Description
Overview
L-carnitine is a chemical that is made in the human brain liver. It helps the body turn Fat into energy.
L-carnitine is important for heart and brain function, muscle movement, and many other body processes. The body can convert L-carnitine to other chemicals called acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine. But it’s not clear whether the benefits of these other carnitines are the same.
L-carnitine is used to increase L-carnitine levels in people whose natural level of L-carnitine is too low. Some people also use L-carnitine for conditions of the heart and blood vessels, serious kidney disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Special Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if L-carnitine is safe to use when pregnant. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Breast-feeding: Taking L-carnitine is possibly safe when taken by mouth while breast-feeding in the amounts recommended by a healthcare provider. Small amounts of L-carnitine have been given to infants in breast milk and formula with no reported side effects. The effects of large amounts are unknown.
Children: L-carnitine is possibly safe when used appropriately by mouth, short-term. It has been used safely by mouth for up to 6 months.
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism): Taking L-carnitine might make symptoms of hypothyroidism worse.
Seizures: L-carnitine seems to make seizures more likely in people who have had seizures before. If you have had a seizure, don’t take L-carnitine.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
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Acenocoumarol (Sintrom) interacts with L-CARNITINE
Acenocoumarol (Sintrom) is used to slow blood clotting. L-carnitine might increase the effectiveness of acenocoumarol (Sintrom). Increasing the effectiveness of acenocoumarol (Sintrom) might slow blood clotting too much. The dose of your acenocoumarol (Sintrom) might need to be changed.
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Thyroid hormone interacts with L-CARNITINE
L-carnitine seems to decrease how well thyroid hormone works in the body. Taking L-carnitine with thyroid hormone might decrease the effectiveness of the thyroid hormone.
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Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with L-CARNITINE
Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. L-carnitine might increase the effects of warfarin (Coumadin) and increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.
Dosing
L-carnitine has most often been used by adults in doses of 2 grams by mouth daily. In children, L-carnitine has most often been used in doses of 50-100 mg/kg by mouth daily, for up to one year. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
