Expired and Clumpy L-Carnitine: Can it be Used?
Asked by: seaoui1986
On: November 04, 2014
Product Type:
Food
Question
I measured the pH of my formulation containing L-Carnitine and got a very low pH of 4.1. I thought adding L-Carnitine would increase the pH, but it turned out very low. Is this because the L-Carnitine is bad or has degraded? The raw L-Carnitine material is clumpy, like wet cotton. Can I still use it?
Answer
Based on the information from the conversation:
- Condition: L-Carnitine is highly hygroscopic and clumps easily when exposed to moisture, as the staff explained. Your description of it being "clumpy like wet cotton" indicates it has absorbed significant moisture.
- Staff Advice: The staff specifically advised against using L-Carnitine if it has high moisture.
- Expiry: The product expired in 12/2015, which is also a factor affecting its quality.
While the discussion about pH clarified why your formulation might have a low pH (likely due to it being Acetyl L-Carnitine), this doesn't override the staff's warning about the raw ingredient's condition.
Therefore, given the high moisture level indicated by the clumping and the staff's advice, it is not recommended to use this L-Carnitine product, especially since it is also expired.