L-Carnitine

Overview

What it is, in plain language

L-Carnitine is an amino-acid derivative critical to fatty-acid metabolism. It functions as the transporter that moves long-chain fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane, where they can be oxidised for energy. Endogenous synthesis is generally adequate, but research and athletic protocols supplement to support fat oxidation, exercise capacity, and recovery.

Unlike the peptides in the AEON line, L-Carnitine is an amino-acid derivative, not a signalling molecule. The injectable format is favoured in research contexts for its bioavailability advantage over oral.

Without adequate carnitine, fatty-acid oxidation is rate-limited regardless of substrate availability — the shuttle is the bottleneck.

Mechanism

How it works

Conjugates with long-chain fatty acids to form acyl-carnitines, which cross the inner mitochondrial membrane. Inside the mitochondrion, the fatty acid is released for beta-oxidation. Without adequate carnitine, fatty-acid oxidation is rate-limited regardless of substrate availability.

Research findings

What the literature shows

Human studies report modest improvements in fat oxidation, exercise capacity, and recovery markers with L-Carnitine supplementation, particularly in deficient or borderline-deficient subjects.

Effects are more pronounced when paired with training and adequate fatty-acid availability — L-Carnitine does not produce fat loss in the absence of caloric deficit and movement. It is a permissive cofactor, not a driver.

Cycle & Handling

Protocol reference

Common research-grade reference figures. Not medical advice — every protocol must be reviewed against the latest published literature and your study design.

Cycle guidance

Continuous use is common, but rotation (8–12 weeks on, 2–4 weeks off) avoids adaptation. Annual ceiling: continuous use is acceptable, but periodic washouts are advisable. Pairs naturally with MOTS-c (metabolic parallel) and NAD+ (energy parallel). Compatible with all other lines without overlap.

Reconstitution

3 mL BAC → 200 mg/mL. Draw 0.5 mL = 100 mg; 1.0 mL = 200 mg. Larger reconstitution volume preferred for injection comfort.

Storage

Lyophilised vial: room temperature short-term, refrigerator long-term. Reconstituted: refrigerate; use within 28 days when reconstituted with bacteriostatic water.

FAQ