L-Carnitine L-Tartrate

Complete Ingredient Profile
Ingredient Name & Common Synonyms
Primary Name: L-Carnitine Tartrate
Common Synonyms: Levocarnitine Tartrate, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, (R)-3-Carboxy-2-hydroxy-N, N-trimethyl-1-propanaminium Tartrate
Chemical Classification: Quaternary ammonium compound, Amino acid derivative, Conditionally essential nutrient
Molecular Formula: C₇H₁₅NO₃ • C₄H₆O₆
Overview
Botanical Family: Synthesized endogenously from lysine and methionine; found in animal products
Primary Origin: Red meat, fish, poultry, dairy products; synthesized in liver, kidneys, and brain
Extraction Method: Fermentation process or chemical synthesis, combined with L-tartaric acid for enhanced stability
Molecular Structure: L-carnitine bound to tartaric acid for improved bioavailability and gastric tolerance
Appearance: White, crystalline powder with a slight tartaric acid taste
Benefits & Uses
For Women's Hormonal Health:
- PCOS Management: L-carnitine (LC) plays a role in fatty acid metabolism, which is found to be lacking in PCOS patients
- Insulin Resistance: 12-week L-carnitine supplementation in overweight or obese women with PCOS ameliorates insulin resistance
- Reproductive Health: The combination of L-carnitine and CC significantly improves both the ovulation and the cumulative pregnancy rates in clomiphene-resistant PCOS
- Hormonal Deficiency: Total L-carnitine and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels were significantly lower in women with PCOS
Primary Health Benefits:
- Weight Management: research suggests that L-carnitine may reduce body weight, BMI, and belly fat in people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Energy Production: Facilitates transport of long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for β-oxidation
- Metabolic Support: L-carnitine's effects on the metabolism of fatty acids may help to reduce body weight and BMI in individuals with PCOS
- Hormonal Versatility: L-carnitine is virtually unmatched in its versatility for supporting hormonal health in women with and without PCOS
Mechanism of Action:
- Fat Metabolism: Essential cofactor for fatty acid oxidation in mitochondria
- Energy Production: Converts stored fat into usable energy (ATP)
- Insulin Sensitivity: Improves cellular glucose uptake and insulin signaling
- Antioxidant Properties: Protects against oxidative stress in reproductive tissues
Safety & Warnings
General Safety Profile:
Supplementation with up to 2000 mg/day of L-carnitine is considered safe for humans
Dosage Safety:
- Safe Range: Up to 2000mg daily, well-established as safe
- Orbelli Dosage: 510mg per serving - well within safe therapeutic range
- Tartrate Form: Enhanced gastric tolerance compared to other L-carnitine forms
- NIH Guidelines: Carnitine overview for health professionals - recently updated safety profile
Potential Side Effects:
- Common Mild Effects: The most common side effects are nausea and vomiting, stomach discomfort, body odor, and dizziness
- TMAO Concern: L-carnitine supplements may raise your blood levels of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) over time
- Generally Well-Tolerated: Side effects typically occur only at higher doses (>2g daily)
Important Warnings:
Pregnancy Considerations: If you're pregnant or have recently delivered, consider speaking with a doctor about your carnitine levels
Cardiovascular Monitoring: Long-term high-dose use may affect TMAO levels
May cause mild throat irritation in some individuals - this is normal and typically resolves quickly
Seizure History: more serious side effects may include seizures - consult a healthcare provider if there is a history of seizures
Recommended Patch-Test Instructions:
Not applicable for oral supplements. For topical applications containing L-carnitine tartrate, perform a 48-hour patch test on the inner forearm.
Formulation Tips
Physical Properties:
- pH Range: 3.0-4.0 (acidic due to tartaric acid component)
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water (>50g/100mL), insoluble in ethanol
- Stability: More stable than L-carnitine alone, resistant to oxidation
- Melting Point: 195-204°C
Optimal Dosing:
- Therapeutic Range: 500-2000mg daily for metabolic benefits
- Orbelli Formula: 510mg per serving (optimal entry-level therapeutic dose)
- Bioavailability: Tartrate form offers improved absorption over standard L-carnitine
- Timing: Best absorbed when taken with carbohydrate-containing meals
Pairing Suggestions:
- Synergistic with: Alpha-lipoic acid, Coenzyme Q10, B-vitamins, chromium
- Compatible with: Amino acids, insulin sensitizers (myo-inositol), antioxidants
- Enhanced by: Taking with meals containing carbohydrates for optimal uptake
- Best taken: With food to minimize gastric irritation, consistent timing
Stability Considerations:
- Heat Stable: More thermostable than free L-carnitine
- Light Sensitive: Store in opaque containers
- pH Tolerance: Stable in acidic to neutral pH conditions
Scientific References
- Latest PCOS Meta-analysis (2022): Effects of L-carnitine supplementation for women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed, 2022
- PCOS Weight Management (2024): L-Carnitine: Benefits, Side Effects, Sources, and Dosage - Healthline, 2024
- Clinical Ovulation Study: Adding L-carnitine to clomiphene resistant PCOS women improves the quality of ovulation and the pregnancy rate - PubMed, 2014
- Insulin Resistance Trial: The effect of L-carnitine supplementation on insulin resistance, sex hormone-binding globulin and lipid profile in overweight/obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome - PubMed, 2021
- PCOS Deficiency Study: Serum total L-carnitine levels in non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome - PubMed, 2008
- Safety Profile (2023): L-Carnitine benefits, dosage, and side effects - Examine.com, 2023
- NIH Professional Review (2025): Carnitine - Health Professional Fact Sheet - NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, 2025
- Comprehensive PCOS Review: Effects of L-carnitine on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - NCBI PMC, 2019
Related Orbelli Products
- Women's Hormonal Balance - Features 510mg L-Carnitine Tartrate for metabolic support and PCOS management
- Synergistically combined with myo-inositol, alpha-lipoic acid, and other metabolic enhancers
- Additional product links to be added
Last updated: August 2025 | This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice.









