Is L-carnitine harmful?

Apr 21, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am overweight and would like to use L-carnitine for weight loss. I’ve heard it may be harmful—is L-carnitine actually harmful?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Li Ping
Regular use of L-carnitine poses certain health risks. It can interfere with normal sleep patterns and reduce sleep quality. Moreover, since L-carnitine supplements often contain additional additives, their use may lead to malnutrition and increase susceptibility to illness. Furthermore, excessive intake may adversely affect digestive function, liver and kidney function, and cardiac health, potentially causing symptoms such as palpitations, arrhythmia, nausea, abdominal pain, or diarrhea.