239 In the index

L-Carnitine LCAR

A naturally occurring compound involved in how the body burns fat for fuel, approved for a rare deficiency and widely sold as a fat-loss supplement. Human studies show modest benefits for fat burning and exercise recovery, especially when combined with actual exercise, with a good overall safety record.

Also known as Levocarnitine, ALCAR, Carnitor, vitamin BT, (-)-Carnitine, (-)-L-Carnitine, Karnitin, L-(-)-Carnitine

Effects Endurance Lose fat

Routes Injectable Oral

Legal status Dietary supplement

WADA Not listed

Molecular Structure of C₇H₁₅NO₃

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Chemistry

Formula: C7H15NO3
Molar mass: 161.20
CAS: 541-15-1
PubChem CID: 10917
IUPAC name: (3R)-3-hydroxy-4-(trimethylazaniumyl)butanoate
InChIKey: PHIQHXFUZVPYII-ZCFIWIBFSA-N

Reported dosing

Clinical data

What has been reported in the literature and by users. This is a record of what is done, not a recommendation.

Typical dose 1-2 g/day

Reported range 500 mg-3 g/day

Route Oral (or IV in clinical deficiency states)

Frequency 1-2 times daily

Duration Ongoing (supplement use)

Sold as a dietary supplement; also an FDA-approved prescription product (Carnitor) for diagnosed carnitine deficiency.

Where this comes from Clinical trials; supplement-industry dosing

These figures are recorded for reference and are not a recommendation. Dosing is a decision for you and a clinician.

Variants

Name	Abbr	Route	Notes
Acetyl-L-carnitine	ALCAR	Oral	The brain-penetrating carnitine form used as a nootropic.