A Review on Therapeutic Effects of L-Carnitine: An Update

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome and obesity are two major determinants for many noncommunicable diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes and cancer. Lifestyle modification, dietary interventions and weight loss are found to be efficacious remedies. In alternative medications, many functional foods and nutraceuticals have contributed significantly until now. L-carnitine is one of them, which is gaining importance as an ergogenic aid among athletes for muscle building and energy production. It has supported many medical therapies for the treatment of liver, heart and other diseases. It is available in pharmacological form as well as found naturally in various animal and plant foods. This review of recent clinical trials was aimed to show the efficacy and safety of carnitine supplements available in medicine form or food sources. The clinical outcome of various studies included for analysis indicated that when L-carnitine tablets (0.5 g-2 g) were given to intervention group patients of various diseases, for about 2-6 months duration, helped in a significant reduction of liver enzymes, blood sugar and bodyweight compared to controls. Furthermore, a few randomized clinical trials in which carnitine-rich low-fat animal foods on the Mediterranean diet were given in their recommended doses to patients, provided therapeutic benefits. The beneficial effects of lysine and methioninerich foods through the Green Mediterranean diet on vegetarians for endogenous carnitine synthesis have been reported. Large-scale clinical trials, including natural foods that would be cost-effective, long-term and safe for vegetarians, are warranted.