Carnitine
Sources:
Andrew Huberman has discussed the benefits and considerations of using Carnitine in various contexts:
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Fat Loss and Energy: L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine facilitate fat oxidation, helping convert fatty acids into ATP. Supplementation with these can improve fat loss and has other cellular metabolism benefits, such as reducing C-reactive protein and slightly improving cholesterol levels: 1.
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Dosages and Forms: For oral L-carnitine, doses range from 1000 to 5000 mg due to low bioavailability (approximately 10%). Injectable forms, which require a prescription, are 100% bioavailable but should be administered under medical supervision: 2 3.
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Pain Relief and Nerve Health: Acetyl-L-carnitine can reduce symptoms of chronic pain and improve peripheral nerve health, with typical dosages ranging from 1 to 4 grams per day. It also has benefits for sperm motility and potentially women's fertility: 4.
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Hormone and Cognitive Benefits: L-carnitine enhances androgen receptor density, potentially optimizing testosterone use. It also supports cognitive enhancement and focus, particularly when combined with stimulants like caffeine: 5 6.
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Tmao Concerns: High doses of L-carnitine can increase Tmao, a potential carcinogen. Taking garlic, which contains allicin, can mitigate this conversion, as can maintaining a healthy gut microbiome: 5 3.
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ADHD: Studies suggest acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation can improve symptoms of ADHD in children, showing reductions in aggressive behavior and other issues: 7.
In summary, L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine offer multiple benefits but require proper dosing and considerations to avoid potential downsides.
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