L-Carnitine (200mg)
L-Carnitine is an amino acid derivative that plays a critical role in the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for beta-oxidation. The injectable form bypasses the limited oral bioavailability (~15%), providing 100% bioavailability. It is administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly.
Reviewed by the AllPeptides.eu Editorial Team·Last reviewed: 2026-06-16
Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.
⚠️ For informational/educational purposes only. Not medical advice. We do not sell any products. Self-treatment carries serious risks — consult a healthcare professional. Disclaimer
How It Works
L-Carnitine functions as a transporter of long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane (carnitine palmitoyltransferase system CPT-I/CPT-II). Inside the mitochondria, the fatty acids undergo beta-oxidation, generating acetyl-CoA for the Krebs cycle and ATP production. The injectable form ensures complete bioavailability, bypassing limited intestinal metabolism.
Quick Start
- Reconstitution: Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 100 mg/mL (1 unit = 1 mg).
- Typical dose: 50–100 mg once daily subcutaneously.
- Easy Measurement: At 100 mg/mL, 50 mg = 50 units (0.50 mL), 100 mg = 100 units (1.0 mL).
- Storage: Lyophilized: −20 °C; after reconstitution: refrigerate 2–8 °C, use within 28 days.
Typical Protocol (2 mL = 100 mg/mL)
Route: Subcutaneous or Intramuscular | Frequency: Once daily
| Week | Dose | Units (per injection) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 50 mg | 50 Units (0.50 mL) |
| Weeks 3–8 | 100 mg | 100 Units (1.00 mL) |
Studies report administration once daily subcutaneously, ideally 30–60 minutes before aerobic exercise for optimal fat oxidation. At 100 mg/mL, 1 unit = 1 mg—the easiest conversion.
Related compounds
Reconstitution Steps
- Withdraw 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the side of the vial; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl/rotate until fully dissolved (do not shake vigorously).
- Check that the solution is clear with no particulate matter.
- Note the reconstitution date and refrigerate at 2–8 °C.
- Use within 28 days of reconstitution.
Protocol Overview
- Goal: Enhance fatty acid oxidation, support energy metabolism, and aid recovery.
- Schedule: Daily subcutaneous injections for 4–12 weeks.
Dosing Protocol
- Initiation: 50 mg × 1/day subcutaneously.
- Titration: Gradually increase to 100 mg after 2 weeks if tolerated.
- Timing: Ideally 30–60 minutes before exercise.
- Duration: 4–12 weeks.
- Break between cycles: After a cycle (4–12 weeks), a 2–4 week washout period or transition to oral (per os) maintenance is recommended.
Washout & Cycle Restart
When can I restart?
After a cycle (4–12 weeks), a 2–4 week washout period or transition to oral (per os) maintenance is recommended.
Minimum wait period: 2 weeks
Storage Instructions
- Lyophilized: −20 °C in dry, dark conditions.
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate 2–8 °C; use within 28 days.
- Protect from light and excessive heat.
Important Notes
- Injectable L-Carnitine has 100% bioavailability compared to ~15% orally (per os).
- Can be combined with aerobic exercise for enhanced lipolysis.
- Subcutaneous administration avoids gut metabolism into TMAO (a primary concern with oral use).
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits:
- Fat Oxidation: Enhances fatty acid transport into mitochondria.
- Recovery: Reduces muscle damage and DOMS post-exercise.
- Energy: Improves aerobic capacity.
- Cardiovascular Health: Supports cardiac metabolism.
Potential Side Effects:
- Generally very well tolerated.
- Rarely: mild stinging at the injection site.
- Subcutaneous administration bypasses gut metabolism → minimal TMAO production.
⚠️ Serious Warnings & Long-Term Risks
The following warnings are based on published literature, FDA labels, and post-marketing surveillance. They do not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional.
TMAO & atherosclerosis (oral use)
Oral L-carnitine is metabolized by gut bacteria to TMAO, associated with increased cardiovascular risk in some studies. Injectable form bypasses this.
📄 Nat Med 2013References
- Nutrients (2018) — L-Carnitine Supplementation and Exercise
View Source - Journal of Physiology (2011) — L-Carnitine and fat oxidation in humans
View Source - StatPearls – NCBI — Levocarnitine pharmacology
View Source - Nutrients (2018) — L-Carnitine Supplementation Review — L-Carnitine supplementation: performance and recovery in exercise
View Source
External Sources & Regulatory Status
Regulatory Approvals
Carnitor® · L-carnitine deficiency (1985)
L-carnitine deficiency
FDA + EMA approved
Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.
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