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Can Carnitine Deficiency Lead To Gut Issues?

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Posted on Mon, 28 Sep 2020
Twitter Mon, 28 Sep 2020 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 18 Jun 2025 Last reviewed on
Question : Hi

I have been having gut issues this summer, and it started the same time I started taking valproic acid; It most likely lead to carnitine deficiency in me. I wonder if these two issues can be connected; Can carnitine deficiency lead to gut issues? (my symptoms were primarily worsened by lactose and protein)
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Please go through detailed answer dear.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Have seen your details,
L-carnitine is linked directly with gut flora in intestines.Our microbiota has been linked to intestinal health, immune function, bioactivation of nutrients .
So deficiency of L-carnitine could cause gut disturbance.
You should take l-carnitine supplement daily(12-15mg/kg)along with it take a probiotic like VSL#3 twice daily to replete gut flora.
Hope i was helpful.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (19 hours later)
Okay, thank you for the quick response!

How long should I take the probiotic?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Probiotic should be taken for minimum 2 weeks.
Thanks!
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

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Can Carnitine Deficiency Lead To Gut Issues?

Brief Answer: Please go through detailed answer dear. Detailed Answer: Hello, Have seen your details, L-carnitine is linked directly with gut flora in intestines.Our microbiota has been linked to intestinal health, immune function, bioactivation of nutrients . So deficiency of L-carnitine could cause gut disturbance. You should take l-carnitine supplement daily(12-15mg/kg)along with it take a probiotic like VSL#3 twice daily to replete gut flora. Hope i was helpful. Thanks.