L-Carnitine

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

• Injection site reaction (redness, swelling, burning)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea
• Fishy body odor (usually only at higher doses)
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Increased appetite (not common)
• Hypoglycemia, particularly in diabetics and those on insulin or glucose-lowering drugs
• May increase seizure frequency in epileptics

INTERACTIONS

• Use caution when stacking with caffeine or other stimulants
• L-carnitine can antagonize thyroid hormone activity and may reduce the effectiveness of thyroid replacement; used therapeutically in hyperthyroidism
• There is an increased chance of hypoglycemia when used with diabetic medications such as insulin, metformin, and GLP-1 agonists
• Use with other fat metabolism agents or stimulants may cause overstimulation, increased heart rate, or jitteriness

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Do not use L-Carnitine if you…

• Have cardiovascular disease
• Have a heart arrhythmia
• Suffer from uncontrolled hypertension
• Are sensitive to stimulants
• Have anxiety or panic disorders
• Are epileptic
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

DOSING AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

8 week cycle followed by 4-8 week washout period

If you take while fasted, in the morning or prior to cardio, there will be an increase in fat utilization.

If taken with carbs, L-carnitine will be driven into muscle cells, improving endurance and recovery, while building the capacity to burn fat later.

Absorption drops at higher doses: split doses in order to avoid diminished bioavailability

Works best in the morning and/or 30-60 minutes prior to cardio

INTRAMUSCULAR administration in the glute or thigh; subcutaneous injection may be used but is not preferred

Standard Protocol (Fat Loss/Performance Enhancement)

100 units (500mg) per injection, 1-3 times per week

Maximum Protocol

100-200 units (500-1,000mg) per injection, 3-5 times per week