Andrew Huberman on L-Carnitine
9 episodes · 18 references · 2021–2025
- Huberman is a strong advocate for L-carnitine, citing benefits for fertility, fat oxidation, pain reduction, depression, and ADHD symptoms - He personally takes acetyl-L-carnitine daily and recommends 500mg–3g/day in divided doses for most applications - No cautions, risks, or reasons to avoid discussed across any references
Consumption
- Huberman takes acetyl-L-carnitine every day as part of his current supplement regimen - He describes it as something he's been "experimenting with" and is a self-described "fan" - No specific personal dose or timing details provided
Benefits
- Improves fertility: increases pregnancy rates, enhances sperm motility/morphology, and improves egg chromosomal quality - Facilitates fat oxidation by converting fatty acids to ATP, supporting fat loss and both aerobic/anaerobic power output - Reduces symptoms of depression, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, and ADHD-related impulsivity in children
Best Practices
- General dosing: 500mg–2g/day in divided doses, typically in capsule form - Fertility-specific: 1–3g/day of L-carnitine capsules for egg and sperm quality improvement - Pediatric ADHD protocol used 100mg/kg/day with a 4g/day maximum; acetyl-L-carnitine can also be taken by injection
“I'm a fan of L-acetyl-L-carnitine lately. I've been kind of experimenting with that a little bit, and I take it every day.”
Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders | Dr. Matthew Johnson
“Acetyl-L-carnitine has several papers that report antidepressant effects as well as positive effects on sperm health and ovarian health.”
How to Increase Motivation & Drive
“A particular pattern of supplementation in kids with ADHD was able to reduce aggressive episodes and impulsivity and increase self-regulation.”
Understanding & Controlling Anger & Aggression
“There is evidence that acetyl L-carnitine can reduce the symptoms of chronic whole body pain and other certain forms of acute pain.”
How to Control Your Sense of Pain & Pleasure | Huberman Lab Essentials
“I've seen a few papers that suggest that coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine might be beneficial for egg quality.”
Female Hormone Health, PCOS, Endometriosis, Fertility & Breast Cancer | Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi
“It also has been shown to have a notable decrease in the symptoms of autism.”
How Foods and Nutrients Control Our Moods
“People ingest anywhere from 500 milligrams to two grams per day in divided doses typically.”
How to Lose Fat with Science-Based Tools
“...1 to 3 grams per day of capsule form L-carnitine is what's been suggested to improve egg quality and sperm quality.”
How to Optimize Fertility in Males & Females
“Acetyl L-carnitine can be taken at dosages of somewhere between 1 to 3 and sometimes 4 grams per day, orally in 500 milligram capsules or by injection.”
How to Control Your Sense of Pain & Pleasure | Huberman Lab Essentials
“The carnitine dosage was 100 milligrams per kilogram with a maximum dosage of four grams per day.”
Understanding & Controlling Anger & Aggression
