Supplement
L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine is a conditionally essential amino acid derivative (beta-hydroxy-gamma-trimethylaminobutyric acid) synthesized endogenously from lysine and methionine. Its primary metabolic function is shuttling long-chain fatty acyl-CoA molecules across the inner mitochondrial membrane via the carnitine palmitoyltransferase system for beta-oxidation. It is widely used as a supplement for energy metabolism support and has been studied in cardiovascular, neurological, and exercise performance contexts.
Quick Facts
Also known asLevocarnitine, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, ALCAR, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, LCLT, Propionyl-L-Carnitine, Carnitor
CategorySupplement
Half-life17 hours
Routesintramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous, oral
Common vial sizes2mg, 3mg, 5mg, 10mg
Molecular weight161.2 Da
FDA statusApproved
StorageRoom temperature (15-25°C). Reconstituted: 90 days.
Dosing Protocols
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route | Cycle | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnitine Deficiency | divided doses daily | intravenous | Continuous | 50 mg/kg/day IV divided doses. Therapeutic protocol. Dose weight-based, not mcg. | |
| Fat Metabolism / Performance | 1000 mg | 1-3x/week | intramuscular | 12 weeks | 500-1500 mg IM/SubQ, 1-3x weekly, 8-12 weeks. |
| Weight Management (Oral) | 2000 mg | 1x/day | oral | 24 weeks | 2000 mg daily oral, 12-24 weeks. |
| Exercise Performance (LCLT Oral) | 2500 mg | 1x/day | oral | 12 weeks | 2000-3000 mg daily oral, 8-12 weeks. |
| Cognitive Support (ALCAR Oral) | 1250 mg | 1-2x/day | oral | 24 weeks | 500-2000 mg daily oral ALCAR form, 12-24 weeks. |
| Male Fertility (Oral) | 2000 mg | 1x/day | oral | 12 weeks | 2000 mg daily oral, 12+ weeks. |
Protocols shown are for informational purposes only. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.
Track Your L-Carnitine Protocol
Log doses, manage vial inventory, set injection reminders, and visualize blood concentration levels.
Start Tracking — FreeCommon Questions
How do I reconstitute L-Carnitine?
Add bacteriostatic water to your L-Carnitine vial (common sizes: 2mg, 3mg, 5mg, 10mg). The amount of BAC water depends on your desired concentration. Use our reconstitution calculator for exact measurements.
What is the typical dose of L-Carnitine?
A common dose for L-Carnitine is divided doses daily via intravenous. 50 mg/kg/day IV divided doses. Therapeutic protocol. Dose weight-based, not mcg.
What is the half-life of L-Carnitine?
The half-life of L-Carnitine is approximately 17 hours. This determines how long the peptide remains active in your body and influences dosing frequency.
How should I store L-Carnitine?
Store L-Carnitine at Room temperature (15-25°C). Available in oral (capsule, liquid) and injectable forms. Oral supplements are stable at room temperature. Injectable L-carnitine should be stored per manufacturer directions and is a prescription product. Once reconstituted, use within 90 days.
Is L-Carnitine FDA approved?
Yes, L-Carnitine has FDA approval for specific medical indications.
References
- Effects of L-carnitine supplementation on weight loss - systematic review of 37 RCTs (2020) (pubmed)
- L-Carnitine in the Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease (2013) (pubmed)
- Exercise Recovery LCLT Study (2021) (pubmed)
- Male Fertility Meta-Analysis (2022) (pubmed)
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine Cognitive Meta-Analysis (2003) (pubmed)
- Lipid Profile Umbrella Meta-Analysis (2023) (pubmed)
- Carnitine, microbiota, and atherosclerosis (2013) (pubmed)
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine vs placebo for cognitive impairment (2003) (pubmed)
- Exercise recovery markers (2002) (pubmed)
- Carnitine and weight loss meta-analysis (2016) (pubmed)