Evidence supporting the use of: L-carnitine
For the health condition: Energy (lack of)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

L-carnitine is an amino acid derivative involved in energy metabolism, specifically in the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for beta-oxidation (energy production). Scientific evidence supports its role in cellular energy production, and supplementation has been studied for its potential to alleviate fatigue and improve energy, particularly in populations with deficiency or increased metabolic demands.

Clinical studies suggest that L-carnitine supplementation may help reduce fatigue and improve energy in certain groups, such as older adults, patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, those undergoing hemodialysis, or individuals with specific metabolic disorders. For example, research has shown that L-carnitine supplementation can improve exercise tolerance and reduce fatigue in patients with chronic diseases and in some cases of age-related fatigue. However, in healthy individuals, the evidence for a significant energy-boosting effect is less robust, with many studies showing minimal or no benefit.

While L-carnitine is not a conventional stimulant and does not function like caffeine, its mechanism—supporting mitochondrial energy production—is well-established biochemically. The European Food Safety Authority acknowledges its essential role in fatty acid metabolism, but stops short of endorsing supplementation for energy in the general population. Overall, L-carnitine's use for supporting energy is scientifically plausible and moderately supported in specific clinical contexts, but its benefit for general fatigue or energy in healthy people is less conclusive. The evidence rating is 3/5, reflecting moderate support primarily for special populations rather than the general population.

More about l-carnitine
More about Energy (lack of)

Other ingredients used for Energy (lack of)

7-Keto-DHEA
acai berry
acetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
amylopectin
ashwagandha
aspartic acid
beta-alanine
biotin
black pepper
bасора
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coconut milk
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coffee fruit
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
eleuthero
folate
fructose
ginseng
greens blend (proprietary)
guarana
guayusa
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-carnitine
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-tyrosine
maca
magnesium
malic acid
maltodextrin
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
milk
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
nettle
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
pollen
protein
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
rhodiola
rosemary
sage
shiitake mushroom
black ginger
sphaeranthus indicus
spirulina
succinic acid
tongkat ali
almond fruit
vegetable blend (proprietary)
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
whey protein
zinc
suma
jiaogulan
alpinia galangal
commiphora
bee pollen
lemongrass
siler root
cistanche
sweet flag
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
trace minerals
yerba mate
wheat germ
algae
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
Aralia
akebia
Alpha polylactate
Antler
Agastache
Arginine Creatine
Ardisia
Arginine malate
Anamu
Areca
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Amor seco
Arginine silicate
Atractylone
Animal protein
Beta Phenethylalamine
Blackthorn
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
berry
Ba Ji Tian
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
banana
Baobab
Borneol
Chia seed
Coconut
Cinnamomum
Coenzyme A
coconut oil
Codonopsis
Cynomorium
Catecholamine
Chlorophytum
Chuchuhuasi
Curcumen
Coca
Chicken
cola nut
Dendrobium
Deer Root
Deer Velvet
Dragonhead
Dextrates
D-Ribose
Dextrose
Erodium cicutarium
Egg
Elk antler
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
Egg protein
glucose
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
peanut
Wheat