Carnitine is a water-soluble nutrient derived from amino acids. It is found in almost every cell in the body. Originating from the Latin word carnus, carnitine is a generic term for the following compounds: L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine. Carnitine primarily helps the body convert fat into energy.
Recommended Intake
There are no official government recommendations for the consumption of carnitine. However, there are suggested amounts of carnitine necessary for treating different medical conditions. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, up to 2 grams per day of carnitine is used to treat angina and heart failure, up to 3 grams per day of carnitine is used to treat male infertility and heart disease, and up to 4 grams per day of carnitine is used to treat an overactive thyroid.
Food Sources
Fish, red meat, milk and poultry are the most common foods high in carnitine. Higher amounts of carnitine can be found in meat that is redder or rarer. Up to 180 mg of carnitine can be consumed through daily meat consumption.
Supplements
According to the Food and National Board, carnitine is not considered an essential nutrient--it is not necessary for healthy adults and children to consume carnitine in supplement form. The livers and kidneys produce enough carnitine, needed within the body, from the daily consumption of food.
Benefits
Carnitine has been used to treat AIDS, diabetes, cancer, fatigue and male infertility. Despite the marketing campaigns from dietary manufacturers, there isn’t any substantial scientific evidence to support the claims that carnitine is a fat-burning weight loss supplement.
Side Effects
The most common side effects from carnitine are gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and cramps. These side effects are typically experienced in those who have sensitive stomachs or have consumed over 3 grams of carnitine.
Warning
Consult a physician before consuming any dietary supplements. Carnitine has been reported to have adverse reactions doxorubicin, isotretinoin, valproic acid and AZT.
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