L-Carnitine Side Effects

Just like any other supplement, L-carnitine may cause side effects. Side effects can happen when you take a supplement, even if it is an essential nutrient for the body. Severe side effects are rare. Here are some reported side effects of L-carnitine:

• Trouble sleeping
• Increased heart rate
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Increased blood pressure

It's possible that you could experience some of these side effects, though most people will be fine when taking L-carnitine in recommended daily amounts. The amount of L-carnitine that you should take is between 500 and 1,000 mg. This amount can be taken up to 3 times per day. The total per day would be 3,000 mg.

If you have ever had a seizure, you should not take L-carnitine because it could possibly cause you to have another seizure.

If you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, L-carnitine could worsen your condition. It would be best if you didn't take this supplement.

If you are pregnant or nursing, not enough is known about L-carnitine supplements and pregnancy. You should stay on the safe side and avoid use of this supplement while pregnant or nursing. Small amounts found in food are just fine though.

L-Carnitine Weight Loss

L-carnitine is a very useful supplement when it comes to burning fat. It is the job of L-carnitine to take fat to our cell's mitochondria where it can be burned for fuel. Here is a list of all the things L-carnitine can do to help you burn fat:

• Increased energy
• Transports fat to mitochondria to be burned
• Increase fat burning during exercise
• Regulates blood sugar
• Builds lean muscle
• Gets rid of fatty deposits on the body

L-carnitine plays a huge role in fat burning. The mitochondria are the power house of the cell. They provide the energy for your body. You will want them to burn fat for energy so that you lose weight.

It is true that L-carnitine can be found in small amounts in some of the foods we eat. It can also be made by our body as long as we are getting adequate vitamins, nutrients, and amino acids. We know that we don't always eat what we should though. It is likely that your body is not producing enough L-carnitine to assist in weight loss. That is why you might want to try adding a supplement.

In a study of 18 people, nine were given a placebo and nine were given L-carnitine. The amount they were given was 2000 mg of L-carnitine. After 12 weeks, they had lost an average of 11 lbs each. The other group had only lost an average of 1 lb. This is evidence that you can lose more weight with L-carnitine.

Studies show that L-carnitine is more effective in those who actually do some form of exercise. It can still be helpful for others, but they may not see the desired weight loss unless they try some type of workout.

In some places you might pay $30 for a bottle of L-carnitine supplement. In other places, you might find it for $8 or less.