Metal carnitine chelates comprising carnitine chelated to a nutritionally relevant metal can be used for general nutrition as well as well as to treat a variety of health related problems and symptoms. For example, metal carnitine chelates can be used to maintain good cardiovascular health, increase male fertility, enhance weight loss, provide mineral and/or carnitine supplements for mineral- and/or carnitine-deficient subjects, and reduce alcohol dependency and associated symptoms. Nutritionally relevant metals that can be used include copper, zinc, magnesium, calcium, iron, chromium, and manganese, to name a few.