When to take it
With a carbohydrate-containing meal, which improves muscle uptake; regularly for several weeks.
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Amino acidsWeak evidence
L-carnitine
Also known as: carnitine, L-carnitine tartrate
Carnitine shuttles fatty acids into mitochondria, where they are used for energy. The body makes it and we get it mostly from meat.
What it is used for
- Faster recovery and less muscle damage after training (tartrate) – weak to moderate evidence
- Fat burning and weight loss – weak evidence, effect is small
- Sperm quality support – weak evidence
Forms and how they differ
L-carnitine tartrate
most studied for post-exercise recovery
liquid shot
quick to take, often flavoured and sweetened
L-carnitine base
basic form in tablets and capsules
Pairs well with
Regular training, a balanced diet.
Do not combine / separate
Do not combine with acetyl-L-carnitine without totalling the dose.
Watch out for
Caution with blood thinners, thyroid medication and epilepsy. Higher doses may increase TMAO and cause a fishy body odour. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have kidney or liver disease or take any medicines.
Safety
Do not exceed the label dose.
Practical tip
Carnitine does not burn fat by itself – without a calorie deficit and activity its weight-loss effect is minimal.
Products containing L-carnitine 10
L-carnitine + green tea+ green tea
L-carnitine 250 mgL-carnitine tartrate · 250 mg / capsule
L-carnitine L-carnitine (liquid) 3000 mgL-carnitine (liquid) · 3 000 mg / serving
L-carnitine 500 mgL-carnitine tartrate · 500 mg / capsule
L-carnitine L-carnitine L-tartrate 1000 mgL-carnitine L-tartrate · 1 000 mg / tablet
L-carnitine L-carnitine L-tartrate 2000 mgL-carnitine L-tartrate · 2 000 mg / serving
L-carnitine L-carnitine L-tartrate 2000 mgL-carnitine L-tartrate · 2 000 mg / serving
L-carnitine L-carnitine L-tartrate 2000 mgL-carnitine L-tartrate · 2 000 mg / serving
L-carnitine 1000 mgliquid · 1 000 mg / serving
L-carnitine L-carnitine base (liquid concentrate) 2200 mgL-carnitine base (liquid concentrate) · 2 200 mg / serving
How to read the evidence rating
Strong evidenceModerate evidenceWeak evidenceNo evidence
Strong = several good human studies or official recommendations; moderate = promising but smaller studies; weak = few studies or mixed results; no evidence = claims not confirmed.
Combination check
Select the supplements you take and, if relevant, your medicines. We show what interferes, what needs a time gap and what to watch out for.
Check L-carnitine with othersWhich supplements do you actually need?
Fénix Methode picks them from your blood results and schedules when to take what – no needless purchases.
From the same group
Acetyl-L-carnitineWeak evidenceAlmond proteinWeak evidenceAmino acid complexWeak evidenceBCAAWeak evidenceBeef proteinModerate evidenceCaseinStrong evidence
Important notice
This information is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist. We do not give medicine dosages. Supplements are no substitute for a varied diet; if pregnant, breastfeeding, ill or on medication, consult a doctor first.