L-Carnitine |
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Basic Information
L-carnitine is synthesized in the body from the amino acids
lysine and methionine.
Available from natural sources? Yes
Available from synthetic sources? Yes
Prescription required? No
NATURAL SOURCES
Avocados
Dairy products
Red meats, especially lamb and beef
Tempeh (fermented soybean product)
REASONS TO USE
Promotes normal growth and development.
UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS
Treats and possibly prevents some forms of cardiovascular
disease.
Protects against muscle disease.
Helps build muscle.
Protects against liver disease.
Protects against diabetes.
Protects against kidney disease.
Aids in dieting. May make low-calorie diets easier to tolerate
by reducing feelings of hunger and weakness.
WHO NEEDS ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS?
Anyone with deficient protein or amino acids in their diet
because L-carnitine requires essential amino acids to be
synthesized by the body.
Children, pregnant or breast-feeding women who are vegan
vegetarians.
People with recent severe burns or injuries.
Those on hemodialysis.
Premature infants.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
Muscle fatigue
Cramps
Changes in kidney-function chemistry following exercise
UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS
Premature aging
Heartbeat irregularities in someone who has had a heart attack
Angina (See Glossary)
LAB TESTS TO DETECT DEFICIENCY
None available, except for experimental purposes.
DOSAGE AND USAGE INFORMATION
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA):
No RDA has been established.
What this supplement does:
Transports long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria, which are
the metabolic furnaces of cells (particularly heart and kidney
cells) where they may be oxidized to yield energy.
Miscellaneous information:
L-carnitine is synthesized in human kidney and liver from the
essential amino acids lysine and methionine, plus vitamins B-6,
C, iron.
Available as:
L-carnitine tablets: Swallow whole with full glass of liquid.
Don't chew or crush. Take with meals or 1 to 1-1/2 hours after
meals unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Avoid DL-
carnitine tablets; they may be toxic.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if you:
Are allergic to any food protein, such as eggs, milk, wheat.
Are at risk of poor nutrition for any reason.
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in
the near future.
Consult your doctor if you have:
Any liver or kidney problems.
Over age 55:
No special problems expected.
Pregnancy:
Problems in pregnant women taking small or usual amounts have
not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't
use unless prescribed by your doctor.
Breast-feeding:
Problems in breast-fed infants of lactating mothers taking
small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of
problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.
Effect on lab tests:
None known.
Storage:
Store in cool, dry place away from direct light, but don't
freeze.
Store safely out of reach of children.
Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture
may change action of supplement.
OVERDOSE/TOXICITY
Signs and symptoms:
Muscle weakness.
What to do:
For symptoms of overdosage: Discontinue supplement, and
consult doctor. Also see ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
section below.
For accidental overdosage (such as child taking entire bottle):
Dial 911 (emergency), 0 for operator or your nearest Poison
Control Center.
ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
| Reaction or effect |
What to do |
| Symptoms of myasthenia |
Don't take supplements without |
| (progressive weakness of |
doctor's prescription and |
| certain muscle groups without |
supervision. |
| evidence of atrophy or wasting) |
| have been reported in kidney |
| patients being maintained for |
| prolonged periods on |
| hemodialysis and supplemental |
| DL-carnitine |
INTERACTION WITH MEDICINE, VITAMINS OR MINERALS
None expected
INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES
None known
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