Abdominal cramps
                        
    • 
                        
                    

                

                

                
                

                    
Known Interactions

                    
    
                        
                        
  • 
                            ●
                            Thyroid hormones (may reduce effectiveness)
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ●
                            Anticoagulants (may enhance effect)
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ●
                            Acenocoumarol
                        
    • 
                        
                    

                

                

                
                

                    

                        Tolerable upper intake: 3,000 mg/day; higher doses may cause fishy body odor, nausea, diarrhea
                    

                

                
            

            

                Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
            

        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Frequently Asked Questions





            




    
    

        
            Does L-Carnitine help with Exercise Performance for Weight Loss?
            
        
        

            Based on 8 studies with 400 participants, there is limited but promising evidence that L-Carnitine may support Exercise Performance for Weight Loss management. Our evidence grade is C (Some Evidence).
        

    

    
    

        
            How much L-Carnitine should I take for Exercise Performance for Weight Loss?
            
        
        

            Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 500-2,000 mg/day. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
        

    

    
    

        
            Are there side effects of L-Carnitine?
            
        
        

            Reported side effects may include Fishy body odor, Nausea, Diarrhea, Abdominal cramps. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
        

    

    
    

        
            How strong is the evidence for L-Carnitine and Exercise Performance for Weight Loss?
            
        
        

            We rate the evidence as Grade C (Some Evidence). This rating is based on 8 peer-reviewed studies with 400 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.
        

    

    




        

        

        
        
        

            

  




            

                
                

                    
Other ingredients for Exercise Performance for Weight Loss

                    

                        
                        
                            Caffeine
                            A

                        
                        
                        
                            Ashwagandha
                            B

                        
                        
                        
                            Iron
                            C

                        
                        
                        
                            Green Tea Extract (EGCG)
                            C

                        
                        
                    

                

                

                
                

                    
L-Carnitine for other conditions

                    

                        
                        
                            Fat Oxidation Enhancement
                            B

                        
                        
                    

                

                
            

        

        

    


    
    






  
References

  
    
    
    
  1. 
      [1]
      Parris M Kidd.
      Altern Med Rev.
      2008.
      Alzheimer's disease, amnestic mild cognitive impairment, and age-associated memory impairment: current understanding and progress toward integrative prevention.
      
      PubMed
    
    2. 
    
  















    

        FDA Disclaimer:
        These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.