Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• AcCn, acetyl-L-carnitine, B (t) Factor, β-hydroxy-gamma-N-trimethylamino butyrate, carnitene, carnitine, carnitor, canitor, D-carnitine, D,L-carnitine, LAC, L-acetyl-carnitine, LCLT, L-carnitina, L-carnitine L-tartrate, L-CARNIPURE, levacecarnine, levocarnitine, levocarnitine chloride, LK-80, L-propionylcarnitine, propionil-L-carnitine, propionyl-L-carnitine, ST261, VitaCarn®, vitamin B(t), vitamin Bt.
• Selected combination product: PhenCal (phenylalanine, tryptophan, glutamine, pyridoxal-5'-phosphate, chromium picolinate, carnitine).

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• The main function of L-carnitine is to transfer long-chain fatty acids in the form of their acyl-carnitine esters across the inner mitochondrial membrane before beta-oxidation. In humans it is synthesized in the liver, kidney, and brain and actively transported to other areas of the body. For example, 98% of the total body L-carnitine is confined to the skeletal and cardiac muscle at concentrations approximately 70 times higher than in the blood serum.
• Supplementation may be necessary in rare cases of primary carnitine deficiency, which result due to a defect in carnitine biosynthesis, a defect in carnitine active transport into tissue, or a defect in renal conservation of carnitine. Known conditions of secondary deficiency of carnitine (insufficiency), in which L-carnitine is effective, include chronic stable angina and intermittent claudication characterized by distinct tissue hypoxia. Another condition which may benefit from carnitine supplementation is decreased sperm motility.
• Although use in preterm infants suggests carnitine supplementation may aid in maintaining or increasing plasma carnitine levels and possibly weight gain, carnitine is not routinely added to preterm total parenteral nutrition (TPN). However, soy-based infant formulas are fortified with carnitine to levels found in breast milk.
• Carnitine supplementation, as L-carnitine, or acetyl- or propionyl-L-carnitine, has been investigated in many other diseases and conditions. As yet, there is no strong evidence for these uses.
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Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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