Acetyl L-carnitine is derived from an amino acid and is found in nearly every cell of your body. It is generically referred to as carnitine or L-carnitine, according to the National Institutes of Health. It helps in energy production. It is produced by your body in the liver and kidneys and is stored within the skeletal muscles, heart, brain and sperm. Most people make enough carnitine on their own and do not need supplementation, but some conditions, such as angina, as well as certain medications can decrease the amount of carnitine your body produces. L-carnitine and acetyl L-carnitine can both be found over-the-counter and are both forms of carnitine supplementation. How much you take depends on the reason why you are taking it.
Step 1
Talk with your physician before taking acetyl L-carnitine. He can advise you of the recommended dose for your condition and make sure you do not have any medical conditions that might interact with carnitine supplementation.
Step 2
Take the recommended dose of acetyl L-carnitine supplements prescribed by your physician with a full glass of water. The recommended dose, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, is between 1 and 3 g per day, but some conditions might require a higher dose.
Step 3
Increase carnitine levels by adding more meat to your diet. Red meat, especially lamb, is very high in L-carnitine, but it is also found in fish, poultry, wheat, asparagus, avocados and peanut butter.
Tips and Warnings
- Acetyl L-carnitine has been shown to be beneficial in fighting many different diseases, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, including Alzheimer's disease. It also has been shown to aid exercise performance and weight loss. A 2009 study published in "Nutrition Research" showed that supplementation with acetyl L-carnitine might delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Talk with your physician about the addition of carnitine to your supplementation plan and if it can be of benefit to you.
- Do not take acetyl L-carnitine if you have been diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease, high blood pressure, alcohol-induced liver disease, diabetes or kidney disease. Side effects to acetyl L-carnitine supplements are usually mild. Doses above 5 g can cause diarrhea, increased appetite, body odor and a rash.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; "Carnitine (L-carnitine)"; March 20, 2009
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Carnitine
- "Nutrition Research"; "Dietary Supplementation With a Combination of Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Acetyl-L-Carnatine, Glycerophosphocoline, Docosahexaenoic Acid, and Phosphatidylserine Reduces Oxidative Damage to Murine Brains and Improves Cognitive Performance"; J. Suchy et al.; January 2009
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