Your body naturally produces a nutrient called L-carnitine, or simply carnitine, which it uses to convert fat into usable energy. Certain health conditions, including heart disease or atherosclerosis, may diminish your body's natural supply of this nutrient. Your doctor may recommend using an L-carnitine supplement to help boost your blood level of this nutrient. L-carnitine supplements may also aid in weight loss or the treatment of diabetes-related nerve damage, chronic fatigue syndrome, male infertility and erectile dysfunction. However, additional research is needed to support these purported health benefits of L-carnitine. Discuss the risks of L-carnitine supplements with your medical provider before you begin treatment.
Stomach Irritation
Mild stomach irritation may occur after you take a dose of L-carnitine. You may experience nausea, vomiting or recurrent heartburn, which may contribute to a temporary loss of appetite. Intestinal irritation may also lead to frequent bowel movements or diarrhea. Diarrhea may be disruptive and can occur in conjunction with cramping, bloating or abdominal pain. Typically, stomach discomfort subsides within a few hours of taking L-carnitine. If you experience severe or persistent stomach pain or diarrhea, seek additional care from your physician. Recurrent bouts of diarrhea may increase your risk of dehydration.
Body Odor
While taking L-carnitine, you may develop a strong, fishy body odor. Your breath and urine may also give off a fish-like smell. Fishy body odor is embarrassing and may persist for the duration of your treatment. However, after you end treatment with L-carnitine, the fishy odor of your sweat, breath and urine will subside.
Seizures
If you have a personal history of epilepsy or any other seizure disorder, do not use L-carnitine. Infrequently, seizures may occur as a side effect following treatment with L-carnitine. A seizure is the result of a brief lapse in the electrical signaling that occurs in your brain. During a seizure, you may experience involuntary muscle spasms or body tremors and may temporarily lose consciousness. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience this side effect while taking an L-carnitine supplement.
Drug Interactions
L-carnitine supplementation may not be appropriate if you are taking certain types of medications. Avoid treatment with L-carnitine if you are taking acenocoumarol, an anticoagulant, or warfarin, a blood-thinner, because L-carnitine may increase the effectiveness of this prescription drug. Additionally, avoid taking L-carnitine if you are also taking a thyroid hormone medication. L-carnitine may reduce the efficacy of thyroid hormone medications, which may exacerbate your thyroid-related symptoms.
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