LCAdd image
L-Carnitine
Weight LossSingleAlso known as: Levocarnitine
An amino-acid derivative essential for transporting long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for oxidation. Used in both clinical deficiency and athletic contexts.
Half-life
15 h
Common dose
200 – 500 mg
Dosing frequency
Every Other Day
Administration
Intramuscular, Oral
How it works
L-Carnitine shuttles fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane to the site of beta-oxidation, supporting energy production from fat.
Protocol notes
Injectable use is common in metabolic clinics — 200–500 mg intramuscularly 2–3 times weekly. Oral forms are also widely used at 1–2 g daily.
Reported side effects
Generally well-tolerated. Possible GI upset, fishy body odor at high doses, injection-site reactions.