What is it used for?
L-Carnitine fumarate; L-Carnitine tartrate; L-Carnitine
Source of (an) antioxidant(s)/Provides (an) antioxidant(s) [Source note 2].
Source of (an) antioxidant(s)/Provides (an) antioxidant(s) that help(s) fight/protect (cell) against/reduce (the oxidative effect of/the oxidative damage caused by/cell damage caused by) free radicals [Source note 3].
Workout support/supplement [Source note 4].
Athletic support/supplement [Source note 5].
L-Carnitine tartrate; L-Carnitine
Aids in the muscle recovery process by reducing muscle tissue damage associated with a resistance training regimen [Source note 6].
Helps support muscle tissue repair in individuals involved in resistance training [Source note 7].
Helps improve physical performance when used in conjunction with a training regimen [Source note 8].
Helps delay fatigue during physical activity [Source note 9].
Helps support fat metabolism [Source note 10].
Helps support fat oxidation [Source note 11].
Notes:
The above uses can be combined on the product label (e.g., L-carnitine from L-carnitine tartrate: Workout supplement that helps support fat metabolism and fat oxidation).
The terms ‘Helps’ or ‘Helps to’ can be used interchangeably on the label.
If L-carnitine is combined with other active ingredients with antioxidant properties at Class II and III, there is an option to use the claim in plural. The singular should be used when the product only contains one chemical substance as the active ingredient associated with this claim.
What this guide covers
Restrictions when this reference is combined with other references (source review category II and III):
When combining L-Carnitine with Acetylcarnitine, the total quantity of these ingredients cannot exceed 4 grams per day and 2 grams per single dose.
Who does this guide cover?
Adults 18 years and older
How is it taken?
Oral
Which forms are covered?
this reference excludes foods or food-like dosage forms as indicated in the Compendium of references Guidance Document.
Quantities
Antioxidant
Not to exceed 4 grams of L-carnitine per day and 2 grams per single dose [Source note 12].
Muscle recovery, Muscle tissue repair, Workout/Athletic support/supplement
1 - 4 grams of L-carnitine, per day; Not to exceed 2 grams per single dose [Source note 13].
Physical performance, Fatigue
2 - 4 grams of L-carnitine, per day; Not to exceed 2 grams per single dose [Source note 14].
Fat metabolism, Fat oxidation
3 - 4 grams of L-carnitine, per day; Not to exceed 2 grams per single dose [Source note 15].
How is it used?
Muscle recovery, Muscle tissue repair, Workout/Athletic support/supplement, Physical performance, Fatigue
Take 2-4 hours prior to exercise [Source note 16].
How long is it used?
The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.
Warnings and precautions
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding [Source note 17].
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you have a seizure disorder [Source note 18].
When should it be avoided?
The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.
Possible side effects
The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.
Storage
Must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the applicable product regulations.
Preparation details
Ingredient identity, preparation requirements, and other details that define the scope of this guide.
Ingredients and preparations
| Proper name(s) | Common name(s) | Source information / Source ingredient(s) |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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References: Proper name: RSC 2024; USP-NF 2024; Common name: RSC 2024; USP-NF 2024; Source information: EFSA 2012; Wall et al. 2011; EFSA 2003.
Other ingredients
Must be chosen from the current source ingredient database and must meet the limitations outlined in the database.
Preparation and quality requirements
The finished product specifications must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the source authority source’s product quality guidance.
The active ingredient must comply with the requirements outlined in the source ingredient database.
Guide change history
Updates to this SupplementSafety.org guide.
Minor updates
Updated guide wording, organization, and source presentation. Added our editorial change history.
Initial release
Initial SupplementSafety.org guide prepared from source reference material.
Validation: Not yet completed. Editorial updates do not constitute clinical validation.
Sources
Source information
This guide organizes source material about uses, preparations, amounts, and precautions. Read the conditions alongside each statement; the information may apply only to particular preparations or populations.
The source document includes supporting references. We have not independently summarized or assessed every cited study for this guide.
- Source document version
- July 25, 2025
- Source captured
- Aug 15, 2026
- Editorial work
- Editorial preparation. Independent clinical review has not been recorded for this guide.
Full citations are available through the link above. Verification is required to open them; reading this guide does not require verification.
Taking a medication too?
Explore our supplement–medication interaction checker. Its coverage and review status are shown with the results; a missing finding does not establish that a combination is safe.