L-Carnitine Protocol Guide
L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative essential for the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix for beta-oxidation (fat burning). It is studied for fat metabolism enhancement, exercise performance, mitochondrial energy production, and recovery support.
Protocol Overview
- Compound
- L-Carnitine (L-Carnitine (Amino Acid Derivative))
- Category
- Fat Metabolism / Mitochondrial Energy
- Vial Size
- 500mg (500,000mcg)
- Reconstitution
- None required (liquid for injection or oral capsules/liquid)
- Route
- Oral, IM injection, or IV
- Frequency
- 7 days/week
Administration Instructions
L-Carnitine is available in both oral (capsules, liquid) and injectable (pre-mixed liquid for IM/IV) forms. No reconstitution is typically required.
Oral Administration
- L-Carnitine capsules or liquid (500mg-3g per day)
- Take with water, with or without food
- Best taken in the morning or 30-60 minutes before exercise
- No special preparation needed
Injectable Administration (IM/IV)
- L-Carnitine injectable comes as a pre-mixed liquid solution — no reconstitution needed.
- For IM: Draw desired dose (500-2000mg) from the vial using sterile technique.
- Administer intramuscularly into deltoid, gluteal, or vastus lateralis.
- For IV: Administered by qualified personnel only in clinical settings.
- Inspect solution for clarity before use. Do not use if cloudy or discolored.
Weekly Dosing Reference · research convention, not a validated dose
| Day | Units | Dose | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Oral/IM | 500mg-2g | Morning |
| Tuesday | Oral/IM | 500mg-2g | Morning |
| Wednesday | Oral/IM | 500mg-2g | Morning |
| Thursday | Oral/IM | 500mg-2g | Morning |
| Friday | Oral/IM | 500mg-2g | Morning |
| Saturday | Oral/IM | 500mg-2g | Morning |
| Sunday | Oral/IM | 500mg-2g | Morning |
Weekly Total: 3.5-14g per week • Vial Duration: Depends on dosage
Quick Dosing Reference · research convention, not a validated dose
| Units (Ticks) | Dose (mcg) | Dose (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | 500mg | Oral or IM |
| N/A | 1000mg | Oral or IM |
| N/A | 1500mg | Oral or IM |
| N/A | 2000mg | Oral or IM |
Administration Guidelines
- Take orally or administer via intramuscular injection daily
- For oral use, take 500mg-2g with or without food, preferably in the morning
- For injectable use, administer IM with sterile technique, rotating injection sites
- Best taken 30-60 minutes before exercise for performance research
- Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place
- Keep away from moisture and direct sunlight
- Document dosage, route, timing, and observations
Storage Requirements
| State | Storage Conditions |
|---|---|
| Oral capsules/liquid | Room temperature, protect from moisture and light |
| Injectable vials | Room temperature or refrigerated, protect from light, use within 30 days after opening |
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
L-Carnitine is dosed at 500mg-2g daily. Oral: 1-3g daily in capsule or liquid form. Injectable: 500-2000mg IM or IV. Weekly total: 3.5-14g per week depending on route and dose.
L-Carnitine is available as oral capsules/liquid or injectable solution. No reconstitution is needed for either form. Injectable L-Carnitine comes as a pre-mixed liquid for IM or IV administration.
Oral forms: Room temperature, protect from moisture and light. Injectable vials: Room temperature or refrigerated, protect from light. Use opened injectable vials within 30 days.