L-Carnitine 500mg

L-Carnitine (CAS 541-15-1, MW 161.20 Da, C₇H₁₅NO₃) is an endogenous quaternary ammonium compound biosynthesised from lysine and methionine in the liver and kidneys. Its primary metabolic function is to shuttle long-chain acyl-CoA esters from the cytoplasm across the inner mitochondrial membrane via the carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase (CACT) system — a step that is rate-limiting for beta-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids. Without L-Carnitine, long-chain fatty acids cannot reach the mitochondrial matrix for oxidation. In research, L-Carnitine is used as the primary substrate in CPT1 enzyme assays, fatty acid oxidation models, and metabolic flux experiments. For research use only.

L-Carnitine is the base form responsible for mitochondrial fatty acid transport — the standard research substrate for CPT1 assays and beta-oxidation studies. Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is an acetylated form that crosses the blood-brain barrier more readily; it is additionally studied for its role in acetyl group donation to acetylcholine synthesis in neuronal models. L-Carnitine-L-Tartrate is a salt form with improved aqueous solubility commonly used in sports science research. Our product is L-Carnitine (the free zwitterionic inner salt form) — the appropriate choice for mitochondrial fatty acid transport, CPT1 enzyme kinetics, and acylcarnitine profiling research. Not for human consumption — for research use only.

L-Carnitine is used across many cell-based and biochemical models: skeletal myocyte and cardiomyocyte fatty acid oxidation assays; CPT1 and CPT2 enzyme activity assays; acylcarnitine profiling via LC-MS/MS — a standard assay for fatty acid oxidation disorders; mitochondrial membrane potential studies using fluorescent probes; Seahorse XF metabolic flux analyser experiments (as supplementary substrate); carnitine deficiency rescue experiments in carnitine-depleted cell lines; and hepatocyte lipid accumulation models (NAFLD research). Not for human consumption — for research use only.

Reconstitution: L-Carnitine is highly water-soluble. Draw the required volume of bacteriostatic water or sterile buffer and inject into the vial; swirl gently until dissolved. For 500mg vial: 5mL = 100mg/mL; 10mL = 50mg/mL; 50mL = 10mg/mL. L-Carnitine solution is relatively stable — refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 4 weeks. Unlike glutathione, L-Carnitine has no significant oxidation concerns at normal handling temperatures. Store lyophilised powder at −20°C.

L-Carnitine is legal to purchase in Australia for legitimate laboratory research purposes. As an endogenous compound naturally present in meat and biosynthesised by the human body, it is not a scheduled substance when sold for research use. Purchasers must confirm research-only use. Our L-Carnitine 500mg is supplied as a research compound with 99.0% HPLC purity and full COA documentation. Peptide Warehouse dispatches nationwide from our Melbourne warehouse via Australia Post. Not for human consumption in this lyophilised research form.

The carnitine shuttle moves long-chain fatty acids (>C12) across the inner mitochondrial membrane in three steps: CPT1 (outer membrane) converts long-chain acyl-CoA + L-Carnitine → acylcarnitine + CoASH; CACT (translocase) moves acylcarnitine into the mitochondrial matrix while transporting free carnitine out; CPT2 (inner membrane) converts acylcarnitine + CoASH → acyl-CoA + L-Carnitine, releasing the fatty acid for beta-oxidation. This shuttle is rate-limited by available L-Carnitine and CPT1 activity. CPT1 inhibitors (e.g. malonyl-CoA) and L-Carnitine supplementation are standard tools for studying mitochondrial fatty acid flux. Not for human consumption — for research use only.

L-Carnitine has CAS number 541-15-1, molecular formula C₇H₁₅NO₃, and molecular weight 161.20 Da. It exists as a zwitterion (inner salt) at physiological pH — the positively charged quaternary nitrogen and negatively charged carboxylate are both permanently ionised. This zwitterionic character contributes to its high water solubility and its inability to cross lipid bilayers passively (requiring active CACT transport). Identity is confirmed in our batches via mass spectrometry as documented in the COA. Not for human consumption — for research use only.