کارنیٹین · ALCAR
Mixed evidence
Some positive trials, particularly in older adults and in nerve pain with low mood.
This is information, not medical advice. This page is information, not medical advice. Nothing here is a prescription, a diagnosis or a recommendation to take anything, and none of it replaces a doctor who knows your history. Supplements are not harmless because they are natural: they interact with prescription medicines, some are unsafe in pregnancy, and a few can cause real damage. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before starting anything here, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, have a liver, kidney or heart condition, or take any regular medication. Never stop a prescribed antidepressant to try a supplement instead.
A form of carnitine that crosses into the brain, involved in how cells produce energy.
Reviews of small trials find a modest antidepressant effect versus placebo, with the clearest signal in older people and in those with diabetic nerve pain. Tolerability is good compared with antidepressants. Trials are small and the field has not moved much recently, which is why this sits at mixed rather than good.
Trials commonly used 1 to 3 g daily.
Recorded because a person who has decided to try something will find a number somewhere, and a forum's number is worse than a trial's. It is not a recommendation, and the right amount for you depends on things only a doctor who knows your history can weigh.
Fishy body odour is the common complaint. Can cause restlessness and insomnia if taken late. Caution in seizure disorders and with warfarin. Ask a doctor if you have thyroid disease.
Available in larger pharmacies, often marketed for nerve pain and male fertility rather than mood.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything else you take, prescription and herbal both. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, or have a liver, kidney, heart or thyroid condition, ask first. And if what brought you here is that you have been feeling low or frightened for weeks, that deserves more than a supplement — ask us anything, anonymously, or talk to us on WhatsApp.