Amino acids
L-Carnitine
Also known as: carnitine, levocarnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, ALCAR, propionyl-L-carnitine
A compound that shuttles fatty acids into mitochondria. Prescription IV levocarnitine treats true deficiency; wellness 'fat-burner' drips are unproven.
Medically reviewed by Akash Bhagat, DO, FACEP
What the evidence supports
| Use | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Primary or dialysis-related carnitine deficiency (prescription levocarnitine) | Established |
| Weight loss or athletic fat-burning via wellness IV | Unproven |
Common side effects
- Fishy body odor
- Nausea
- Stomach cramps
- Vein irritation
Who should be cautious or avoid this
- Seizure history — carnitine has been associated with increased seizure activity in susceptible people
- Severe kidney disease outside a nephrology plan
- Thyroid disease — discuss with a clinician
What it is
L-carnitine carries long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria so they can be burned for energy. Your liver and kidneys make it from lysine and methionine; meat supplies the rest. Levocarnitine is the prescription form used when the body can’t keep levels up (certain genetic disorders, long-term hemodialysis).
Why it’s used in IV therapy
Marketed in athletic and weight-loss drips as a fat-burner, sometimes alongside Lipo-B.
What the evidence says
IV levocarnitine is established for diagnosed deficiency. Healthy people make and eat enough. Oral carnitine for athletic performance and weight loss has mixed, mostly disappointing results; there is no good evidence a wellness IV dose burns fat or improves workouts.
Side effects and cautions
A fishy odor is a known, harmless-if-embarrassing effect. Nausea is common. People with a seizure disorder should not add carnitine casually. This is not the same product as a Lipo-B / MIC shot, even when clinics sell them together.