Acceptable routes : IV + IM

Uses : metabolism ( fat loss ) energy ( mitochondrial support ) anti - aging ( antioxidant ) neurotransmitter support ( mental clarity ) musculoskeletal ( exercise recovery ) cardiovascular health ( fatty acid oxidation ) immune health (lymphocyte production) 

Basic Information: L-carnitine is found in all cells in the body and plays a critical role in energy production. It is the active form of carnitine that tanspots at to cells to be used as energy.  This amino acid is synthesized in the liver , brain and kidneys making it critical for muscle movements, brain function and other body processes. 

Benefits:

Metabolism Support: L-Carnitine is an amino acid that stimulates the use of fat for fuel and boosts metabolism, which plays a key role in weight management. 

Energy/Anti-Aging/Neurotransmitter Support/Musculoskeletal Health:Essential for the transport of fatty acids into the cell mitochondria which is responsible for cellular energy production,  resulting in a significant boost in energy production.With age, free radical production increases oxidative damage  to the mitochondria, which can potentially decrease energy production. L-carnitine has been shown to recharge cellular energy  production and has been found, in combination with lipoic acid, to lower oxidative stress. It has also been shown to be effective in aiding in post exercise muscle recovery.

Cardiovascular Health: L-Carnitine is transported to the cardiac and skeletal muscle, where 98% of total body L-carnitine is stored.The heart and skeletal muscles, as well as many other tissues, depend on fatty acid oxidation as a source of energy.

Immune Health:  Studies have also shown that L-carnitine supports immune function by protecting CD4 and CD8 immune cells and by supporting the reproduction of lymphocytes for the identification and elimination of invading antigens.

Miscellaneous: Has been shown to be effective in the treatment of cyclical vomiting as well as valproate toxicity

Side Effects/Precautions: According to the National Institutes of Health, carnitine interacts with pivalate-conjugated antibiotics such as pivampicillin which are used in the treatment of urinary tract infections. Taking these antibiotics increases the excretion of pivaloyl-carnitine, which can lead to carnitine depletion. Carnitine also interacts with the anticonvulsants valproic acid, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or carbamazepine. Taking these have been shown to significantly decrease blood levels of carnitine. In addition, the use of valproic acid with or without other anticonvulsants may cause hepatotoxicity and increase plasma ammonia concentrations, leading to encephalopathy.Some side effects include nausea, vomiting, stuffy nose, diarrhea, restlessness, insomnia, body odor, tachycardia, hypertension and fever.