Indication
The only medical indication for the administration of L-carnitine is an acquired proven L-carnitine deficiency.
Taking L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine is available on the market as a dietary supplement in various forms. Even in natural foods, significant amounts of L-carnitine are sometimes found. Recommendations for the right time to take L-carnitine vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Theoretically, L-carnitine can be taken at any time of day. However, if a sporting activity is imminent, it is advisable to take L-carnitine about half an hour to an hour before. This will ensure that the supplement is available when L-carnitine is most likely to be deficient and therefore needed in the body.
When taking L-carnitine, the manufacturer’s instructions should be followed.However, it is generally true that a daily dose of 5 grams should not be exceeded, as the risk of side effects such as nausea and vomiting is then significantly increased. The daily dose recommended by the manufacturers is usually around two to three grams. Since the intake of L-carnitine as a dietary supplement can significantly stimulate sweat production, it is essential to ensure that sufficient fluid is replaced.
According to current knowledge, the intake of food supplements containing the active ingredient L-carnitine is not recommended without a proven lack of L-carnitine in the body. A supply of L-carnitine without a deficiency of the substance is most likely to be significantly more harmful to the body than a benefit can be derived from taking it. This may have genetic or nutritional reasons.
For example, L-carnitine is found mainly in foods containing meat, and is significantly less present in the diet of vegetarian or vegan diets. An intake can be reasonable under certain circumstances, if meat-containing products are avoided and an above-average amount of physical activity is done. The intake of L-Carnitin as a food supplement should not be taken over a longer period of time in view of current studies. The consequences of side effects caused by L-carnitine are too serious to take the risk of developing the disease lightly. Studies have been able to prove a connection between diseases of the vascular system and a chronically high concentration of L-carnitine, for example through the consumption of a large amount of meat-containing food.
