Get complete, unbiased, scientific information on L-CARNITINE, including Safety Ratings,
Effectiveness Ratings, Interaction Ratings, Lists of Ingredients and Adverse
Reactions... all from Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database | | |  |  | | |
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| Also Known As: |
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Aminocarnitine, B(t) Factor, Carnitine, Carnitor, D-Carnitine, DL-Carnitine, L-Carnitine Fumarate, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, L-Carnitine Tartrate, Levocarnitine, Levocarnitine Fumurate, Vitacarn, Vitamin B(t).
CAUTION: See separate listings for Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Propionyl-L-Carnitine. |
| Scientific Name: |
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| 3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-1-propanaminium inner salt; (3-carboxy2-hydroxypropyl) trimethylammonium hydroxide inner salt; B-hydroxy-N-trimethyl aminobutyric acid; beta-hydroxy-gamma-trimethylammonium butyrate; L-3-hydroxy-4-(trimethylammonium)-butyrate; (R)-(3-carboxy-2-hydroxypropyl) trimethylammonium hydroxide; (R)-3-hydroxy-4-trimethylammonio-butyrate; 3-hydroxy-4-N-trimethylaminobutyrate. |
| People Use This For: |
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Natural medicines are often tried for many conditions based on tradition, anecdotes, or
marketing, but not all of these uses are supported by reliable or credible scientific
research. Below is a list of some common uses for L-CARNITINE.
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of other natural medicines. Get the facts before your take it. |
Orally, L-carnitine is used for treating primary L-carnitine deficiency, secondary L-carnitine deficiency due to inborn errors of metabolism, and L-carnitine deficiency in people requiring hemodialysis. It is also used orally for treating drug-induced L-carnitine deficiency and for treating valproate-induced toxicity. L-carnitine is also used orally for myopathies associated with zidovudine and isotretinoin, myocarditis associated with diphtheria, male infertility, Rett Syndrome, chronic stable angina pectoris, congestive heart failure (CHF), and myocardial infarction. It is also used orally as a supplement in low birthweight and preterm infants, in strict vegetarians or vegans, and in dieters. L-carnitine is also used for anorexia, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hyperthyroidism, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), peripheral vascular disease and intermittent claudication, leg ulcers, Lyme disease, and to enhance athletic performance and endurance.
Intravenously, L-carnitine is used to treat secondary L-carnitine deficiencies in people with inborn errors of metabolism who require hemodialysis; and to treat severe valproic acid-induced hepatotoxicity, especially in patients treated for overdose or accidental ingestion of valproic acid. It is also used intravenously for increasing CD4 cell counts in people with HIV/AIDS, acute myocardial infarction, and as a supplement in people receiving total parenteral nutrition.
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| Safety: |
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| Get reliable information about potential safety concerns from scientific Safety Rating. See if there are warnings against use during Pregnancy, Breast Feeding, or for Children. |
| Effectiveness: |
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| Get scientific Effectiveness Rating and see if L-CARNITINE works before selecting it. |
| Mechanism of Action: |
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| Research the pharmacology, active constituents, and a clear scientific explanation about how the natural medicine is thought to work for its medicinal uses. |
| Adverse Reactions: |
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| Get detailed information on common side effects and potentially serious adverse reaction. Find out what to expect if you select this natural product. |
| Interactions with Herbs & Supplements: |
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| Find out if L-CARNITINE is safe to take with other natural medicines or supplements or if there are potential interactions. |
| Interactions with Drugs: |
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| Find out what medications L-CARNITINE interacts with and if the interactions are mild or potentially dangerous. |
Drug Influences on Nutrient Levels and Depletion:
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SOME DRUGS CAN AFFECT L-CARNITINE LEVELS:
Get information on how drugs can affect nutrient levels and deplete L-CARNITINE. |
| Interactions with Foods: |
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| Find out if particular foods should be avoided with L-CARNITINE, Ginkgo, or if certain foods can negatively affect the product. |
| Interactions with Lab Tests: |
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| Find out if L-CARNITINE interferes with laboratory tests or could cause a diagnostic test to fail or be inaccurate. |
| Interactions with Diseases or Conditions: |
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| Find out if L-CARNITINE interferes with or could worsen any medical condition or if there are any precautions or contraindications. |
| Dosage/Administration: |
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| Get reliable information on the best dose to use based on scientific research. Products only work if taken in the correct dose. Taking a dose that is too high can increase the chance of side effects and adverse outcomes. |
| Editor's Comments: |
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