Nutra-Life L-Carnitine 500mg Capsule

Nutra-Life L-Carnitine 500mg Capsule is an amino acid derivative dietary supplement from Nutra-Life, a New Zealand supplement brand. According to the product information, each capsule provides 500mg of L-carnitine in the form of L-carnitine tartrate, a stable salt form commonly used in supplements. It is supplied as oral capsules, and the pack offered on DoctorOnCall is described as 2 bottles of 60 capsules; please check the product label to confirm whether the 500mg refers to L-carnitine or to L-carnitine tartrate, and for the full ingredient list.

Carnitine is a nutrient made naturally by the liver and kidneys from the amino acids lysine and methionine, and it is also obtained from foods, particularly red meat, fish, poultry and dairy products. Its main role in the body is to transport long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria, the energy-producing parts of cells, where they are broken down to release energy. It also helps remove certain waste compounds from the mitochondria. Most healthy adults make enough carnitine to meet their needs, so supplementation is generally considered optional.

This capsule may be used as a dietary supplement by adults who wish to add L-carnitine to their daily intake, for example people who eat little or no animal food or who follow an active lifestyle. It is not a substitute for a balanced diet and regular physical activity, and it should not be relied on to change body weight. Adults with thyroid problems, a history of seizures, or who take warfarin, thyroid hormones or anticonvulsant medicines should speak to a doctor or pharmacist before use.

Swallow one capsule whole with a glass of water after a meal. Taking it with food can help reduce the chance of stomach upset. Take it at around the same time each day and always follow the directions printed on the product label or the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.

Adults: the product information indicates 1 capsule daily with a meal, or as directed by a healthcare professional. Please confirm the recommended dose on the product label, as label directions take priority.

Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. Intakes of around 3g of carnitine a day have been associated with stomach upset and a fishy body odour. This product is not intended for children unless advised by a doctor.

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed after each use and keep it out of reach of children. Follow any additional storage instructions printed on the product label.

• Common: mild stomach upset, nausea or heartburn.
• Common: diarrhoea or abdominal cramps, which are more likely at higher intakes.
• Less common: a fishy odour of the body, breath or urine, mainly reported with intakes of around 3g a day.
• Serious: seizures have been reported in people with a pre-existing seizure disorder, and muscle weakness has been reported in people with severe kidney disease. Seek medical attention promptly.
• Serious: allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing. Stop use and seek urgent medical attention.

• People with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), as L-carnitine may reduce the action of thyroid hormone in the body, unless a doctor advises otherwise.
• People with a history of seizures or epilepsy, unless the supplement has been approved by their doctor.
• People with severe kidney disease or on dialysis, unless carnitine is specifically recommended and supervised by their doctor.
• People with known allergy or hypersensitivity to L-carnitine, L-carnitine tartrate or any other ingredient in the product.

• Warfarin and acenocoumarol: case reports suggest L-carnitine may increase the blood-thinning effect of these medicines and raise INR values. Speak to your doctor before starting, and expect your clotting tests to be checked.
• Thyroid hormone (e.g. levothyroxine): L-carnitine may reduce the effect of thyroid hormone, so people on thyroid treatment should check with their doctor before use.
• Valproic acid and other anticonvulsants (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital): these medicines can lower carnitine levels, and any carnitine supplementation in people with epilepsy should be guided by their doctor.
• Pivalate-containing antibiotics (e.g. pivmecillinam): long-term use can reduce carnitine levels; follow your doctor’s advice if you are prescribed these medicines.
• Other carnitine products (including acetyl-L-carnitine and sports or pre-workout blends): taking them together adds to your total intake and the likelihood of stomach upset.

• Take the capsule after a meal if you have a sensitive stomach.
• Check whether your sports drinks or pre-workout products already contain carnitine before adding this supplement.
• If you take warfarin, let your doctor know before you start so your INR can be checked.
• If you are on thyroid medicine, mention this supplement at your next thyroid review.
• Stop and speak to your pharmacist if you notice a persistent fishy body odour or ongoing stomach upset.
• Pair the supplement with a balanced diet that includes adequate protein, and stay physically active.

Precautions: This product is intended for adults. Use with caution if you have kidney disease, a thyroid condition, a history of seizures, or if you take warfarin, thyroid hormones or anticonvulsant medicines. Information on use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited, so speak to your doctor first. Avoid combining it with other carnitine-containing products, and do not use it as a replacement for a balanced diet, regular exercise or any treatment prescribed by your doctor.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before use if you have hypothyroidism, epilepsy, kidney disease or are on dialysis, or if you take warfarin, acenocoumarol, levothyroxine or valproic acid. Stop using the product and seek medical attention promptly if you have a seizure, unusual bleeding or bruising, muscle weakness, a rash, swelling of the face or lips, or difficulty breathing.