In addition to its effects on metabolic performance, carnitine appears to have a preventive function against DOMS. In more detail, Giamberardino (1996) and Volek (2002) point out that taking 2-3mg/day of carnitine-L-tartrate for 21 days reduces the extent of muscle damage on the one hand, and the pain caused by the accumulation of calcium ions in the extracellular environment on the other. It appears that the effects are due to a vasodilating action exerted by carnitine. Indeed, the damage that muscle fibres suffer during the application of physical load is partly due to the obstruction of blood circulation in the area of the muscles concerned. Therefore, by allowing carnitine supplementation to restore normal blood flow, the damage to muscle tissue is greatly reduced. With regard to adverse effects, the reader is referred to the section on this supplement concerning its effects on athletic performance. Finally, please note that the main forms in which carnitine supplements are marketed are the tablet and the soluble powder.