1. L-Carnitine

2. Many people now take L-carnitine as a dietary
supplement and if you are one of them, we
surely hope that you are aware of the potential
L-carnitine side effect. This is not to say that L-
carnitine supplements have dire side effects, but
taking any medication or supplements does
require proper knowledge of potential side
effects.
L-Carnitine Side Effects You
Must Know About

3. What is L-carnitine?
Carnitine is actually an essential nutrient found in the
body that helps in transporting fat into your cell
mitochondria where it is transformed into energy which
can be used up by your body. L-carnitine can help increase
burning of fat in your body, increasing your energy level,
promoting a healthy heart, a healthy circulation and a
healthy liver. Carnitine exists in three forms: L-carnitine
for heart and cardiovascular conditions, acetyl-L-carnitine,
which is used for treating Alzheimer's disease and mental
problems, and propionyl-L-carnitine which is also used for
improving heart conditions.

4. L-carnitine is widely used as a natural method
for weight loss since it enables burning of fat at
much higher speeds. It can also decrease your
cravings, increase your energy during exercise
and increase your metabolic rate. In the same
way, carnitine is used to promote heart health
and in treating and managing angina,
arrhythmias and other heart ailments. It is also
used by athletes to promote further sports
endurance.

5. Normal L-carnitine Dose
For all three forms, a dosage of 500 to 1,000
milligrams taken thrice a day (with food) is
usually recommended. L-carnitine supplements
are now being marketed as L-carnitine capsules,
tablets and powder form.

6. Side Effects of L-carnitine
So what are the L-carnitine side effects that you should know
about?
Taking normal levels of carnitine does not lead you to experience
unpleasant side effects. However, you may be able to experience
having too much energy when taking them, and if you take them
later during the day, you might have difficulties falling asleep. These
side effects are not really reason for concern in many people, as they
are mostly mild to moderate, and easy to deal with.
Some reported L-carnitine side effects include vomiting, nausea,
headache, diarrhea, stuffy nose, restlessness and sleeping difficulty.
Some serious side effects may include fast heartbeat rates, increase
in your blood pressure and fever.

7. L-carnitine Safety Issues
However, if you have low or border-line thyroid levels, you
should not take L-carnitine as it may impair the action of
your thyroid hormone. Also, if you are on dialysis, taking L-
carnitine (and other supplements, in general) is highly
discouraged.
As a dietary supplement for weight loss, the only danger
that L-carnitine poses is the risk for anorexia nervosa (an
eating disorder marked by starvation). Because L-carnitine
can decrease your appetite, this desired effect can worsen
and you can end up starving yourself due to physiologically
reasons or in hopes of losing more and more weight.

8. Is L-carnitine safe to take?
Well, based on the facts presented above,
the advantages of using the supplement go
far beyond potential risks. It is very safe to
take as long as you take it in the prescribed
dosage. L-carnitine side effects can only
prove harmful to you if you do not use it as
advised.