L-Carnitine / Lipo-C (L-carnitine, ALCAR, LCLT)
L-carnitine is a substance that carries fatty acids into the cell's "power plants," where they are burned. It is being studied for weight loss, recovery after exercise, and nerve damage; its effect on weight is small — about one kilogram.
C₇H₁₅NO₃, a conditionally essential amino acid, 161 Da. Forms: L-carnitine (basic), ALCAR (acetyl-L-carnitine, crosses the BBB), LCLT (L-carnitine L-tartrate, for sports).
Transporter of fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane. Meta-analyses of 37–43 RCTs: −1.1–1.3 kg. ALCAR — neuropathy (2 RCTs, n=1257). LCLT — recovery after exercise. FDA-approved as a dietary supplement.
CPT-I transfers the acyl group → acylcarnitine across the membrane → CPT-II → β-oxidation. ALCAR: ↑acetyl-CoA in neurons → ↑ACh + ↑BDNF + ↓NF-κB (neuroprotection).
Studies used: for weight loss — 2000 mg/day orally; ALCAR for neuropathy — 500–1000 mg/day IM; LCLT (sports) — 2000 mg/day. By injection — 1000–2000 mg IM 2–3 times/week.
Level A Human clinical trials. There are randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or the compound has been approved by a regulatory agency. The most reliable level. 4 meta-analyses of RCTs. Large ALCAR RCTs.
Honest caveat: Effect ~1.2 kg without exercise. Works only with physical activity. "Fishy" odor at >4 g/day. ALCAR taken in the evening may cause insomnia.
Research peptides are laboratory reagents (Research Use Only). They are not medicines and are not intended for use in humans or animals.