L-Carnitine

Overview

L-Carnitine (Levocarnitine) is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative that serves as the key shuttle transporting long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for beta-oxidation. It is endogenously synthesized from lysine and methionine and plays an especially important role in high energy-demand tissues such as the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle. It is FDA-approved (brand name Carnitor®) for treating primary/secondary carnitine deficiency and for carnitine supplementation in hemodialysis patients (the approved injectable formulation is for intravenous use only). Common derivative forms include Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR, more cognitive-support oriented), L-Carnitine L-Tartrate (LCLT, more exercise-recovery oriented), and Propionyl-L-Carnitine (more cardiovascular-health oriented). Over 200 clinical trials have examined its effects on weight management, exercise performance, cardiac health, cognitive function, and male fertility. Vialdyne releases L-Carnitine as a lyophilized small molecule (quaternary ammonium compound) against a ≥ 99.0% HPLC main-peak specification, with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis covering RP-HPLC purity, mass-spec identity, water content, residual solvents, and endotoxin. Sequence / identity confirmation is documented on the released lot.

Applications & buyer fit

Mitochondrial-targeted peptides ship primarily to research labs studying OXPHOS, ROS biology, and mitochondrial dysfunction in disease models. The lipophilic / cationic character that drives mitochondrial accumulation also makes these peptides somewhat oxidation-prone in solution, working stocks should be prepared fresh or held at -80 °C rather than -20 °C when the workflow permits.

Primary buyer fit: academic and contract research laboratories.

Specifications

CAS

541-15-1

Molecular Formula

C7H15NO3

Molecular Weight

161.20 g/mol

Sequence

N/A

Appearance

White crystalline/lyophilized powder (2 mg reference-standard fill), or a clear, colorless to slightly yellow pre-prepared aqueous solution (600 mg / 1200 mg fills)

Purity (HPLC)

≥ 99.0%

Strength

2 mg – 1200 mg

Packaging

10 vials/box · base pack (multiples of 10)

Half-life

≈ 17.4 hours

MOQ

On request

Lead time

7–14 days

Storage

Room temperature, protect from light

Regulatory note

Research-use-only reference material; not for human or veterinary use.

Selected literature

1. Talenezhad N, Mohammadi M, Ramezani-Jolfaie N, Mozaffari-Khosravi H, Salehi-Abargouei A. Effects of l-carnitine supplementation on weight loss and body composition: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 37 randomized controlled clinical trials with dose-response analysis. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2020;37:9-23.
2. Mielgo-Ayuso J, Pietrantonio L, Viribay A, Calleja-González J, González-Bernal J, Fernández-Lázaro D. Effect of Acute and Chronic Oral l-Carnitine Supplementation on Exercise Performance Based on the Exercise Intensity: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2021;13(12):4359.
3. Vecchio M, Chiaramonte R, Testa G, Pavone V. Clinical Effects of L-Carnitine Supplementation on Physical Performance in Healthy Subjects, the Key to Success in Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis from the Rehabilitation Point of View. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2021;6(4):93.
4. Chen Y, Abbate M, Tang L, et al. l-Carnitine supplementation for adults with end-stage kidney disease requiring maintenance hemodialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014;99(2):408-422.
5. Eknoyan G, Latos DL, Lindberg J; National Kidney Foundation Carnitine Consensus Conference. Practice recommendations for the use of L-carnitine in dialysis-related carnitine disorder. Am J Kidney Dis. 2003;41(4):868-876.
6. Zhao JV, Burgess S, Fan B, Schooling CM. L-carnitine, a friend or foe for cardiovascular disease? A Mendelian randomization study. BMC Med. 2022;20:272.

Frequently asked questions