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L-Carnitine (200mg) dosage and protocol
Last reviewed Mar 26, 2026. Editorial policy
L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative that plays a critical role in fatty acid metabolism, transporting long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for beta-oxidation and energy production. Injectable L-Carnitine bypasses gastrointestinal absorption, delivering higher bioavailability. Research areas include fat loss, exercise performance, insulin sensitivity, and cardiovascular health.
- Vial size: 200 mg
- Reconstitution: 3 mL bacteriostatic water
- Concentration: 100 mg/mL
- Administration: subcutaneous
Research areas
- Fat Loss
- Energy Metabolism
- Exercise Performance
- Insulin Sensitivity
- Cardiovascular Health
Quick start
- Reconstitute: Add 2.0mL bacteriostatic water → 100mg/mL concentration
- Typical dose: 500mg–1000mg per injection, 3–5x weekly
- Easy measuring: At 100mg/mL, 5 units on U-100 = 50mg
- Storage: Lyophilized at −20°C; reconstituted refrigerated at 2–8°C; use within 4 weeks
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 500mg | 3–5x weekly | 5 units (0.5mL) |
| Weeks 5–8+ | 500–1000mg | 3–5x weekly | 5–10 units (0.5–1.0mL) |
How it works
L-Carnitine shuttles long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane via the carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) system, enabling beta-oxidation and ATP production. It also modulates insulin receptor signaling, may reduce oxidative stress, and supports cardiac energy metabolism. Injectable delivery bypasses first-pass hepatic metabolism for superior bioavailability.
Units chart for a 200 mg vial
| Water added | Strength | 1 unit = | 500 mcg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 200 mg/mL | 2000 mcg | 0.3 units |
| 2 mL | 100 mg/mL | 1000 mcg | 0.5 units |
| 3 mL | 66.67 mg/mL | 666.7 mcg | 0.7 units |
Units on a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL).
Pages for each vial size and water volume
Reconstitution steps
- Draw 2.0mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake)
- Label concentration (100mg/mL) and date; refrigerate at 2–8°C
Storage
Lyophilized: store at −20°C. After reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 4 weeks.
Important notes
- Research use only
- Injectable form provides superior bioavailability vs oral supplementation
- Rotate injection sites to prevent tissue irritation
- Those with hypothyroidism may experience reduced response
- Monitor for any allergic reactions upon first use
Supplies
- L-Carnitine vial (200mg)
- Bacteriostatic water (10mL)
- Insulin syringes (U-100)
- Alcohol swabs
- Sharps container