Performance
L-Carnitine
Also known as: L-Carnitine, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, L-carnitine tartrate
Shuttles fatty acids into mitochondria for energy. Supports fat burning and exercise performance.
Daily target & upper limit
1000 mg / dayL-Carnitine has an established daily reference intake. See best forms, label synonyms, upper-limit warnings, and top-scoring supplements:
L-Carnitine dosage reference →Primary uses
- Fat metabolism
- Recovery
- Heart health
- Exercise capacity
- Energy
- Exercise performance
How it works
- Shuttles fatty acids to mitochondria
- Reduces muscle damage
- Supports energy production
Dosage
- Typical range
- 1-3g daily
- Timing
- With carbs and insulin for uptake
- With food
- Yes, with carbs
- Duration
- Daily for chronic effects
- Special populations
- Endurance athletes, fat loss, elderly
Forms
- L-Carnitine L-Tartrate (LCLT)
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
- L-Carnitine
- ALCAR
- L-carnitine tartrate
- GPLC
Safety
Common side effects
- GI upset
- Fishy body odor
Contraindications
- Seizure disorders
- Hypothyroidism
Products containing L-Carnitine
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list L-Carnitine on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Good evidence for recovery and fat oxidation
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Cited research for L-Carnitine
Clinical studies referenced across Formulate guides that mention l-carnitine. Each links to the full study page with PubMed source + the guides that cite it.
- Sima AA, Calvani M, Mehra M, Amato A (2005)Diabetes Care
Acetyl-L-carnitine for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a long-term, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
- Montgomery SA, Thal LJ, Amrein R (2003)International Clinical Psychopharmacology
Acetyl-L-carnitine for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease: a meta-analysis of clinical trials
Related in Performance
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