By Adrienne Dellwo 
Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD
Updated on May 01, 2020

Carnitine, also called L-carnitine, helps your cells produce energy by breaking down fat. It also may help your brain utilize neurotransmitters, serotonin, and glutamate, which can be out of balance in people with fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS). Carnitine is also an antioxidant.

Studies show that carnitine supplementation may help lower pain levels and boost the mental health of people with FMS, and may lessen fatigue in those with ME/CFS. Researchers also found that people with either condition tolerated carnitine well.

Dosage

Studies have used a therapeutic dose of 500 mg of carnitine twice a day.

Carnitine in Your Diet

Several foods contain carnitine, including:

  • Meat (especially red meat)
  • Dairy products
  • Fish
  • Poultry
  • Tempeh (fermented soybeans)
  • Wheat
  • Asparagus
  • Avocados
  • Peanut butter