L-carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid in fish, poultry, red meat and some types of dairy. The body also manufactures L-carnitine in the kidneys and liver. A healthy individual will normally produce enough L-carnitine to provide the body with all it needs to convert fat to energy. However, L-carnitine may improve some medical conditions. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, L-carnitine supplements are safe at levels between 500 and 1,000 mg a day. The Mayo Clinic reports little reason for concern over the safety of the supplement.
Angina
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that taking L-carnitine supplements with conventional medications can more effectively relieve symptoms of angina than conventional treatment alone, and increases the ability of angina sufferers to exercise without experiencing chest pain.
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Peripheral vascular disease develops in people who suffer from a decrease in the flow of blood to their legs due to atherosclerosis. The decrease in blood flow leads to pain and trouble walking. The Linus Pauling Institute reports that supplementing with L-carnitine can reduce the pain associated with peripheral vascular disease and increase the distance people diagnosed with this ailment can comfortably walk.
Diabetic Neuropathy
When someone with type 2 diabetes has trouble regulating their blood sugar levels, they can develop nerve damage in the extremities. L-carnitine may improve this condition, known as diabetic neuropathy, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Fatigue
L-carnitine may reduce the fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis, according to the Mayo Clinic. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that patients who suffered from chronic fatigue noticed an improvement in their symptoms when they added an L-carnitine supplement.
Diet and Weight Loss
L-carnitine is a popular supplement for many athletes and dieters, but according to both the University of Maryland Medical Center and the Linus Pauling Institute there is no proof that supplementing L-carnitine in healthy individuals will improve fitness or fat burning abilities.
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