Carnitine for Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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

Studies have shown a therapeutic benefit from 500 mg of carnitine twice a day.

Several foods contain carnitine, including:

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

High carnitine levels can lead to side effects. Serious ones include:

• Rapid heart rate
• Increase in blood pressure
• Fever

Less serious ones include:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Stuffy nose
• Restlessness
• Difficulty sleeping (especially when taken late in the day)

Carnitine can impair thyroid hormone action, so you shouldn't take it if your thyroid hormone levels are low or borderline low. It's also not recommended for anyone on dialysis. Carnitine has a higher risk of negative interactions with other supplements, so be sure to talk to your doctor and/or pharmacist before taking it. It may be helpful to have a list of all of the medications and supplements you are taking readily for that conversation.