Are L-carnitine supplements safe for pregnant or nursing women?

For most people their body manufacturers enough carnitine for their own needs. Carnitine is a naturally occuring nutrient in food, especially meat, and if also found in fish, poultry, and milk. Carnitine is being studied for its possible value in treating problems with infertility and Alzheimer's disease, but has thus far not been proven to be effective. Animal studies have not shown large doses of carnitine to be safe, so the FDA considers it a B-class drug, one that should only be used for pregnant women if clearly necessary. A similar warning is given for nursing mothers. Ask your doctor if you think L-carnitine supplements are needed.