If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, we may receive an affiliate commission. Learn more about our policies and reviews.
Health is life's biggest blessing, and the past few years have been proof of that. This makes it more important to take care of our well-being. The easiest way to ensure this is to have a proper dietary intake that covers all vital nutrients. One of those compounds is Carnitine, more specifically L-carnitine or Levocarnitine as it’s known in its active form in the body. This is a conditionally essential amino acid that’s synthesized in our liver and kidneys and commonly obtained through a regular diet.
L-carnitine functions mainly for generating energy in the body by transporting body fat to cells in order to break it down. Plus, it's an important antioxidant that removes waste products from the kidneys. While our body produces it in an adequate amount, certain genetic conditions and disorders call for oral supplements of L-carnitine. This supplement is effective in treating many conditions, including heart diseases, male infertility, and for maintaining normal brain function. This amino acid also has been proven beneficial in reducing pain and symptoms associated with peripheral vascular diseases and diabetic neuropathy.
Like all other supplements, L-carnitine may have mild side effects, but with proper use the result can be impressive. Regardless of why you might need to add this supplement to your regular routine, physician supervision is essential in all cases. The following are the top L-carnitine supplements of 2024 that you may want to try out.
Comparing the Top L-carnitine Supplements of 2024
Nutricost — Best Overall
Designed for weight loss and muscle building, the Nutricost L-carnitine Supplement is among the top-rated products in its league. It comes packed in a sealed container instead of a bag like other brands. Each bottle has 250 grams of L-carnitine Tartrate. When paired with the recommended 1 gram per serving, dissolved in 6 to 10 ounces of water, it makes for a total of 250 servings, which is an appreciable number.
This supplement has a unit count of 8.8 ounces and includes a serving size of 1/3 teaspoons per scoop, making it even easier to use. Plus, this powder can be used by almost all individuals as it is gluten-free and soy-free. We picked this L-carnitine supplement as our best overall choice because it’s produced in a FDA-regulated facility and its manufacturing process undergoes rigorous testing ensuring that the company makes a safe product.
Pros
- Results in elevated energy levels
- Has a sweet yet slightly sour taste
- Improves facial hair growth
- No magnesium stearate guarantees better absorption
Cons
- Some may not like the smell
NutraLife Labs — Top Rated
The NutraLife Acetyl L-carnitine Supplement contains the acetyl form of L-carnitine, which is more specific to brain-related functions along with fat burning. This supplement effectively reduces headaches, nausea, frequent fatigue, depression, anxiety, and mood changes. Available in the form of capsules that contain 100% pure acetyl L-carnitine, this supplement is made from natural ingredients and its high absorption rate in the body is due to this factor.
Besides being allergen-free, this L-carnitine supplement is devoid of fillers and compounds such as dioxides, sugars, yeast, stearate, starch, and preservatives. The bottle consists of 100 capsules that are completely vegan. Recommended serving from the company is two tablets daily with a meal. A single capsule contains 750 milligrams, which means the capsules have a maximum potency with a collective 1500 milligrams delivered in a single serving. Third-party testing and manufacturing certification of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) verifies this supplement’s quality and excellence.
Pros
- Proven to enhance focus
- Contains non-GMO ingredients
- No dilution required
- Includes a money-back guarantee
Cons
- Mild side effects may occur
Dr. Martin’s Nutrition — Most Recommended
Dr. Martin's Nutrition is among one of the most trusted online supplement companies and for a good reason. The Dr. Martin’s Nutrition L-carnitine Supplement comes in capsule form with each bottle containing 200 capsules with a serving of 1000 milligrams. With a daily serving of 2 tablets, 500 milligrams each, a single container lasts for about two months.
The formula specializes in reducing excess body fat by converting it into muscle mass. With regular intake under the right conditions, the results are almost instantaneous. This brand's L-carnitine supplement is great for improving cardiovascular health and reducing cognitive exhaustion. The supplement boosts brain activity as well by strengthening memory and amplifying mind alertness. By increasing oxygen levels and normal body blood flow tenfold, the spike in oxygen levels in the body is also noticeable.
Pros
- Stimulates faster metabolism for continuous fat burning
- Shortens recovery time
- Builds high stamina and endurance
- Suitable as a pre-workout supplement
Cons
- Large capsule may be difficult to swallow
Nature's Bounty — Best Quality
This small bottle of Nature's Bounty L-carnitine Supplement contains all the nutrients you need from carnitine and is an excellent amino acid alternative. The 30 tablets in a single jar deliver 500 milligrams per serving. This is more than enough to promote energy generation in the body.
These tablets are also amazing at igniting the process of fat breakdown, accelerating the removal of unwanted fats by converting them into much-needed energy. These L-carnitine supplement capsules have also shown successful results in improving heartburn, angina, high blood pressure, heart rate, and other cardiovascular-related problems. Another bonus point is this supplement’s ability to lower blood sugar levels and counter diabetic, specifically Type 2, symptoms, which is why it’s very popular among these patients.
Pros
- Consistent use significantly reduces bloating
- Free of gluten, soy, preservatives, and dairy
- Despite external coating, it's easy to swallow
- Contains no particular flavor
Cons
- Slightly overpriced option
Arazo Nutrition — Most Affordable
The Arazo Nutrition L-carnitine Supplement is making their name in the game by offering all the benefits that one might need. Created with a special formula specifically for athletes, weightlifters, and those concerned with building muscle, this L-carnitine supplement serves its purpose without any known side effects.
The L-carnitine developed by this brand comes in the form of 120 tablets per jar. These capsules provide 1000 milligrams of L-carnitine with an additional 330 milligrams of calcium per serving. The extra amount of calcium is what makes this product extraordinary. This combination boosts metabolism and muscle strength and supports your bones and joints. These tablets allow faster recovery post-workout by means of building stamina and, when taken regularly, you’ll see visible results in reduced exhaustion.
Pros
- Third-party tested
- Promotes faster fat loss during workouts
- Improves cardiovascular health
- Increases blood cell production
Cons
- Contains high levels of calcium
Buying Guide: L-carnitine
Most people wish they would have taken L-carnitine when they were trying to lose weight or build muscle. This essential amino acid present in this supplement plays a crucial role in exercise, weight loss, and recovery. But you have to be cautious of the type and quality of the supplements you're taking. With our help, you’ll be able to select the one that’s right for your exercise routine and health. Let’s take a look at the following factors.
What Should You Consider When Looking for L-carnitine?
When looking to add an L-carnitine supplement to your daily routine, here's what you need to look out for:
Dosage and type of L-carnitine
While there's no standard recommended amount of L-carnitine per day, we recommend checking how much each manufacturer includes per serving. Most manufacturers include 750 milligrams, but you may be able to get away with less depending on which type of supplement you choose to take.
The standard recommended dose is 500 to 2000 milligrams per day, although this varies from one study to another. Here are the preferred doses for each form:
- L-carnitine L-tartrate: This form is ideal for exercise performance. The dose should range between 1000 to 4000 milligrams per day.
- Acetyl L-carnitine: This type is suitable for brain function and health. The range of the dose should be between 1000 to 4000 milligrams per day.
- Propionyl L-carnitine: This supplement is best for boosting blood flow in people with health conditions or high blood pressure. The dose should stay between 400 to 1000 milligrams per day.
It's best to consult your physician to determine the ideal dose according to your body's requirements.
Check for other ingredients
You'll find various types of supplements on the market. Some will have just L-carnitine in them, while others will include additional ingredients. The former is great for stacking when you want to avoid overlapping ingredients with the other supplements you take. But some people prefer enhancing their overall health and wellness with supplements that include additional amino acids and vitamins per serving.
The presence of other ingredients will also impact the price, so keep this in mind when choosing your supplement.
Compare the cost
If you're on a budget, it's best to work out how much pure L-carnitine supplements you’ll need each day and then calculate the cost for that dosage on every product. This can help you figure out the exact amount. Keep in mind that most people take a dosage of about 750 milligrams per day.
Another thing to remember is that cheap products often use refining and processing techniques that might break down the amino acids and reduce the beneficial effects. This means that you'll get less L-carnitine supplement than what's advertised.
What Are the Benefits of L-carnitine?
There are several benefits of taking L-carnitine supplements. Let's look at a few of them:
Muscle recovery
Some studies suggest that L-carnitine supplements effectively increase blood flow to muscle tissues. They increase oxygen and nutrients, delivering more blood into muscle fibers while repairing damage from exercise. If you fast-track your recovery period, you'll be able to perform better in your subsequent workout sessions. This helps if you want to speed up your progress and reach your goals faster.
Weight loss
Some people find it challenging to lose weight, especially bodybuilders who need to trigger fat loss in the cutting phase. Using pure L-carnitine on exercise days helps burn away more fat than just exercise. But the supplement won't work with zero exercise. These supplements work best in tandem with a solid training routine and the right diet, helping you reach your weight loss goals faster.
Reduce fatigue
L-carnitine supplements are also beneficial in helping reduce fatigue, but the right intake is crucial to achieve this. You need to assess how long it takes for the supplement to start working for your body type because each body is unique. Sometimes you may start experiencing the results in four minutes, while others may see results in 10 minutes. Be sure to notice at what point in your workout your endurance level drops. Once you identify that, you’ll understand how to take L-carnitine supplements at a time when it offers the best results to combat fatigue.
Boost endurance
When taken in a high dose, L-carnitine can help increase exercise performance. But you have to be careful because if you keep taking high doses, your body might experience a negative reaction. These supplements increase blood circulation and deliver the right fatty acids to your muscle tissue. This is then transformed into cellular energy. The more energy you have, the more reps you'll be able to complete.
