L-carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative that is important for heart and brain function, muscle movement, and many other body processes. It is produced by the body and can also be found in many foods, especially those of animal origin, and is available as a dietary supplement. L-carnitine is used to increase L-carnitine levels in people whose natural level of L-carnitine is too low. It is also used to improve symptoms and increase exercise ability in people with heart failure. Some studies suggest that L-carnitine may offer other health benefits, including increased weight loss, improved brain function, and improved muscle soreness and recovery in exercise.
Positive:
- Important for heart and brain function, muscle movement, and many other body processes.
- Used to increase L-carnitine levels in people whose natural level of L-carnitine is too low.
- Used to improve symptoms and increase exercise ability in people with heart failure.
- Some studies suggest that L-carnitine may offer other health benefits, including increased weight loss, improved brain function, and improved muscle soreness and recovery in exercise.
Negative:
- There is no good scientific evidence to support the use of L-carnitine for many other conditions.
- Taking L-carnitine supplements may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea, and fishy odor of the urine, breath, and sweat.
- L-carnitine supplements may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, thyroid hormone, and valproic acid.
Ingredients or materials:
- L-carnitine is naturally present in many foods, especially those of animal origin, and is available as a dietary supplement.
- The two main forms of carnitine in dietary supplements are L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine, and amounts range from about 3 mg to 5,000 mg.
- L-carnitine supplements may also contain other ingredients such as gelatin, cellulose, and magnesium stearate.
