5 Best L-Carnitine Supplements | L-Carnitine Reviews (2023)

Despite the common misconception, L-carnitine supplements are not a magic wand for weight loss.

However, there is scientific evidence to suggest that there are a few benefits of l-carnitine supplements, and using an l-carnitine supplement can likely support your goals in a variety of ways.

Using l-carnitine supplements for weight loss became popular in the 1980s but quickly lost its hype due to the rise of stimulant-based fat burners and fat burners offering quicker results.

L-carnitine is an endogenous chemical that helps the body turn stored fat into usable energy, and it is produced through a reaction of l-lysine and l-methionine.

Dietary sources of l-carnitine include beef, bison, and lamb, along with various other animal and plant sources.

Carnitine can come in two forms:

• D-Carnitine
• L-Carnitine.

L-carnitine is the carnitine supplement form that is biologically active and found in nature, but other names for carnitine supplements you might see include:

• Acetyl L-carnitine
• L-carnitine L-tartrate
• Propionyl L-carnitine

Whether you’re considering L-Carnitine supplementation for weight loss or other potential health benefits, it’s important to choose the product that’s right for you.

Check out my list of the best L-Carnitine supplements below to help find the right supplement for you!

Best L Carnitine Supplements (2023)

After a rigorous process of testing and analyzing a variety of carnitine supplements, I have handpicked the ones that stand out in terms of their efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and production quality.

Here are my recommendations for the best L-Carnitine supplement of the year:

1.) Dr. Martin’s Nutrition L-Carnitine

In my opinion, the crown for the best L-Carnitine supplement goes to Dr. Martin’s Nutrition Extra Strength L-Carnitine.

The brand has managed to marry affordability with exceptional production standards, creating a product that leads the pack in the market.

This supplement is a powerhouse of nutrition, as each bottle contains 200 capsules, with each serving – composed of two capsules – delivering a potent dose of 1,000mg of L-Carnitine.

This strength-to-price ratio puts it a step ahead of its competitors and is the main reason I believe it is the best l-carnitine supplement.

While I haven’t personally experienced the benefits of this brand, it has garnered rave reviews from users who vouch for its effectiveness.

The reputation of Dr. Martin’s Nutrition stands on the pillars of trust and reliability, making it a brand you can confidently invest in.

Last update on 2023-12-01 / I earn a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. / Thank you for your support!

2.) RSP Nutrition Amino Lean

I am tempted to put RSP AminoLean as the best l-carnitine supplement, but I chose a pure carnitine supplement first because many people want to know exactly how much carnitine is in their product.

However, RSP Nutrition Amino Lean contains a 1.5g proprietary blend that includes l-carnitine.

As I mentioned, RSP Amino Lean also includes the natural fat burners CLA, green tea extract, caffeine, and green coffee extract.

Since it is a proprietary weight management formula, we do not know how much l-carnitine is in RSP Amino Lean. However, I have used Amino Lean for years and have had a lot of success.

If you want a supplement that can provide energy before workouts, amino acids to promote muscle recovery and ingredients that assist with weight management, RSP Amino Lean might be the best l-carnitine supplement for you!

Last update on 2023-12-01 / I earn a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. / Thank you for your support!

Read my RSP Amino Lean review to learn more about this outstanding supplement for weight loss and muscle gain!

3.) BPI Sports CLA + Carnitine

Another combination supplement is BPI Sports CLA + Carnitine.

BPI Sports CLA + Carnitine is one of the best Carnitine supplements because it combines carnitine with Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), another of my favorite supplements for weight management.

The downside of this product, especially compared to RSP Amino Lean, is that it is artificially flavored and a bit expensive.

However, this ingredient combination can help promote healthy weight management.

Last update on 2023-12-01 / I earn a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. / Thank you for your support!

4.) Bulk Supplements L-Carnitine

Bulk Supplements L-Carnitine is effective and inexpensive, but there are some downsides to it.

In fact, Bulk Supplements L-Carnitine is the cheapest L-carnitine supplement I found.

However, the downside is that this is a L-carnitine powder and it is not in capsule form. I have used Bulk Supplements L-Carnitine before and it has an unusual smell that makes it difficult to use.

If your goal is to save as much money as possible, this is a perfect option.

If your goal is to enjoy the supplement you are using, I suggest choosing a different product.

Last update on 2023-12-01 / I earn a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. / Thank you for your support!

5.) Now Foods L Carnitine

Now Foods L Carnitine costs only $0.27 per serving, which is very affordable.

Also, Now Foods is a very reputable brand, and you can nearly always trust its products.

I have used NOW Foods L-Carnitine in the past, but since beginning to use RSP Amino Lean, I have not used it as often.

Last update on 2023-12-01 / I earn a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. / Thank you for your support!

L-Carnitine FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about carnitine supplements:

Benefits of L-Carnitine Supplements

Carnitine plays a role in fatty acid transport, which is why many people assume you should use L-carnitine supplements for weight loss.

However, L-carnitine supplements don’t necessarily produce additional fatty acid transport, and more does not equal better.

But, there are other benefits of L-carnitine supplements.

Improved Physical Performance

Research has shown that taking carnitine supplements enhances fatty acid metabolism and improves exercise performance.

Additionally, research indicates l-carnitine may improve exercise performance by controlling blood lactate and oxidative stress responses to resistance training.

Using an l-carnitine supplement can help you lose weight because it can help you have longer and more intense workouts.

If you are doing weight training or other forms of exercise frequently, an l-carnitine supplement may help improve the results of your efforts.

Reduced Muscle Soreness and Exercise Fatigue

Along with promoting exercise performance, research indicates that l-carnitine supplements can reduce muscle injury, markers of cellular damage, and free radical formation that normally accompany muscle soreness.

Additionally, research indicates that they can reduce muscle soreness and markers of muscle damage.

Can Prevent Weight Gain

Although research does not indicate L-Carnitine supplements will directly promote weight, research has demonstrated that they can prevent weight gain even when calorie intake is increased.

In one study, a 20% increase in muscle carnitine resulted in greater energy expenditure during low-intensity physical activity, increased fat oxidation, improved insulin signaling, and other benefits that negated the effects of a daily high-carbohydrate beverage that promoted 1.8 kilograms of weight gain in a control group.

Taking l-carnitine supplements may help people trying to lose weight through diet and exercise but occasionally overeat carbohydrates.

Normalizes Carnitine Levels for Vegans & Vegetarians

Vegans and vegetarians who do not consume animal products and do not intake high levels of naturally occurring carnitine may receive significant benefits from carnitine supplements.

Since vegans and vegetarians have chronically low intakes of carnitine in their diets, research indicates taking a supplement is an excellent way to maintain healthy levels and optimize overall health.

Best Time to Take L-Carnitine Supplements

Studies conducted on L-carnitine benefits have indicated that L-carnitine does not need to be taken at a specific time. Although you can take your l-carnitine supplements before exercising, taking them at a specific time is not necessarily important.

Instead, you should focus on taking the proper dosage of L-Carnitine daily.

Best L Carnitine Dosage

The best l carnitine dosage is not fully known as research studies have used various carnitine dosages.

If this is your first time taking an l-carnitine supplement, I suggest starting with a 500mg dosage daily and increasing your intake over time.

A maximum of two grams of carnitine supplements per day can usually be tolerated and produce a benefit.

Side Effects of L Carnitine Supplements

Carnitine supplements are generally safe and are FDA approved for treating carnitine deficiency.

However, at doses of approximately 3 grams per day, carnitine supplements can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and a “fishy” body odor.

Concluding Thoughts – Should You Buy an L-Carnitine Supplement?

If you are a person who is active and exercising frequently, l-carnitine supplements might help improve your physical performance and assist with healthy weight management.

Since L-carnitine has demonstrated an ability to improve exercise capacity and reduce fatigue associated with exercising, carnitine supplements can help you lose weight.

L-carnitine supplements do not directly promote weight loss, but they can play a role in supporting healthy weight management and improving physical performance.

Read Next: Best Supplements for Athletic Performance