Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is It Okay To Take Carnitine Before Going To Sleep?
Posted on
Mon, 28 Sep 2020
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 28 Sep 2020
Answered on
Wed, 18 Jun 2025
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi
I have carnitine deficiency due to valproic acid, but my neurologist seems uncertain regarding what time of day I should be taking my supplements. I have read that amino acids can impede each other from crossing the blood-brain barrier. This implies that I shouldn't take my carnitine supplements with a protein-heavy meal.
Is it okay to take carnitine before going to sleep? In fact, should I maybe restrict protein altogether while replenishing my carnitine stores?
I have carnitine deficiency due to valproic acid, but my neurologist seems uncertain regarding what time of day I should be taking my supplements. I have read that amino acids can impede each other from crossing the blood-brain barrier. This implies that I shouldn't take my carnitine supplements with a protein-heavy meal.
Is it okay to take carnitine before going to sleep? In fact, should I maybe restrict protein altogether while replenishing my carnitine stores?
Brief Answer:
Carnitine intake
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
For best results and absorption, Carnitine supplement must be taken empty stomach. So you should take carnitine is morning. Try to take it in liquid form (mixing it in water). You can take carnitine before going sleep. But to get good results, finish your dinner 2-3 hours before that.
While taking carnitine, avoid milk/food for next 30-45 minutes.
Please don't stop protein altogether. It will damage your immune system, muscles and metabolism.
Hope it will help you. Let me know if you have any doubts.
Thank you
Carnitine intake
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
For best results and absorption, Carnitine supplement must be taken empty stomach. So you should take carnitine is morning. Try to take it in liquid form (mixing it in water). You can take carnitine before going sleep. But to get good results, finish your dinner 2-3 hours before that.
While taking carnitine, avoid milk/food for next 30-45 minutes.
Please don't stop protein altogether. It will damage your immune system, muscles and metabolism.
Hope it will help you. Let me know if you have any doubts.
Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Hi
Yes, I have one more question. I have a BCAA-mix which contains the following per scoop:
BCAA 4:1:1 5000mg
L-leucine 3330mg
L-valin 833mg
L-isoleucin 833mg
L-glutamin 3000mg
Acetyl L/carnitine 1000mg
Will drinking this in the morning instead of the pills result in inferior absorption?
Yes, I have one more question. I have a BCAA-mix which contains the following per scoop:
BCAA 4:1:1 5000mg
L-leucine 3330mg
L-valin 833mg
L-isoleucin 833mg
L-glutamin 3000mg
Acetyl L/carnitine 1000mg
Will drinking this in the morning instead of the pills result in inferior absorption?
Brief Answer:
Carnitine absorption
Detailed Answer:
Hello Avatrin, welcome back.
Carnitine absorption is minimally affected by other amino acids. Pill is the best form of cantina. But it is promoted with other amino acids to build muscles. Thats why it comes with other formulations.
Pill, alone, is mainly recommended in case of Carnitine deficiency.
Thank you. Please let me know if you have any doubts.
Carnitine absorption
Detailed Answer:
Hello Avatrin, welcome back.
Carnitine absorption is minimally affected by other amino acids. Pill is the best form of cantina. But it is promoted with other amino acids to build muscles. Thats why it comes with other formulations.
Pill, alone, is mainly recommended in case of Carnitine deficiency.
Thank you. Please let me know if you have any doubts.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
