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L-carnitine tartrate is a dietary supplement that contains carnitine, an amino acid derivative that plays a role in the conversion of fat into energy.
Most individuals are naturally able to produce adequate amounts of carnitine in the kidneys and liver. It can also be obtained from dietary sources, such as red meat, dairy products and poultry. It is made endogenously from the amino acids lysine and methionine.
However, there are certain individuals who may be at risk of a carnitine deficiency or who may want to supplement with additional amounts to support health goals like weight loss or increased energy levels.
Carnitine helps the body metabolize energy by moving long-chain fatty acids to mitochondria for oxidation. It also moves harmful compounds out of mitochondria to prevent them from building up and causing damage.
High concentrations of carnitine are found naturally in skeletal and cardiac tissue, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. [1] The related compound acetyl l-carnitine (ALCAR) is also found within brain tissue.
L-carnitine tartrate supplements are available for those who want to increase their carnitine levels for athletic performance enhancement, to support longevity and other health goals. Those who are considering taking L-carnitine tartrate supplements for weight loss or other uses should understand their benefits and risks.
Metabolism
Energy
Fitness- Transports fatty acids into mitochondria
- Involved in energy metabolism
- Anti-aging & exercise benefits
Top L-Carnitine Products* ❯Common Uses of L-Carnitine Tartrate
In the body, carnitines play an important role in helping to transport fatty acids into the mitochondria of our cells.
According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, “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.”
The mitochondria are referred to as our cellular power plants. They are responsible for generating ATP, the primary energy currency used to fuel our various cellular reactions and activities.
Use of carnitine as a supplement is purported to support mitochondrial function and growth. This is especially important as we age because mitochondrial health can decline with aging and disease. For people with low levels of this compound in the body, a supplement may be beneficial in supporting longevity and overall wellness.
L-carnitine tartrate has a number of other uses as a dietary supplement. It has been used to assist with weight loss. It has also been used by bodybuilders to support athletic performance or exercise performance, although more research is needed to determine efficacy.
Other uses for L-carnitine include supporting heart health, reducing fatigue, peripheral vascular disease, diabetic neuropathy and kidney disease. While it is used for a number of medical conditions, not all of these uses have been clinically validated.
It has been approved as a drug by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of carnitine-deficiency syndromes.
L-carnitine tartrate powders and capsules have also been used to correct carnitine deficiencies in the body. Vegans and vegetarians may have insufficient amounts of this amino acid derivative to promote optimal health.
Consumers who are primarily at risk of having a carnitine deficiency include those with a genetic disorder or certain disorders that interfere with the absorption of carnitine, such as chronic renal failure.
Consumers should note that L-carnitine tartrate supplements differ from acetyl L-carnitine supplements. L-carnitine tartrate supplements are mainly used for improved athletic and exercise performance and weight loss.
Acetyl L-carnitine is often used for cognitive function and brain cell health since it has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Another form of this product is Propionyl-L-Carnitine (PLCAR), which has been shown to support healthy circulation in the body. It may work by increasing the production of nitric oxide, which is involved in blood vessel dilation and endothelial function.
Benefits of L-Carnitine Tartrate
Some preliminary results suggest that use of this product can improve exercise recovery following an intense workout. Bodybuilders will often take it in pre- or post-workout formulas to help reduce muscle soreness and promote faster recovery times.
However, there is insufficient evidence to support the claim that L-carnitine tartrate improves athletic performance or exercise performance, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. [2] Additional studies are needed to more accurately determine the efficacy of these products for this use.
One study found that it could improve exercise tolerance among patients with chronic stable angina. It also appeared to have benefits for exercise tolerance and capacity among patients with cardiac syndrome X and congestive heart failure, respectively.
Many products claim that L-carnitine tartrate is effective for promoting weight loss. While there may be a mechanism by which it can support fat oxidation, the effectiveness of L-carnitine tartrate for weight loss has not been determined.
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that some studies have shown that taking oral supplements that contain carnitine might promote fat mass reduction and increase muscle mass while also decreasing fatigue. [3]
In one meta-analysis of 9 studies, it was reported that study participants who took L-carnitine products lost 2.9 lbs more weight on average than those using a placebo. However, results were primarily seen in obese and elderly individuals as opposed to healthy adults.
These effects might help support weight loss in overwight individuals who also follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly. However, more research is needed to determine the efficacy of L-carnitine supplements for weight loss.
Some studies have shown that taking l-carnitine can significant improve sperm motility and sperm count in men diagnosed with infertility. It has been used alongside acetyl-L-carnitine for male infertility for between 3-6 months of treatment.
L-carnitine tartrate supplements appear to offer an advantage over other types of carnitine supplements. According to a 2005 study published in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, L-carnitine tartrate has a faster absorption rate than other related compounds. [4]
Note that another form of this molecule called “D-Carnitine” is an inactive version and should not be used as a supplement. By competing with L-carnitine for absorption in the body, this product may contribute to worsening carnitine deficiency.
How to Take L-Carnitine Tartrate
L-carnitine tartrate supplements are available in several forms for oral use, including capsules, tablets, liquid and powder. Consumers can find these products at Amazon and other online retailers or buy them from stores in their area that sell health and wellness products.
Dosages on these supplements vary, with some offering 250 MG per dose and others offering as much as 1,500 MG per dose. Some products are single-ingredient formulations while other combine carnitine with additional ingredients to support specific goals.
Consumers who want to take these types of supplements should check with their doctor about safe dosages based on health, age and other factors. Typical doses range between 1 to 3 grams per day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. [3]
For aging, NMCD states that 2 grams per day have been used daily for up to six months with improvements reported in body mass, blood lipid levels (cholesterol), fatigue and cognitive function.
In research studies on memory, chronic fatigue, and Alzheimer’s disease, dosages of 1g, 2g and 3g per day have all been used. Higher dosages have been used in certain treatment protocols, but consumers should check with their doctor first before using more.
Consumers should always follow the directions on the product they purchase and ask their doctor about when to take L-carnitine tartrate supplements. Some individuals who take these supplements for weight loss take them with a meal, while those who take them for athletic performance sometimes take them before or after workouts.
Side Effects of L-Carnitine Tartrate
L-carnitine tartrate is generally considered safe, although high amounts might increase the risk of side effects. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, doses of 5 grams a day might cause diarrhea. [3]
Other side effects that might occur include body odor, skin rash and increased appetite, although these do not occur often.
According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, L-carnitine supplements are possibly safe for women who are lactating. [2] There is insufficient evidence on the safety of L-carnitine supplements for pregnant women.
NMCD states that, “ingestion of L-Carnipure® (L-carnitine L-tartrate [LCLT]) as a dietary supplement had no adverse effects on metabolic and hematological safety variables in normal healthy men.”
Consumers who have certain medical conditions should talk to their doctor before taking L-carnitine tartrate supplements. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, seizures, cirrhosis, peripheral vascular disease and kidney disease.
L-carnitine tartrate supplements have the potential to interact with certain types of medication. These include thyroid hormones, blood thinning medications, AZT for AIDS and HIV, isotretinoin, doxorubicin and valproic acid. Consumers who take any of these medications should consult their doctor before using L-carnitine tartrate supplements.
- Office of Dietary Supplements. Carnitine. 2013.
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Center. L-Carnitine. 2015.
- University of Maryland Medical Center. L-carnitine. 2014.
- Eder, K. et al. Free and total carnitine concentrations in pig plasma after oral ingestion of various L-carnitine compounds. International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research. 2005. Jan; 75(1); 3-9.
Article last updated on: July 8th, 2018 by Nootriment