L-Carnitine
amino acid
ApprovedGeneral information about nutrients. No diagnosis, no medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements.
Overview
Transports fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production.
Interactions
Vitamin B6 (PLP) serves as a cofactor for enzymes in the carnitine biosynthesis pathway, particularly in the transamination steps required for trimethyllysine metabolism.
Two iron-dependent hydroxylases (trimethyllysine dioxygenase and gamma-butyrobetaine dioxygenase) catalyze essential steps in carnitine biosynthesis. Iron deficiency impairs carnitine production.
Vitamin C is a cofactor for two hydroxylases (trimethyllysine hydroxylase, gamma-butyrobetaine hydroxylase) in the carnitine biosynthesis pathway from lysine and methionine.
Research status
Carnitine levels decline with age.
Top 5 food sources
Expert opinions
Dr. Strunz
Strunz describes L-carnitine as the carrier that shuttles long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix for beta-oxidation. He recommends 1 to 3 g L-carnitine tartrate or acetyl-L-carnitine daily, especially for older people whose endogenous synthesis declines. Acetyl-L-carnitine additionally crosses the blood-brain barrier. Vegetarians often run low because carnitine comes predominantly from red meat.
Recommended dose: 1–3 g
Source: Dr. Strunz
Expert profiles summarise publicly available statements. The named people do not cooperate with Stackwell and have not authorised these summaries. Not medical advice.
Also available as acetyl-L-carnitine. May increase TMAO in some individuals.