SupplementEmergingAmino Acid
L-Carnitine
Half-life
~17 hours
What is L-Carnitine?
Amino acid derivative essential for fatty acid transport into mitochondria for beta-oxidation.
How L-Carnitine works
Forms acyl-carnitine to transport long-chain fatty acids across inner mitochondrial membrane to beta-oxidation site; rate-limiting step for fat utilization.
Benefits & uses
- Fatty-acid metabolism / energy
- Supports recovery
- May reduce muscle damage
- Blood flow support
Common uses: Fat oxidation, endurance performance, weight loss support, mitochondrial function.
Fat LossRecovery
L-Carnitine dosage
- Typical dose
- 1–2 g daily (L-tartrate for recovery)
L-Carnitine half-life
~17 hours (whole-body carnitine turns over ~7 days)
L-Carnitine side effects
- Fishy body odor (trimethylamine metabolism)
- GI upset at high doses
- May increase appetite in some
- Well tolerated
- Fishy odor at high doses
Track L-Carnitine in Protokol.
Log doses, model half-lives, check interactions, and line it all up against your bloodwork. Free on iPhone and Android.
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