L-Carnitine · Functional Nutrient for Energy, Fat Metabolism & Sports Nutrition

Key characteristics

• Chemical name: (R)-3-hydroxy-4-(trimethylammonio)butanoate (L-carnitine).
• Form: typically a white, crystalline powder with a mildly hygroscopic character.
• Solubility: freely soluble in water, ideal for liquid beverages, syrups and instant powders.
• Taste profile: slightly acidic to neutral taste; flavour systems are used to harmonise sensory impact at higher inclusion levels.
• Function: used as a functional nutrient and nutritional enhancer in energy drinks, sports products, weight-management concepts and supplements.
• Forms available: Atlas primarily supplies L-carnitine base; other forms (e.g. L-carnitine L-tartrate, L-carnitine fumarate) can be evaluated depending on application, stability and labelling needs.
• Compatibility: generally compatible with B-vitamins, caffeine, taurine, amino acids, sweeteners and minerals in energy and sports formulations.

Atlas works with R&D teams to integrate L-carnitine into energy, sports and wellness products, coordinating with the broader Atlas portfolio of vitamins, amino acids and functional ingredients.

Indicative specification points

Final specifications are agreed per project and destination market. Typical food and nutrition-grade L-carnitine parameters include:

• Assay: generally 98.0–102.0% L-carnitine (on dried basis) for the base; adjusted ranges for specific salt or preparation types.
• Appearance: white or almost white, crystalline powder, free from visible foreign matter.
• Identification tests: confirm L-carnitine structure and optical purity according to pharmacopeial or food/nutrition-grade methods.
• Specific rotation: monitored to verify L-isomer identity and consistency.
• Loss on drying: controlled to support stability, flow and consistent potency.
• Residue on ignition / sulphated ash: limited in line with specifications and applicable regulations.
• pH (in solution): within agreed limits, suitable for beverage and premix applications.
• Related substances and organic impurities: controlled to meet food, sports and supplement standards.
• Heavy metals and specific contaminants: limited to comply with global and local safety requirements.
• Microbiological profile: aligned with good manufacturing practice, with stricter limits available for infant and medical nutrition where required.

Each batch is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a detailed technical data sheet. Additional documentation (GMO status, allergen statements, dietary suitability, contaminants, origin, Halal/Kosher certificates) can be provided from approved producers.

Energy & functional beverages

• Energy drinks and energy shots – L-carnitine is a recognised front-of-pack ingredient used together with caffeine, taurine, inositol and B-vitamins.
• Focus and gaming drinks – used in cognitive and performance-positioned RTDs, often in combination with nootropics and adaptogens where permitted.
• Functional RTD teas, waters and juices – L-carnitine incorporated at levels aligned with brand positioning and regulatory guidance.
• Concentrated beverage bases and syrups – supplied via premixes or stock solutions for later dilution and filling.

Sports nutrition & performance

• Pre-workout and intra-workout drinks – L-carnitine included alongside amino acids (e.g. BCAAs), caffeine, beta-alanine and electrolytes.
• Post-workout recovery products – powders and RTDs where L-carnitine is part of comprehensive recovery formulations with proteins, carbohydrates and micronutrients.
• Sports powders & instant mixes – L-carnitine delivered via multi-ingredient sports blends in tubs, sachets and sticks.

Weight-management & active lifestyle

• Weight-management drinks – low-calorie or meal-replacement beverages where L-carnitine is used together with proteins, fibres and selected micronutrients.
• Active lifestyle RTDs – convenience beverages positioned around energy and vitality, subject to category-specific rules.
• Nutrition bars and snacks – L-carnitine included via premixes in bar and functional snack concepts, where formulation and regulations allow.

Clinical, infant & specialised nutrition

• Medical and clinical nutrition – L-carnitine may be used in oral nutrition supplements and enteral feeds for specific patient groups, under category-specific regulations.
• Infant and pediatric formulas – in some markets, carnitine is included as part of regulated nutrient profiles; purity and documentation requirements are particularly strict.

Dietary supplements

• Capsules and tablets – L-carnitine supplied alone or combined with B-vitamins, chromium, CoQ10 and other actives, within local legal limits.
• Liquid shots and ampoules – concentrated L-carnitine liquid supplements flavored for direct consumption.
• Powder sticks and sachets – single-serve blends for addition to water or smoothies, suitable for on-the-go consumption.
• Gummies and chewables – emerging delivery forms where L-carnitine is combined with vitamins and other functional components, subject to technological and regulatory feasibility.

Formulation guidance

• L-carnitine dosage depends on:
  • Product category and target consumers,
  • Local regulatory maximum levels and notified use patterns,
  • Desired on-pack positioning and claims (where permitted).
• In beverages, L-carnitine is typically added as:
  • Direct powder addition to the mixing tank, or
  • Liquid/powder premixes to improve dosing accuracy and handling.
• For instant powders, attention must be paid to particle size, hygroscopicity and premix design to avoid segregation and caking.
• L-carnitine is generally stable within typical beverage pH and heat-treatment conditions, but pilot trials and shelf-life studies are recommended to confirm retention and sensory profile.
• Regulatory and scientific teams must confirm authorised L-carnitine forms, maximum levels, permitted categories, labelling rules and any specific warnings in each destination market.

Quality & documentation

• Supplied as food or nutrition-grade L-carnitine (and selected related forms) with agreed specifications for assay, impurities and physical properties.
• Each batch is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a technical data sheet describing key test parameters and analytical methods.
• Additional documentation can include GMO status, allergen declarations, contaminants and heavy metal data, dietary suitability (e.g. vegetarian/vegan where applicable), BSE/TSE statements, origin and Halal/Kosher certificates, depending on the producer and grade.
• Manufacturing sites typically operate under recognised ISO and food safety management systems (e.g. HACCP, FSSC/ISO 22000), with further certifications available on request.
• Customers remain responsible for regulatory compliance, category permissions, maximum use levels, claim wording and labelling in each destination market.

Packaging, storage & logistics

• Standard packaging: typically 20–25 kg bags, fibre drums or cartons with inner liners to protect against moisture and contamination; alternative pack sizes can be evaluated as needed.
• Suitable for full-container or mixed-container shipments together with other vitamins, amino acids, nutritional enhancers, sweeteners and functional ingredients.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from heat, moisture and odour-intensive materials to maintain powder quality and flow properties.
• Typical shelf life is defined in the product specification and on the COA; customers should verify L-carnitine stability in their own processes and finished products via shelf-life studies.
• Shipments can be arranged under FOB, CFR, CIF or other agreed Incoterms, with export, customs and quality documentation coordinated from Ankara, Türkiye.

To receive a tailored offer, please share your intended applications (energy drinks, functional RTDs, sports powders, weight-management products, clinical or infant nutrition, supplements, etc.), target L-carnitine level per serving, preferred L-carnitine form, annual volume, packaging needs, documentation/certification requirements and destination markets. Our team will recommend suitable grades and premix concepts.