L-carnitine plays a central role in converting fat into energy. In most instances, your body produces all it needs for this purpose, but certain factors can necessitate the need for a supplement, such as the use of certain medications or the body's inability to produce sufficient stores. Carnitine supplementation also has been used as a treatment for a number of health conditions, with the most common being those that affect the heart. Other conditions that might benefit from carnitine supplementation include peripheral neuropathy, Alzheimer's disease, male infertility and kidney disease. Not all of these uses have strong scientific backing behind them, so you should consult your doctor before using carnitine supplementation, particularly for more serious health problems such as those that affect the heart or kidneys.
Suggested Doses
The appropriate dosage of L-carnitine depends on your reason for using it. Generally, a standard daily dose consists of 500 to 1,000 mg three times a day, though some conditions might require more. Some suggested doses for various conditions are as follows: angina and heart failure -- 1.5 to 2 g daily; diabetic neuropathy -- 3 g daily; chronic fatigue syndrome -- 500 mg to 1,000 mg three to four times a day; and heart disease -- 600 mg to 1,200 mg three times a day. Only give this supplement to a child after a need has been determined by a physician who can supervise the treatment.
Side Effects
L-carnitine appears to be generally safe. Daily doses higher than 5 g might cause diarrhea. Rarely, it might cause rash, increased appetite, body odor, heartburn, temporary hair loss and seizures.
Medication Interactions
Like pharmaceutical drugs, natural supplements can negatively interact with other treatments. If you take medication to treat low thyroid function, you should not use L-carnitine without your doctor's supervision. It can potentially interact with the medication and reduce its effectiveness in replacing low levels of thyroid hormone.
Other Considerations
Safe maximum dosages have not been determined for pregnant and lactating women, so you should always discuss the use of any sort of supplement with your doctor before using it in these instances. If you have any sort of condition that affects your liver or kidneys, you should always clear the use of supplements with your doctor as these organs play a key role in processing the drugs and supplements you consume.
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