L-Carnitine
Also called ALCAR
What Huberman said
Huberman says L-carnitine is often discussed for fertility because it can improve sperm motility and quality and egg quality, and that rates of pregnancy go way up when people take it, while saying he is not promoting it. He says its effects on depression are still emerging but do seem to exist, and that acetyl-L-carnitine is a prescription drug in Europe. In the Dr. Kyle Gillett episode he says he takes garlic every time he takes his L-carnitine.
Cautions he mentions
- He says he's not promoting it, and that such supplements carry risks for certain people, not for others.[3]
- Consider how it interfaces with other hormone-based compounds.[2]
- Dr. Gillett (guest) raised concern that carnitine can convert to TMAO; Huberman said he will keep taking 600 mg garlic with his L-carnitine.[1]
Safety notes from independent sources
- Doses around 3 g a day can cause nausea, vomiting, cramps, diarrhoea and a fishy body odour. Carnitine can cause seizures in people with seizure disorders, so speak to your doctor first if you have epilepsy, or take anticonvulsants or other regular medicines. NIH ODS: Carnitine
- The evidence on fertility is mixed. A 2022 Cochrane review found that carnitine improved some sperm measures in men with subfertility but did not change pregnancy or live birth rates. Trials in women with polycystic ovary syndrome reported higher pregnancy rates, and NIH ODS says more research is needed. NIH ODS: Carnitine
Where he said it
- 1
“I'm going to continue to take the 600 milligrams of garlic every time I take my l-carnitine”
Dr. Kyle Gillett: Tools for Hormone Optimization in Males
Episode · 01:01:02 · 2022
- 2
“a supplement that we often discuss in terms of fertility because it can indeed improve sperm motility and quality”
Developing a Rational Approach to Supplementation for Health & Performance
Episode · 01:08:59 · 2023
- 3
“Rates of pregnancy go way up when people are taking L-carnitine.”
How Foods and Nutrients Control Our Moods
Episode · 01:09:05 · 2021
- 4
“The effects on depression are still emerging, but they do seem to exist.”
How Foods and Nutrients Control Our Moods
Episode · 01:09:05 · 2021
- 5
“I learned from a colleague that acetyl-L-carnitine in Europe is actually a prescription drug.”
How to Increase Motivation & Drive
Episode · 00:58:00 · 2021
Part of his stacks
Related
This page reports what Andrew Huberman has said. It isn’t medical advice and NSDR.co isn’t affiliated with Huberman Lab. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or have a health condition. Safety information