L-Carnitine-L-Tartrate
NIH ODS notes L-carnitine is generally well tolerated up to 2 g/day, with mild GI side effects. EFSA has authorized L-carnitine-L-tartrate as a source of L-carnitine for food supplements.
What it is
A salt of L-carnitine with L-tartaric acid, used as a stable supplemental form of L-carnitine.
Nutritional ingredient/supplement; L-carnitine is involved in fatty acid transport into mitochondria.
Why it's flagged
- mild GI effects at high doses
- fishy body odor at high doses
What regulators actually say
"Doses of 2 g/day or less seem to be generally safe; reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea."
"The Panel concludes that the use of L-carnitine-L-tartrate as a source of L-carnitine in food supplements is not of safety concern."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS for use in infant formulas and other foods (GRN-listed).
European Union — EFSA
Authorized as a source of L-carnitine in food supplements (EFSA 2007).
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