L-Carnitine (L-Carnitine Injectable)
An amino acid derivative essential for transporting fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production. Injectable form is far more bioavailable than oral. A telemedicine staple for fat loss and energy.
How it works
Transports long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane via the carnitine shuttle, enabling beta-oxidation for ATP production. Also reduces oxidative stress and supports cardiac function.
Key facts
- Molecular weight: 161.20 Da
- Half-life: ~2-3 hours (IM)
- Bioavailability: ~100% injectable; ~14-18% oral
- Storage: Room temperature or refrigerated.
Dosing overview
- Typical dose: 500-2000 mg
- Frequency: 2-5x per week
- Duration: Ongoing
- Route: Intramuscular or IV injection
Protocol notes
- Injectable courses commonly run ~500-1000 mg per dose, a few times per week.
- Some time a dose before cardio/training to support fat oxidation during exercise.
- Oral L-carnitine works too but needs much higher doses due to poor absorption (~14-18%).
Reported benefits
- Enhanced fat oxidation
- Improved energy
- Exercise performance
- Cardiac health
- Recovery support
- Mitochondrial function
Possible side effects
- Injection site pain
- Fishy body odor (high doses)
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Mild cramping
Research
- Injectable L-carnitine and fat metabolism (2022): IM L-carnitine increased fat oxidation rate by 27% during moderate exercise vs placebo in overweight adults.
Compare L-Carnitine
Community discussions about L-Carnitine
- L-Carnitine fishy smell and restless sleep, anyone else? - 4 comments
- BPC and Carnitine for recovery? - 4 comments
- Trying MIC + L-Carnitine + B12 shots: first two weeks notes - 3 comments
- L-carnitine injectable fishy body odor, dose dependent or just unlucky - 4 comments
- Oral BPC-157 stacked with injectable L-carnitine for tendon recovery, anyone tried combining them? - 6 comments
- Ask the community about L-Carnitine
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.