What should l-carnitine not be combined with?

L-carnitine is a compound that is produced in the body from amino acids with the help of vitamins. It is one example of why dietary diversity is important. People who are not closely involved in nutrition most often associate this compound with dietary supplements in the fat burner category, i.e. products that facilitate weight loss.

1. Discovery and research on L-carnitine
2. Where does L-carnitine work?
3. What should L-carnitine not be taken with?
4. L-carnitine supplementation

However, it has many more functions in the body, some of which are crucial for health. While this compound combines well with other nutrients, the situation is not so clear-cut when it comes to certain medicines.

Discovery and research on L-carnitine

After the discovery of L-carnitine in the 19th century, it was observed that this compound is abundant in the muscles of carnivorous animals, but is not found in such significant amounts in the tissues of herbivores. In the 1960s, scientists began to study the effect of L-carnitine on cellular metabolic processes. By the end of the 1990s

Numerous studies have been conducted on its role in shaping various biochemical changes and physiological phenomena, and today, due to the multitude of functions discovered, it is often used as a dietary supplement. Research into its effects on the body is still ongoing. New directions in L-carnitine research include assessing its protective role in neurodegenerative diseases, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

Where does L-carnitine work?

L-carnitine plays a key role in transporting fatty acids from the cytoplasm (the substance that fills the interior of the cell) to the mitochondria, where they are oxidised and used to produce energy.

Mitochondria are called the ‘powerhouses’ of cells because they produce most of the energy needed for the body to function. They are found in all metabolically active cells, but the role of L-carnitine in the mitochondria of muscles (skeletal and cardiac) and the nervous system is of particular interest. Carnitine deficiency can impair both muscle and brain function, reduce quality of life, and predispose individuals to disease.

What should L-carnitine not be taken with?

In most cases, interactions between L-carnitine and medications are not well identified. However, simultaneous use of L-carnitine and antiarrhythmic drugs should be avoided, as this may increase the risk of side effects of the active substance in the drug.

There are also unconfirmed indications of potential interactions between L-carnitine and certain psychotropic drugs. It should be remembered that when taking any medication on a long-term basis, L-carnitine supplementation should be discussed with a doctor, dietitian or pharmacist.

L-carnitine supplementation

L-carnitine is commonly available in the form of capsules, powder or liquid concentrates. The most popular chemical forms are tartrate and acetyl-L-carnitine, while free L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine are used less frequently. The dosage is usually between 500 and 2000 mg per day.

Supplementation is particularly recommended for people on plant-based diets, as the sources of L-carnitine in the diet are meat, fish and dairy products. Additionally, it is worth knowing that the level of this compound in the body decreases with age.

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