Last update
5/26/2026
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 3 Researches
8
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 2 Reviews
8.7
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
L-Carnitine (as L-Carnitine Tartrate)
500 mg
â€
Top Medical Research Studies
9
We observed the impact of L-carnitine on leg cramps in a 69-year-old Japanese woman who experienced painful nocturnal leg cramps. This occurred after she had been on cefcapene-pivoxil, a pivalate-containing antibiotic, for six months.
Investigations revealed decreased levels of serum-free carnitine and acylcarnitine in her body, leading to a diagnosis of carnitine deficiency. We learned that this deficiency was likely caused by her long-term use of the antibiotic, which can interfere with carnitine absorption.
After starting oral L-carnitine treatment, we noted marked improvement in her symptoms, suggesting that L-carnitine could play a beneficial role in alleviating leg cramps associated with carnitine deficiency. This case serves as a reminder to consider carnitine levels in patients experiencing leg cramps, particularly those on pivalate-containing antibiotics.
Investigations revealed decreased levels of serum-free carnitine and acylcarnitine in her body, leading to a diagnosis of carnitine deficiency. We learned that this deficiency was likely caused by her long-term use of the antibiotic, which can interfere with carnitine absorption.
After starting oral L-carnitine treatment, we noted marked improvement in her symptoms, suggesting that L-carnitine could play a beneficial role in alleviating leg cramps associated with carnitine deficiency. This case serves as a reminder to consider carnitine levels in patients experiencing leg cramps, particularly those on pivalate-containing antibiotics.
Read More
8
We observed the effects of l-carnitine supplementation on leg cramps in a 79-year-old man who experienced paralysis following a stroke. Initially diagnosed with cerebral infarction, he suffered from nocturnal leg cramps on the affected side, which disrupted his sleep.
Through l-carnitine supplementation, we noted a reduction in the frequency of these cramps and an improvement in his sleep disturbances. L-carnitine is known for its role in transporting acyl groups in our cells and may play a key part in preventing nerve damage while addressing carnitine deficiency.
Interestingly, after a stroke, patients can experience muscle wasting that may lower the levels of carnitine in the affected side, possibly leading to leg cramps. This case suggests that l-carnitine could be a valuable option for managing muscle cramps linked to strokes. To our knowledge, this is the first documentation of l-carnitine being used specifically for this purpose.
Through l-carnitine supplementation, we noted a reduction in the frequency of these cramps and an improvement in his sleep disturbances. L-carnitine is known for its role in transporting acyl groups in our cells and may play a key part in preventing nerve damage while addressing carnitine deficiency.
Interestingly, after a stroke, patients can experience muscle wasting that may lower the levels of carnitine in the affected side, possibly leading to leg cramps. This case suggests that l-carnitine could be a valuable option for managing muscle cramps linked to strokes. To our knowledge, this is the first documentation of l-carnitine being used specifically for this purpose.
Read More
7
We investigated the effect of L-carnitine and exercise on reducing leg cramps in patients with liver cirrhosis who were already taking branched-chain amino acids. In this study, 18 patients participated, taking L-carnitine alongside their regular exercise routine over six months. They also recorded their daily steps and muscle function as part of the evaluation process.
Throughout the study, we observed a notable reduction in the frequency of muscle cramps reported by the participants. Initially, the average complaints were around 6.3, but by the end of the six-month period, this decreased to just 2.1. This suggests that L-carnitine could play a significant role in easing muscle cramping for these patients.
However, it is essential to note that while the reduction in cramping was significant, we did not see major changes in muscle strength or volume over the study period. The participants maintained their previous levels of muscle function despite the increase in steps and L-carnitine intake. Overall, while L-carnitine showed promise in reducing leg cramps, its effects on muscle strength remained limited.
Throughout the study, we observed a notable reduction in the frequency of muscle cramps reported by the participants. Initially, the average complaints were around 6.3, but by the end of the six-month period, this decreased to just 2.1. This suggests that L-carnitine could play a significant role in easing muscle cramping for these patients.
However, it is essential to note that while the reduction in cramping was significant, we did not see major changes in muscle strength or volume over the study period. The participants maintained their previous levels of muscle function despite the increase in steps and L-carnitine intake. Overall, while L-carnitine showed promise in reducing leg cramps, its effects on muscle strength remained limited.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
10
Takes away cramps
28 people found this helpful
L-carnitine is a Godsend! It is available at a much better price than at my pharmacy. This excellent product is one of the few over-the-counter drugs that works better than prescription ones. It completely eliminated all back and leg cramps that I had suffered with for years, as my doctor recommended taking 1 tablet twice a day.
Read More
9
Helped with cramps
7 people found this helpful
Energy and Legs With all that this product is known to achieve, I was amazed at its effectiveness in relieving leg cramps. Among the numerous remedies available for this issue, this came as a pleasant surprise. The spasms in my calf, thigh, and even foot were alleviated. I take 1000 to 1500mg before bed, and I cannot emphasise enough how remarkable this has been. Additionally, I feel less fatigued during the day.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 3 Researches
8
- All Researches
9
We observed the impact of L-carnitine on leg cramps in a 69-year-old Japanese woman who experienced painful nocturnal leg cramps. This occurred after she had been on cefcapene-pivoxil, a pivalate-containing antibiotic, for six months.
Investigations revealed decreased levels of serum-free carnitine and acylcarnitine in her body, leading to a diagnosis of carnitine deficiency. We learned that this deficiency was likely caused by her long-term use of the antibiotic, which can interfere with carnitine absorption.
After starting oral L-carnitine treatment, we noted marked improvement in her symptoms, suggesting that L-carnitine could play a beneficial role in alleviating leg cramps associated with carnitine deficiency. This case serves as a reminder to consider carnitine levels in patients experiencing leg cramps, particularly those on pivalate-containing antibiotics.
Investigations revealed decreased levels of serum-free carnitine and acylcarnitine in her body, leading to a diagnosis of carnitine deficiency. We learned that this deficiency was likely caused by her long-term use of the antibiotic, which can interfere with carnitine absorption.
After starting oral L-carnitine treatment, we noted marked improvement in her symptoms, suggesting that L-carnitine could play a beneficial role in alleviating leg cramps associated with carnitine deficiency. This case serves as a reminder to consider carnitine levels in patients experiencing leg cramps, particularly those on pivalate-containing antibiotics.
Read More
8
We observed the effects of l-carnitine supplementation on leg cramps in a 79-year-old man who experienced paralysis following a stroke. Initially diagnosed with cerebral infarction, he suffered from nocturnal leg cramps on the affected side, which disrupted his sleep.
Through l-carnitine supplementation, we noted a reduction in the frequency of these cramps and an improvement in his sleep disturbances. L-carnitine is known for its role in transporting acyl groups in our cells and may play a key part in preventing nerve damage while addressing carnitine deficiency.
Interestingly, after a stroke, patients can experience muscle wasting that may lower the levels of carnitine in the affected side, possibly leading to leg cramps. This case suggests that l-carnitine could be a valuable option for managing muscle cramps linked to strokes. To our knowledge, this is the first documentation of l-carnitine being used specifically for this purpose.
Through l-carnitine supplementation, we noted a reduction in the frequency of these cramps and an improvement in his sleep disturbances. L-carnitine is known for its role in transporting acyl groups in our cells and may play a key part in preventing nerve damage while addressing carnitine deficiency.
Interestingly, after a stroke, patients can experience muscle wasting that may lower the levels of carnitine in the affected side, possibly leading to leg cramps. This case suggests that l-carnitine could be a valuable option for managing muscle cramps linked to strokes. To our knowledge, this is the first documentation of l-carnitine being used specifically for this purpose.
Read More
7
We investigated the effect of L-carnitine and exercise on reducing leg cramps in patients with liver cirrhosis who were already taking branched-chain amino acids. In this study, 18 patients participated, taking L-carnitine alongside their regular exercise routine over six months. They also recorded their daily steps and muscle function as part of the evaluation process.
Throughout the study, we observed a notable reduction in the frequency of muscle cramps reported by the participants. Initially, the average complaints were around 6.3, but by the end of the six-month period, this decreased to just 2.1. This suggests that L-carnitine could play a significant role in easing muscle cramping for these patients.
However, it is essential to note that while the reduction in cramping was significant, we did not see major changes in muscle strength or volume over the study period. The participants maintained their previous levels of muscle function despite the increase in steps and L-carnitine intake. Overall, while L-carnitine showed promise in reducing leg cramps, its effects on muscle strength remained limited.
Throughout the study, we observed a notable reduction in the frequency of muscle cramps reported by the participants. Initially, the average complaints were around 6.3, but by the end of the six-month period, this decreased to just 2.1. This suggests that L-carnitine could play a significant role in easing muscle cramping for these patients.
However, it is essential to note that while the reduction in cramping was significant, we did not see major changes in muscle strength or volume over the study period. The participants maintained their previous levels of muscle function despite the increase in steps and L-carnitine intake. Overall, while L-carnitine showed promise in reducing leg cramps, its effects on muscle strength remained limited.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 2 Reviews
8.7
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
10
Takes away cramps
28 people found this helpful
L-carnitine is a Godsend! It is available at a much better price than at my pharmacy. This excellent product is one of the few over-the-counter drugs that works better than prescription ones. It completely eliminated all back and leg cramps that I had suffered with for years, as my doctor recommended taking 1 tablet twice a day.
Read More
9
Helped with cramps
7 people found this helpful
Energy and Legs With all that this product is known to achieve, I was amazed at its effectiveness in relieving leg cramps. Among the numerous remedies available for this issue, this came as a pleasant surprise. The spasms in my calf, thigh, and even foot were alleviated. I take 1000 to 1500mg before bed, and I cannot emphasise enough how remarkable this has been. Additionally, I feel less fatigued during the day.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
No FAQs are available for this product and symptom.
References
- Tanizaki R, Miyamatsu Y. Nocturnal Leg Cramping Caused by Carnitine Deficiency Due to Long-Term Pivalate Antibiotics Administration in a Patient With Chronic Kidney Disease. Cureus. 2023;15:e48927. 10.7759/cureus.48927
- Miwa T, Hanai T, Morino K, Katsumura N, Shimizu M. Effect of l-carnitine supplementation on muscle cramps induced by stroke: A case report. Nutrition. 2020;71:110638. 10.1016/j.nut.2019.110638
- Hiraoka A, Kiguchi D, Ninomiya T, Hirooka M, Abe M, et al. Can L-carnitine supplementation and exercise improve muscle complications in patients with liver cirrhosis who receive branched-chain amino acid supplementation?. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2019;31:878. 10.1097/MEG.0000000000001368
