Carnitine
18 benefits mapped to clinical evidence across supplements.
Dose per serving from products
25 products in our catalogue print how much Carnitine a serving holds.
Most common: 10 mg to 25 mg, 36% of 25 products.
| Dose per serving | Products |
|---|---|
| 5 mg or less | 2 |
| 5 mg to 10 mg | 3 |
| 10 mg to 25 mg | 9 |
| 25 mg to 50 mg | 0 |
| 50 mg to 100 mg | 1 |
| 100 mg to 250 mg | 1 |
| 250 mg to 500 mg | 6 |
| 500 mg to 1 g | 0 |
| 1 g to 2.5 g | 3 |
Dose per serving from research
19 study groups in 15 studies say how much Carnitine participants took a day.
These are the doses the studies gave. They are not a recommendation.
Most common: 1 g to 2.5 g, 53% of 19 study groups.
| Daily dose | Study groups |
|---|---|
| 1 mg or less | 1 |
| 1 mg to 2.5 mg | 1 |
| 2.5 mg to 5 mg | 0 |
| 5 mg to 10 mg | 0 |
| 10 mg to 25 mg | 0 |
| 25 mg to 50 mg | 0 |
| 50 mg to 100 mg | 1 |
| 100 mg to 250 mg | 1 |
| 250 mg to 500 mg | 0 |
| 500 mg to 1 g | 5 |
| 1 g to 2.5 g | 10 |
Benefit Evidence
Fat mobilization +ketones
Carbs→fat shift +21%
Insulin resistance −0.6 HOMA
Less muscle damage
Better recovery +40%
Improved strength/lean mass
Research sources
Heart health (59)
- L-Carnitine supplementation reduces oxidized LDL cholesterol in patients with diabetes
PubMed ID: 19056606
L-carnitine reduced oxidized LDL, LDL and triglycerides in T2D — favorable atherogenic profile for heart health.
- Effect of combination therapy of hydroxyurea with l-carnitine and magnesium chloride on hematologic parameters and cardiac function of patients with beta-thalassemia intermedia
PubMed ID: 19799627
Adding L-carnitine to hydroxyurea improved hematologic parameters and some cardiac measures in thalassemia patients.
- Effect of L-carnitine on the size of low-density lipoprotein particles in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients treated with simvastatin
PubMed ID: 19604523
L-carnitine plus simvastatin improved LDL particle size and reduced LDL in type 2 diabetics (cardiovascular risk profile).
- Orlistat and L-carnitine compared to orlistat alone on insulin resistance in obese diabetic patients
PubMed ID: 20683173
Orlistat+L-carnitine improved metabolic/inflammatory markers, which are relevant to cardiovascular health.
- Effects of L-Carnitine supplement on plasma coagulation and anticoagulation factors in hemodialysis patients
PubMed ID: 20863217
Raised free carnitine and substantially lowered CRP and fibrinogen (inflammation/coagulation risk linked to CV disease).
- Effects of combination of sibutramine and L-carnitine compared with sibutramine monotherapy on inflammatory parameters in diabetic patients
PubMed ID: 20423740
Adding L-carnitine to sibutramine improved glucose, lipids and CRP faster than sibutramine alone (CV risk factor improvements).
- Effects of L-carnitine supplement on serum inflammatory cytokines, C-reactive protein, lipoprotein (a), and oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients with Lp (a) hyperlipoproteinemia
PubMed ID: 20812958
Marked reductions in CRP and IL-6 in hemodialysis patients (cardio-relevant inflammatory markers).
- Effects of carnitine and coenzyme Q10 on lipid profile and serum levels of lipoprotein(a) in maintenance hemodialysis patients on statin therapy
PubMed ID: 21368390
Lipoprotein(a) — a cardiovascular risk factor — declined with carnitine (though co‑interventions present).
- L-carnitine treatment in patients with mild diastolic heart failure is associated with improvement in diastolic function and symptoms
PubMed ID: 20639632
Randomized trial showed improved diastolic function and symptoms in patients with diastolic heart failure.
- Effect of L-carnitine on oxidative stress and platelet activation after major surgery
PubMed ID: 21770897
Preop L‑carnitine prevented postoperative oxidative stress and platelet activation — relevant to CV risk.
- [The impact of L-carnitine administration on the serum level of myocardium injury markers in patients with acute carbon monoxide poisoning]
PubMed ID: 22153012
Reduced cardiac injury markers (Mb, CK‑MB, cTnI) when L‑carnitine was added in acute CO injury.
- NOX2 up-regulation is associated with artery dysfunction in patients with peripheral artery disease
PubMed ID: 22336250
Propionyl‑L‑carnitine improved FMD and reduced oxidative stress in PAD, supporting vascular/heart health.
- [Influence of levocarnitine on heart function and endocrine among patients with heart failure]
PubMed ID: 24125620
IV levocarnitine improved LVEF, reduced LV dimensions and NT‑proBNP in elderly CHF patients (randomized trial).
- Effects of L-carnitine supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes activities in patients with coronary artery disease: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25092108
1 g/day L‑carnitine in CAD lowered oxidative stress marker and raised antioxidant enzymes — cardioprotective mechanism.
- Effects of levocarnitine on brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity in hemodialysis patients: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25533009
Long‑term L‑carnitine in dialysis patients reduced brachial‑ankle PWV (vascular stiffness), relevant to cardiac risk.
- Antiinflammatory effects of L-carnitine supplementation (1000 mg/d) in coronary artery disease patients
PubMed ID: 25701337
1 g/day L‑carnitine reduced inflammatory markers in coronary artery disease, supporting cardiovascular benefit.
- Levocarnitine Improves Cardiac Function in Hemodialysis Patients With Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 26508680
Large RCT in carnitine‑deficient hemodialysis patients showing improved EF, reduced LV mass and NT‑proBNP — direct, clinically meaningful cardioprotective effects.
- L-Carnitine Supplementation Reduces Short-Term Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
PubMed ID: 25951165
Preoperative L‑carnitine infusion lowered neutrophils and attenuated NLR rise after CABG (inflammation linked to cardiac outcomes) — supportive but indirect for long‑term heart health.
- [Effect of L-Carnitine on QT Dispersion in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome]
PubMed ID: 26320283
Randomized trial in ACS patients found reduced QT dispersion (marker of electrical stability) after IV/PO L‑carnitine — direct cardiac benefit.
- Effects of L-carnitine supplementation on lipid profiles in patients with coronary artery disease
PubMed ID: 27317162
Randomized L-carnitine trial in CAD improved HDL and ApoA-1, indicating beneficial cardiac lipid profile changes.
- Randomized Trial of Carnitine for the Prevention of Perioperative Atrial Fibrillation
PubMed ID: 28982550
Perioperative L-carnitine RCT reduced postoperative atrial fibrillation and CRP—clinically meaningful cardiac benefit.
- L-Carnitine supplementation reduces biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress in patients with coronary artery disease: a randomised controlled trial
PubMed ID: 32816578
In CAD patients L‑carnitine reduced inflammatory/oxidative markers (hs‑CRP, MPO) and raised antioxidant capacity—mechanistically cardioprotective.
- The Effects of L-Carnitine on Echocardiographic Changes in Patients With β-Thalassemia Major and Intermedia
PubMed ID: 32555029
RCT in β‑thalassemia showed reduced LV dilatation/hypertrophy, lower systolic BP and increased cardiac output with L‑carnitine.
- Effects of Reducing L-Carnitine Supplementation on Carnitine Kinetics and Cardiac Function in Hemodialysis Patients: A Multicenter, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 34073024
Stopping IV L‑carnitine raised BNP (heart stress marker), implying L‑carnitine supports cardiac status in dialysis patients.
- Comparative study of the efficacy of captopril, simvastatin, and L-carnitine as cardioprotective drugs in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a randomised controlled trial
PubMed ID: 33536102
In children with type 1 diabetes L‑carnitine improved LDL/total and HDL and showed favorable echocardiographic measures.
- Plasma l-carnitine and risks of cardiovascular events and recurrent stroke after ischemic stroke: A nested case-control study
PubMed ID: 36155150
Higher plasma L‑carnitine after ischemic stroke was strongly associated with lower recurrent stroke and cardiovascular events (nested case‑control observational evidence).
- L-carnitine decreases myocardial injury in children undergoing open-heart surgery: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 38568244
Preoperative L‑carnitine reduced cardiac injury markers and improved postoperative LVEF in pediatric open‑heart surgery (RCT with clinically relevant cardiac outcomes).
- Effect of combined treatment with alpha-Lipoic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine on vascular function and blood pressure in patients with coronary artery disease
PubMed ID: 17396066
ALC+ALA improved brachial artery diameter and reduced systolic BP in patients with coronary disease (combination therapy limits attribution to ALC alone).
- A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of L-carnitine in suspected acute myocardial infarction
PubMed ID: 8746285
Randomized oral L‑carnitine after suspected MI reduced enzyme‑estimated infarct size and several cardiac complications—direct clinical cardioprotective evidence.
- Myocardial Protective Effects of L-Carnitine on Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Patients With Rheumatic Valvular Heart Disease Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
PubMed ID: 27569824
Randomized addition of L‑carnitine to cardioplegia reduced postoperative cardiac enzymes and apoptosis markers—direct myocardial protection during surgery.
- Additional antiischemic effects of long-term L-propionylcarnitine in anginal patients treated with conventional antianginal therapy
PubMed ID: 8850378
L‑propionylcarnitine added to standard therapy improved objective ischemia measures and exercise tolerance in angina patients—anti‑ischemic/cardio benefit.
- Effect of L-carnitine on myocardial metabolism: results of a balanced, placebo-controlled, double-blind study in patients undergoing open heart surgery
PubMed ID: 9572066
Perioperative L‑carnitine improved myocardial metabolites and ultrastructure (biochemical/myocardial protection) though clinical recovery unchanged.
- Prolonged oral L-carnitine substitution increases bicycle ergometer performance in patients with severe, ischemically induced cardiac insufficiency
PubMed ID: 10686664
Oral L-carnitine in ischemic heart-failure patients improved cycling performance and effort tolerance (clinically relevant cardiac outcome).
- Nutritional supplementation with MyoVive repletes essential cardiac myocyte nutrients and reduces left ventricular size in patients with left ventricular dysfunction
PubMed ID: 12075268
Supplement (including carnitine) raised myocardial carnitine and reduced LVEDV vs placebo (favorable cardiac remodeling signal).
- Multicenter trial of L-carnitine in maintenance hemodialysis patients. II. Clinical and biochemical effects
PubMed ID: 2266675
IV L-carnitine in dialysis patients reduced intra-dialytic hypotension/cramps and improved VO2 (hemodynamic/exercise benefit relevant to cardiac symptoms).
- The therapeutic effect of L-carnitine in patients with exercise-induced stable angina: a controlled study
PubMed ID: 1794297
Also improved lipid profile in angina patients, supporting cardiovascular risk factors.
- Carnitine supplementation in diphtheria
PubMed ID: 1291495
Large RCT in diphtheria showed major reductions in myocarditis incidence and mortality—direct, strong cardiac protection.
- [The clinical and hemodynamic effects of propionyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of congestive heart failure]
PubMed ID: 1493661
Propionyl‑L‑carnitine in CHF improved EF and exercise capacity and reduced vascular resistance—direct heart-failure benefit.
- Controlled study on L-carnitine therapeutic efficacy in post-infarction
PubMed ID: 1292918
Large controlled trial after MI with improved HR/BP and large absolute mortality reduction—direct clinical cardiac benefit.
- Controlled study on the therapeutic efficacy of propionyl-L-carnitine in patients with congestive heart failure
PubMed ID: 1445476
Double-blind trial in CHF with significant EF and exercise-time improvements—supports cardiac function.
- Prevention by L-carnitine of interleukin-2 related cardiac toxicity during cancer immunotherapy
PubMed ID: 8236505
Oral L‑carnitine given with IL‑2 reduced IL‑2–related cardiac complications—cardioprotective in a treatment context.
- [The evaluation of the antiarrhythmic activity of L-carnitine and propafenone in ischemic cardiopathy]
PubMed ID: 7682488
Study showed reductions in premature ventricular beats in ischemic heart disease when L‑carnitine was used.
- Efficacy of L-propionylcarnitine treatment in patients with left ventricular dysfunction
PubMed ID: 7982429
In LV dysfunction propionyl‑L‑carnitine improved exercise time and LVEF—supportive but more limited sample.
- Effects of L-carnitine administration on left ventricular remodeling after acute anterior myocardial infarction: the L-Carnitine Ecocardiografia Digitalizzata Infarto Miocardico (CEDIM) Trial
PubMed ID: 7608438
Large RCT started early after MI that significantly attenuated LV dilation over 12 months—important remodeling/heart-health endpoint.
- [Therapy of arrhythmia induced by myocardial ischemia. Association of L-carnitine, propafenone and mexiletine]
PubMed ID: 8681496
L‑carnitine reduced ventricular ectopy and potentiated antiarrhythmic drugs in angina patients.
- Anti-ischaemic efficacy of L-propionylcarnitine--a promising novel metabolic approach to ischaemia?
PubMed ID: 8737216
Propionyl‑L‑carnitine reduced angina episodes and nitroglycerin use and improved ischaemia measures.
- Acute and chronic effects of propionyl-L-carnitine on the hemodynamics, exercise capacity, and hormones in patients with congestive heart failure
PubMed ID: 9784909
Propionyl‑L‑carnitine produced large improvements in peak VO2 and exercise capacity in heart failure.
- Three-year survival of patients with heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy and L-carnitine administration
PubMed ID: 10650325
Long‑term oral L‑carnitine associated with improved survival in dilated cardiomyopathy.
- The effects of L-carnitine treatment on left ventricular function and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy
PubMed ID: 10856733
RCT in ischemic cardiomyopathy showed short-term increase in LVEF and antioxidant activity — direct cardiac benefit.
- L-carnitine moderately improves the exercise tolerance in chronic stable angina
PubMed ID: 11310378
Stable angina trial increased exercise time and sped ECG recovery, indicating symptomatic cardiac benefit.
- L-carnitine reduces plasma lipoprotein(a) levels in patients with hyper Lp(a)
PubMed ID: 11213533
Lipoprotein(a) lowering in high-Lp(a) subjects may reduce cardiovascular risk — modest effect.
- The effect of L-carnitine on plasma lipoprotein(a) levels in hypercholesterolemic patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
PubMed ID: 12867219
Type 2 diabetes trial produced significant Lp(a) reduction — lipid-related cardiovascular benefit.
- Propionyl-L-carnitine improves hemodynamics and metabolic markers of cardiac perfusion during coronary surgery in diabetic patients
PubMed ID: 16187006
Perioperative propionyl-L-carnitine improved cardiac index, lowered pulmonary artery pressure and ischemic markers in CABG patients.
- Metabolic treatment with L-carnitine in acute anterior ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 16685128
Large trial in acute MI showed reduced 5-day mortality with L-carnitine (short-term cardiac survival benefit).
- A randomised, controlled clinical trial evaluating changes in therapeutic efficacy and oxidative parameters after treatment with propionyl L-carnitine in patients with peripheral arterial disease requiring haemodialysis
PubMed ID: 16608381
Propionyl-L-carnitine improved PAD-related hemodynamics and reduced oxidative stress in dialysis patients (cardiovascular benefit).
- Effect of PLC on functional parameters and oxidative profile in type 2 diabetes-associated PAD
PubMed ID: 16446007
In diabetics with PAD, propionyl-L-carnitine improved ABI and walking distance, reflecting vascular/cardiac benefit.
- Propionyl-L-carnitine therapy: effects on endothelin-1 and homocysteine levels in patients with peripheral arterial disease and end-stage renal disease
PubMed ID: 16809937
In hemodialysis with PAD, propionyl-L-carnitine lowered ET-1 and Hcy and improved ABI (endothelial/cardio markers).
- Effect of carni Q-gel (ubiquinol and carnitine) on cytokines in patients with heart failure in the Tishcon study
PubMed ID: 17824295
Combination ubiquinol+L-carnitine improved 6-min walk and lowered inflammatory cytokines in heart-failure patients (attribution limited by combo).
- L-carnitine as an adjunct therapy to percutaneous coronary intervention for non-ST elevation myocardial infarction
PubMed ID: 17955358
Peri-procedural IV L-carnitine lowered cardiac enzyme release after PCI, suggesting myocardial protection.
Fertility (46)
- [Efficacy of natural vitamin E on oligospermia and asthenospermia: a prospective multi-centered randomized controlled study of 106 cases]
PubMed ID: 22741442
Randomized multicenter study: levocarnitine (±vitamin E) improved sperm concentration/motility and increased natural pregnancy rates in infertile men.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine vs tamoxifen in the oral therapy of Peyronie's disease: a preliminary report
PubMed ID: 11446848
Randomized trial in Peyronie's disease found reduced pain and curvature and slowed progression vs tamoxifen (direct male reproductive benefit).
- [Antioxidant therapeutic efficiency after the use of carnitine in infertile patients with bacterial or non bacterial prostato-vesiculo-epididymitis]
PubMed ID: 11505809
In infertile men with accessory gland infection, carnitines added to antibiotics improved semen oxidative stress and sperm motility more than either alone (complex multi‑intervention study).
- Cinnoxicam and L-carnitine/acetyl-L-carnitine treatment for idiopathic and varicocele-associated oligoasthenospermia
PubMed ID: 15292108
Randomized trial: oral L‑carnitine/ALC improved semen parameters and produced substantially higher pregnancy rates versus placebo, especially when combined with cinnoxicam.
- A placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial of the use of combined l-carnitine and l-acetyl-carnitine treatment in men with asthenozoospermia
PubMed ID: 15193480
Placebo‑controlled randomized trial found combined L‑carnitine and ALC increased sperm motility, particularly in men with low baseline motility.
- Carnitine versus androgen administration in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, depressed mood, and fatigue associated with male aging
PubMed ID: 15072869
Propionyl‑ and acetyl‑carnitine improved erectile function and nocturnal penile tumescence in older men, supporting aspects of reproductive/sexual health.
- [A controlled randomized trial of the use of combined L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in men with oligoasthenozoospermia]
PubMed ID: 16281510
Randomized controlled trial showed combined L‑carnitine + ALC increased forward/total motile sperm, seminal carnitine, and raised pregnancy rates.
- Placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial on the use of L-carnitine, L-acetylcarnitine, or combined L-carnitine and L-acetylcarnitine in men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia
PubMed ID: 16169400
Double‑blind randomized trial demonstrated increased sperm motility and seminal antioxidant capacity with ALC (alone or combined with L‑carnitine).
- [Treatment with carnitine, acetyl carnitine, L-arginine and ginseng improves sperm motility and sexual health in men with asthenopermia]
PubMed ID: 20940690
Large randomized combo therapy including carnitine improved sperm motility and sexual satisfaction, though attribution to carnitine alone is uncertain.
- Semen quality in patients with Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection treated concurrently with prulifloxacin and a phytotherapeutic agent
PubMed ID: 21979301
Large RCT: supplement mix containing L-carnitine added to antibiotics led to higher sperm concentration and motility vs antibiotic alone.
- [Adjuvant antioxidant therapy in varicocele infertility]
PubMed ID: 28845931
Randomized adjunct trial after varicocelectomy: ALC/L‑carnitine/ALA complex markedly improved motility, reduced DNA fragmentation and increased concentration short‑term.
- Effect of metabolic and antioxidant supplementation on sperm parameters in oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia, with and without varicocele: A double-blind placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 29315686
Double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial showed significant increases in sperm count and motility with carnitine‑based supplements in men with abnormal semen parameters.
- [Double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study of efficiency and safety of complex acetyl-L-carnitine, L-carnitine fumarate and alpha-lipoic acid (Spermactin Forte) for treatment of male infertility]
PubMed ID: 31535807
Randomized trial of SpermActin Forte (antioxidant/carnitine complex) produced large reductions in oxidative stress/DNA fragmentation and improved mobility/morphology.
- Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial on the effect of L-carnitine and L-acetylcarnitine on sperm parameters in men with idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia
PubMed ID: 30873633
6‑month double‑blind RCT of L‑carnitine/ALC plus micronutrients reduced sperm DNA fragmentation and modestly improved motility and seminal carnitine.
- Dietary supplementation with a novel l-carnitine multi-micronutrient in idiopathic male subfertility involving oligo-, astheno-, teratozoospermia: A randomized clinical study
PubMed ID: 32330373
6‑month randomized trial of multi‑micronutrient supplement containing L‑carnitine improved sperm parameters and increased pregnancy rates (multi‑ingredient formula).
- Prospective randomized multicentre comparison on sibling oocytes comparing G-Series media system with antioxidants versus standard G-Series media system
PubMed ID: 32299733
Adding antioxidant mix including ALC to IVF culture media increased embryo quality and implantation/pregnancy rates (ALC as part of mix; cultured embryo context).
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine Ameliorates Metabolic and Endocrine Alterations in Women with PCOS: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 34047916
In PCOS, adding ALC to insulin‑sensitizers improved insulin measures and restored menses in most women, supporting reproductive function (combo therapy).
- Antioxidant treatment for oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and varicocele: a DBPC trial to evaluate the impact of age and body mass index
PubMed ID: 38305695
Large double‑blind RCT of Proxeed Plus (L‑carnitine/ALC formula) showed significant increases in sperm concentration, motility and pregnancy rates.
- A prospective randomized controlled trial of antioxidants in human IVF and embryo culture media
PubMed ID: 40973967
Adding acetyl‑L‑carnitine (within an antioxidant mix) to IVF media increased fertilization rates, especially for ICSI, though pregnancy/live birth unchanged.
- Effect of propionyl-L-carnitine, L-arginine and nicotinic acid on the efficacy of vardenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in diabetes
PubMed ID: 19624286
Small RCT in diabetic men: supplement containing propionyl‑L‑carnitine (plus L‑arginine/niacin) improved erectile function scores, a direct reproductive/sexual health outcome (combo product).
- The combination of testosterone undecanoate with tamoxifen citrate enhances the effects of each agent given independently on seminal parameters in men with idiopathic oligozoospermia
PubMed ID: 9093207
Hormonal therapy raised seminal free L‑carnitine and improved sperm number/motility; seminal carnitine linked to sperm health.
- Oral propionyl-l-carnitine and intraplaque verapamil in the therapy of advanced and resistant Peyronie's disease
PubMed ID: 12010235
Combination therapy including propionyl-L-carnitine improved Peyronie’s disease measures and erectile function (confounded by verapamil).
- Antioxidant treatment with carnitines is effective in infertile patients with prostatovesiculoepididymitis and elevated seminal leukocyte concentrations after treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory compounds
PubMed ID: 12477513
Carnitine-containing antioxidant therapy improved seminal ROS and sperm motility/viability after NSAID pretreatment.
- Use of carnitine therapy in selected cases of male factor infertility: a double-blind crossover trial
PubMed ID: 12568837
Double-blind RCT showed significant improvements in sperm concentration and motility in infertile men.
- Preliminary observations on the use of propionyl-L-carnitine in combination with sildenafil in patients with erectile dysfunction and diabetes
PubMed ID: 15383186
Propionyl-L-carnitine added to sildenafil improved erectile outcomes in diabetic men refractory to sildenafil.
- Antioxidant treatment associated with sildenafil reduces monocyte activation and markers of endothelial damage in patients with diabetic erectile dysfunction: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 17478034
Propionyl-L-carnitine (especially with sildenafil) improved erectile scores and vascular/oxidative markers in diabetic men.
- Safety and efficacy of clomiphene citrate and L-carnitine in idiopathic male infertility: a comparative study
PubMed ID: 20845296
L-carnitine improved semen volume and sperm parameters in idiopathic infertile men over 3 months (randomized trial).
- [L-carnitine: safe and effective for asthenozoospermia]
PubMed ID: 20684322
Randomized trial: L-carnitine + vitamin E markedly improved sperm motility and produced much higher pregnancy rates vs vitamin E alone.
- [Use of L-carnitine before percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration-intracytoplasmic sperm injection for obstructive azoospermia]
PubMed ID: 21243757
Pre-treatment with oral L-carnitine increased the number and proportion of good embryos in men undergoing PESA-ICSI.
- [Short-term medication of L-carnitine before intracytoplasmic sperm injection for infertile men with oligoasthenozoospermia]
PubMed ID: 22474993
Two‑week oral L‑carnitine improved sperm motility/grade and increased available‑embryo rates for ICSI in oligoasthenozoospermia (clinical benefit).
- Adding L-carnitine to clomiphene resistant PCOS women improves the quality of ovulation and the pregnancy rate. A randomized clinical trial
PubMed ID: 25015747
Large double‑blind RCT: adding L‑carnitine to clomiphene in PCOS markedly increased ovulation and pregnancy rates (strong fertility evidence).
- [Safety and efficacy of L-carnitine and tadalafil for late-onset hypogonadism with ED: a randomized controlled multicenter clinical trial]
PubMed ID: 24520664
L‑carnitine combined with tadalafil improved erectile function scores and male symptom scores (randomized multicenter trial; combination therapy).
- [Shugan Yiyang Capsules for the treatment of asthenospermia: A clinical study]
PubMed ID: 26333227
Randomized groups using oral levocarnitine (with herbal capsules) improved sperm quality in men with asthenospermia; combination therapy produced largest gains — supportive but confounded.
- [L-carnitine combined with coenzyme Q10 for idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia: A double-blind randomized controlled trial]
PubMed ID: 30157357
Large RCT showed LC+CoQ10 improved sperm motility and pregnancy outcomes, though effects cannot be isolated to L‑carnitine alone (combination therapy).
- [L-carnitine improves sperm acrosin activity in male infertility patients]
PubMed ID: 32212483
Large randomized trial: L‑carnitine alone increased sperm motility, concentration (in oligo subgroup) and acrosin activity—strong, direct reproductive benefit.
- [Huanshao Capsules combined with levocarnitine for the treatment of asthenospermia, oligospermia and teratozoospermia]
PubMed ID: 30157364
Huanshao capsule + L‑carnitine markedly improved semen volume, concentration and motility vs LC alone—positive effect though confounded by combination.
- l-Carnitine plus metformin in clomiphene-resistant obese PCOS women, reproductive and metabolic effects: a randomized clinical trial
PubMed ID: 30806102
In obese, clomiphene‑resistant PCOS women, adding L‑carnitine to metformin+CC markedly increased ovulation and pregnancy rates vs metformin+CC alone (combination therapy).
- Effectiveness and Safety Evaluation of Qixiong Zhongzi Decoction () in Idiopathic Asthenozoospermia Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 31997237
Levocarnitine used in men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia was associated with increased progressive sperm counts over 12 weeks.
- Body mass index and age correlate with antioxidant supplementation effects on sperm quality: Post hoc analyses from a double-blind placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 32017167
A multinutrient antioxidant regimen that included L‑carnitine improved sperm count/motility and pregnancy rates, though attribution to carnitine alone is uncertain.
- Comparison of L-Carnitine vs. Coq10 and Vitamin E for idiopathic male infertility: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 35856361
Three‑month oral L‑carnitine improved sperm count, motility, morphology and increased testosterone/LH vs active comparator in idiopathic male infertility (randomized trial).
- [Compound Amino Acid Capsule (8-11) combined with L-carnitine for the treatment of asthenospermia]
PubMed ID: 38597704
Amino‑acid + L‑carnitine improved total sperm motility, increased epididymal NAG and lowered seminal ROS in idiopathic asthenospermia (double‑blind RCT).
- Multi-pharmacological treatment for young subfertile males with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome
PubMed ID: 39505516
Multi‑arm trial in subfertile men found combination regimens including L‑carnitine improved semen quality and prostatitis symptoms (randomized, but multi‑drug design).
- [Wuziyuye Decoction for type-II diabetes mellitus with qi-yin deficiency complicated by asthenospermia: A randomized controlled trial]
PubMed ID: 40783924
Oral L‑carnitine increased sperm motility, concentration and seminal antioxidants in men with diabetes‑related poor motility.
- [Treatment of asthenoteratozoospermia with Jujing Decoction by improving the structure and function of sperm mitochondria via antioxidant stress based on the theory of "Yang-Qi transformation and Yin morphologization"]
PubMed ID: 40783834
L‑carnitine improved sperm mitochondrial function, motility and seminal SOD in men with abnormal sperm (RCT comparator).
- Evaluation of daily supplementation of fertitonex on different semen parameters in idiopathic male infertility: a randomized double blind placebo controlled cross over study
PubMed ID: 39249665
Double‑blind crossover RCT: carnitine‑containing supplement significantly improved sperm concentration, motility and morphology.
- [Clinical effect of Huotujiji prescription on patients with asthenospermia of spleen-kidney yang-deficiency type]
PubMed ID: 40966000
Both L‑carnitine and herbal prescription improved sperm parameters in men with traditional‑medicine defined infertility.
Vitality (35)
- Carnitine versus androgen administration in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, depressed mood, and fatigue associated with male aging
PubMed ID: 15072869
Improvements in erectile function, mood and fatigue in older men suggest enhanced vitality with carnitine treatment.
- Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue
PubMed ID: 17658628
Large elderly trial showing improved fatigue, function and cognition supports increased overall vitality.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine reduces depression and improves quality of life in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 21443422
ALC improved multiple QoL domains and reduced depression in minimal hepatic encephalopathy.
- Oral acetyl-L-carnitine therapy reduces fatigue in overt hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 21310833
Marked increases in physical activity and reductions in fatigue indicate improved vitality in hepatic encephalopathy.
- The supplementation of acetyl-L-carnitine decreases fatigue and increases quality of life in patients with hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon-α 2b plus ribavirin
PubMed ID: 21923249
ALC improved many QoL measures and reduced fatigue during hepatitis C therapy.
- Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of acetyl-L-carnitine for ALS
PubMed ID: 23421600
ALS trial improvements in function and survival reflect clinically meaningful vitality gains.
- A randomised controlled trial comparing duloxetine and acetyl L-carnitine in fibromyalgic patients: preliminary data
PubMed ID: 25786048
Fibromyalgia trial showed improvements in pain, depression and some QoL, consistent with increased vitality.
- Effects of acetyl-L-carnitine and methylcobalamin for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial
PubMed ID: 27180954
Diabetic neuropathy trial showed symptom and function improvements (clinical benefit to daily vitality).
- Acetyl-L-carnitine Slows the Progression from Prefrailty to Frailty in Older Subjects: A Randomized Interventional Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 36043711
Randomized trial in prefrail older adults showed cognitive and walking improvements and reduced inflammation — broad vitality gains.
- Effects of Oral L-Carnitine on Liver Functions after Transarterial Chemoembolization in Intermediate-Stage HCC Patients
PubMed ID: 26664151
Oral L‑carnitine preserved liver synthetic function after TACE—improves clinical status and vitality in cancer patients.
- Randomised clinical trial: the efficacy and safety of propionyl-L-carnitine therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis receiving stable oral treatment
PubMed ID: 21929562
Propionyl‑L‑carnitine significantly improved clinical/endoscopic response and remission in ulcerative colitis—clear clinical benefit likely to enhance wellbeing.
- Prolonged oral L-carnitine substitution increases bicycle ergometer performance in patients with severe, ischemically induced cardiac insufficiency
PubMed ID: 10686664
Durable improvement in exercise capacity in ischemic HF patients suggests improved overall functional vitality.
- Amantadine and L-carnitine treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
PubMed ID: 9018019
Broad symptomatic improvements in CFS suggest enhanced overall vitality.
- Acute and chronic effects of propionyl-L-carnitine on the hemodynamics, exercise capacity, and hormones in patients with congestive heart failure
PubMed ID: 9784909
Heart failure patients had large functional gains and improved VO2, indicating improved vitality.
- Rett syndrome: randomized controlled trial of L-carnitine
PubMed ID: 10190267
Improved caregiver/medical well‑being ratings in Rett syndrome indicate increased vitality.
- Three-year survival of patients with heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy and L-carnitine administration
PubMed ID: 10650325
Improved survival and heart failure symptoms imply enhanced overall health/vitality.
- Levocarnitine administration in elderly subjects with rapid muscle fatigue: effect on body composition, lipid profile and fatigue
PubMed ID: 12875611
Comprehensive improvements in body composition and fatigue indicate broader vitality benefits in elderly subjects.
- Effects of L-carnitine infusions on inflammatory and nutritional markers in haemodialysis patients
PubMed ID: 16861734
Nonrandomized hemodialysis comparison showed reduced CRP and better nutrition markers with carnitine—consistent with improved vitality.
- Carnitine treatment improved quality-of-life measure in a sample of Midwestern hemodialysis patients
PubMed ID: 16387893
Improvements in SF-36 physical measures and reduced EPO needs suggest better well-being in dialysis patients on carnitine.
- L-Carnitine treatment reduces severity of physical and mental fatigue and increases cognitive functions in centenarians: a randomized and controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 18065594
Multi-domain improvements (muscle, fat, fatigue, cognition) in very elderly indicate enhanced vitality.
- L-Carnitine in the treatment of fatigue in adult celiac disease patients: a pilot study
PubMed ID: 17693145
Fatigue reduction in celiac disease supports improved subjective vitality.
- Effects of L-Carnitine supplement on plasma coagulation and anticoagulation factors in hemodialysis patients
PubMed ID: 20863217
Significant reductions in inflammatory markers and raised free carnitine in dialysis patients — general health/vitality implication.
- Randomized phase III clinical trial of five different arms of treatment in 332 patients with cancer cachexia
PubMed ID: 20156909
Combination including L-carnitine improved lean mass and symptoms in cachexia (overall functional benefit).
- Effects of L-carnitine supplement on serum inflammatory cytokines, C-reactive protein, lipoprotein (a), and oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients with Lp (a) hyperlipoproteinemia
PubMed ID: 20812958
CRP and IL-6 reductions in hemodialysis patients suggest systemic benefit relevant to vitality.
- [L-carnitine: safe and effective for asthenozoospermia]
PubMed ID: 20684322
Improvements in sperm motility and markedly higher pregnancy rates — clinically meaningful vitality/reproductive health outcome.
- A randomized phase III clinical trial of a combined treatment for cachexia in patients with gynecological cancers: evaluating the impact on metabolic and inflammatory profiles and quality of life
PubMed ID: 22198049
Combination therapy containing L‑carnitine improved QoL in advanced gynecologic cancer — clinically meaningful vitality signal though multi‑agent.
- Randomized phase III clinical trial of a combined treatment with carnitine + celecoxib ± megestrol acetate for patients with cancer-related anorexia/cachexia syndrome
PubMed ID: 22047681
In cancer cachexia regimens including L‑carnitine, lean mass and walking performance improved along with QoL.
- L-Carnitine-supplementation in advanced pancreatic cancer (CARPAN)--a randomized multicentre trial
PubMed ID: 22824168
L‑carnitine improved weight/composition in pancreatic cancer and may raise functional vitality in that population.
- Efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation on frailty status and its biomarkers, nutritional status, and physical and cognitive function among prefrail older adults: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 27895474
Improvement in frailty index and grip in prefrail elderly indicates meaningful gains in vitality and daily function.
- Efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation for improving lean body mass and physical function in patients on hemodialysis: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 30353121
Maintained LBM and muscle strength in dialysis patients with carnitine replacement supports broader vitality and function.
- Additional L-Carnitine Reduced the Risk of Hospitalization in Patients with Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy on Rifaximin
PubMed ID: 34348263
Adding L‑carnitine to rifaximin lowered hospital admission in hepatic encephalopathy, reflecting improved clinical resilience/vitality.
- The effects of l-Carnitine supplementation on inflammatory markers, clinical status, and 28 days mortality in critically ill patients: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 35623869
In ICU patients L‑carnitine reduced CRP/IL‑6 and improved SOFA/APACHE scores—clinically meaningful recovery/ vitality signal.
- Leptin as a surrogate immune-metabolic marker to predict impact of anti-cachectic therapy: results of a prospective randomized trial in multiple solid tumors
PubMed ID: 39389003
Improvements in lean mass and decreased REE in cancer patients suggest better functional status/vitality.
- L-carnitine as a novel approach for pain and inflammation relief in rheumatoid arthritis
PubMed ID: 41037123
Adjunct L‑carnitine in RA lowered disease activity and pain—improvements that typically increase perceived vitality.
- Impact of L-carnitine supplementation on post-transplant outcomes in liver transplant candidates with sarcopenia: A randomized controlled open-label trial
PubMed ID: 40962224
Peri‑transplant supplementation improved muscle recovery, BMI and markedly reduced mortality—strong vitality signal.
Blood circulation (31)
- Propionyl-L-carnitine improves exercise performance and functional status in patients with claudication
PubMed ID: 11382369
Large RCT: propionyl-L-carnitine significantly improved walking distance, claudication times — robust peripheral circulation improvement.
- A randomised, controlled clinical trial evaluating changes in therapeutic efficacy and oxidative parameters after treatment with propionyl L-carnitine in patients with peripheral arterial disease requiring haemodialysis
PubMed ID: 16608381
In dialysis patients with PAD, propionyl-L-carnitine improved ABI and decreased oxidative stress markers.
- Effect of PLC on functional parameters and oxidative profile in type 2 diabetes-associated PAD
PubMed ID: 16446007
Propionyl-L-carnitine in diabetic PAD patients increased ABI and pain-free walking distance with improved oxidative markers.
- Propionyl-L-carnitine therapy: effects on endothelin-1 and homocysteine levels in patients with peripheral arterial disease and end-stage renal disease
PubMed ID: 16809937
Propionyl-L-carnitine lowered endothelin-1 and homocysteine and improved ABI in hemodialysis PAD patients.
- Effect of propionylcarnitine on changes in endothelial function and plasma levels of adhesion molecules induced by acute exercise in patients with intermittent claudication
PubMed ID: 16518521
IV propionylcarnitine reduced exercise-related endothelial dysfunction and adhesion molecule increase in claudication patients.
- Antioxidant treatment associated with sildenafil reduces monocyte activation and markers of endothelial damage in patients with diabetic erectile dysfunction: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 17478034
PL-C reduced monocyte oxidative activity and improved vascular adhesion markers; combined therapy improved erectile scores in diabetics.
- Effect of carni Q-gel (ubiquinol and carnitine) on cytokines in patients with heart failure in the Tishcon study
PubMed ID: 17824295
Combo ubiquinol+L-carnitine improved 6-min walk distance and lowered inflammatory cytokines in HF patients.
- Evaluation of the efficacy of propionyl-L-carnitine versus pulsed muscular compressions in diabetic and non-diabetic patients affected by obliterating arteriopathy Leriche stage II
PubMed ID: 18506129
Propionyl-L-carnitine substantially increased walking distance and reduced calf pain in intermittent claudication RCTs.
- Effects of carnitine supplementation on flow-mediated dilation and vascular inflammatory responses to a high-fat meal in healthy young adults
PubMed ID: 18993165
2 g/day L-carnitine improved postprandial endothelial function (FMD) in healthy adults.
- Pharmacological treatment of patients with chronic critical limb ischemia: L-propionyl-carnitine enhances the short-term effects of PGE-1
PubMed ID: 19548076
Randomized double-blind trial in critical limb ischemia: L-propionyl-carnitine + PGE-1 significantly improved rest pain, walking distance and ulcer healing.
- L-carnitine treatment in patients with mild diastolic heart failure is associated with improvement in diastolic function and symptoms
PubMed ID: 20639632
Improved diastolic function and reduced breathlessness in mild diastolic heart failure implies better cardiac filling/circulatory performance.
- Propionyl-L-carnitine improves endothelial function, microcirculation and pain management in critical limb ischemia
PubMed ID: 22936457
Propionyl‑L‑carnitine improved endothelial‑dependent dilation, transcutaneous oxygenation and reduced pain in critical limb ischemia.
- NOX2 up-regulation is associated with artery dysfunction in patients with peripheral artery disease
PubMed ID: 22336250
Propionyl‑L‑carnitine infusion improved flow‑mediated dilation and reduced NOX2/isoprostanes in PAD — strong vascular function evidence.
- [Influence of levocarnitine on heart function and endocrine among patients with heart failure]
PubMed ID: 24125620
Improved cardiac dimensions and function with IV levocarnitine can translate into better peripheral perfusion.
- L-carnitine decreases myocardial injury in children undergoing open-heart surgery: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 38568244
Preoperative L‑carnitine reduced cardiac injury markers and improved LVEF postoperatively (pediatric RCT), implying improved cardiac output/circulatory performance.
- Effects of Reducing L-Carnitine Supplementation on Carnitine Kinetics and Cardiac Function in Hemodialysis Patients: A Multicenter, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 34073024
Stopping IV L‑carnitine raised BNP, implying maintenance of carnitine supports cardiac stress/ circulating performance.
- The Effects of L-Carnitine on Echocardiographic Changes in Patients With β-Thalassemia Major and Intermedia
PubMed ID: 32555029
L‑carnitine increased cardiac output and reduced LV remodeling in β‑thalassemia, indicating improved central circulation.
- Levocarnitine Decreases Intradialytic Hypotension Episodes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 28805348
Levocarnitine given before hemodialysis markedly reduced intradialytic hypotension episodes—a robust circulation/stability benefit.
- [Effect of L-Carnitine on QT Dispersion in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome]
PubMed ID: 26320283
Reduced QT dispersion suggests reduced myocardial electrical instability and potentially better perfusion/arrhythmia risk.
- Levocarnitine Improves Cardiac Function in Hemodialysis Patients With Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 26508680
Improvements in EF and LV mass in dialysis patients imply better cardiac output and circulatory function.
- Effects of levocarnitine on brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity in hemodialysis patients: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25533009
Long‑term L‑carnitine reduced pulse‑wave velocity (baPWV) in hemodialysis patients, indicating improved vascular stiffness/circulation.
- A study on the efficacy and safety assessment of propionyl-L-carnitine tablets in treatment of intermittent claudication
PubMed ID: 23998557
Propionyl‑L‑carnitine for 4 months significantly improved peak walking time in intermittent claudication (large RCT) — strong peripheral circulation benefit.
- Effect of combined treatment with alpha-Lipoic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine on vascular function and blood pressure in patients with coronary artery disease
PubMed ID: 17396066
ALC+alpha‑lipoic acid modestly increased brachial artery diameter and reduced systolic BP (cardiovascular/metabolic subgroup effects noted; combination therapy).
- Effect of propionyl-L-carnitine, L-arginine and nicotinic acid on the efficacy of vardenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in diabetes
PubMed ID: 19624286
Propionyl‑L‑carnitine (in combo) improved erectile function and endothelial markers (FMD) in diabetic men—direct vascular effect.
- Additional antiischemic effects of long-term L-propionylcarnitine in anginal patients treated with conventional antianginal therapy
PubMed ID: 8850378
L‑propionylcarnitine improved objective ischemia measures and exercise tolerance in angina—supports improved myocardial perfusion/circulation.
- [The clinical and hemodynamic effects of propionyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of congestive heart failure]
PubMed ID: 1493661
Lowered systemic vascular resistance and better exercise capacity in CHF indicate improved hemodynamics/circulation.
- Controlled study on the therapeutic efficacy of propionyl-L-carnitine in patients with congestive heart failure
PubMed ID: 1445476
Propionyl‑L‑carnitine improved exercise capacity and EF in CHF—supports improved systemic perfusion.
- Propionyl-L-carnitine in intermittent claudication: double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose titration, multicenter study
PubMed ID: 7594063
Large multicenter RCT in intermittent claudication demonstrated a large improvement in maximal walking distance—strong peripheral circulation benefit.
- Anti-ischaemic efficacy of L-propionylcarnitine--a promising novel metabolic approach to ischaemia?
PubMed ID: 8737216
Anti‑ischaemic effects in angina imply improved myocardial perfusion/ischaemia tolerance.
- Effect of propionyl-L-carnitine on quality of life in intermittent claudication
PubMed ID: 9070558
Propionyl‑L‑carnitine improved walking in more impaired intermittent claudication patients (better limb perfusion/function).
- Propionyl-L-carnitine improves hemodynamics and metabolic markers of cardiac perfusion during coronary surgery in diabetic patients
PubMed ID: 16187006
Perioperative propionyl-L-carnitine increased cardiac index and lowered pulmonary artery pressure—hemodynamic/circulatory improvements.
Metabolism (23)
- A combination of (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols and L-carnitine reduces the plasma lipid levels and increases the expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and HepG2 cells
PubMed ID: 21540583
Multi-nutrient product including L-carnitine lowered FFA/TG and increased PPARα and FA-oxidation genes — mechanistic metabolic enhancement.
- Comparison between orlistat plus l-carnitine and orlistat alone on inflammation parameters in obese diabetic patients
PubMed ID: 21077943
Adjunctive therapy improved inflammatory/adipokine profile in obese diabetics — metabolic relevance.
- Orlistat and L-carnitine compared to orlistat alone on insulin resistance in obese diabetic patients
PubMed ID: 20683173
Orlistat+L-carnitine gave superior improvements in weight, glycemic control and insulin resistance (metabolic outcomes) over one year.
- Sibutramine and L-carnitine compared to sibutramine alone on insulin resistance in diabetic patients
PubMed ID: 20720348
Sibutramine+L-carnitine produced faster/better improvements in glucose, lipids and inflammatory markers versus sibutramine alone.
- Effects of simvastatin and carnitine versus simvastatin on lipoprotein(a) and apoprotein(a) in type 2 diabetes mellitus
PubMed ID: 19618992
L-carnitine + simvastatin improved multiple lipid parameters and reduced glycemia in type 2 diabetes patients.
- L-Carnitine treatment reduces severity of physical and mental fatigue and increases cognitive functions in centenarians: a randomized and controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 18065594
Body-composition improvements (less fat, more muscle) in elderly suggest metabolic effects.
- Levocarnitine administration in elderly subjects with rapid muscle fatigue: effect on body composition, lipid profile and fatigue
PubMed ID: 12875611
Improvements in body composition (↑muscle, ↓fat) and lipids suggest meaningful metabolic effects.
- The effect of L-carnitine, administered through intravenous infusion of glucose, on both glucose and insulin levels in healthy subjects
PubMed ID: 7758398
Acute reduction in glucose excursion with L‑carnitine indicates an effect on carbohydrate metabolism.
- Improvement in insulin resistance and favourable changes in plasma inflammatory adipokines after weight loss associated with two months' consumption of a combination of bioactive food ingredients in overweight subjects
PubMed ID: 23271695
Multi-ingredient supplement including L-carnitine improved insulin sensitivity, leptin/adiponectin ratio and decreased RQ — strong metabolic signal.
- Mangiferin supplementation improves serum lipid profiles in overweight patients with hyperlipidemia: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25989216
Mangiferin trial increased circulating L-carnitine and β-hydroxybutyrate and lowered triglycerides — indicates altered systemic metabolism tied to carnitine pathways (indirect).
- Diets high in resistant starch increase plasma levels of trimethylamine-N-oxide, a gut microbiome metabolite associated with CVD risk
PubMed ID: 27993177
Resistant‑starch diets changed TMAO and carnitine‑related metabolites in a randomized crossover—dietary modulation of carnitine metabolism shown.
- Impact of chronic dietary red meat, white meat, or non-meat protein on trimethylamine N-oxide metabolism and renal excretion in healthy men and women
PubMed ID: 30535398
Well‑controlled human feeding study: red‑meat intake greatly increased TMAO and altered carnitine metabolism—strong evidence that carnitine exposure modulates systemic metabolic markers.
- Plasma Metabolomics Analysis of Aspirin Treatment and Risk of Colorectal Adenomas
PubMed ID: 35653338
Large plasma metabolomics study identified carnitine‑shuttle pathway shifts with aspirin associated with adenoma risk reduction — mechanistic support for metabolic role of carnitines.
- Metabolomics Analysis of Aspirin's Effects in Human Colon Tissue and Associations with Adenoma Risk
PubMed ID: 32655007
Aspirin trial metabolomics detected changes in carnitine‑shuttle metabolites and associations with risk endpoints — strong mechanistic evidence that carnitine‑shuttle metabolism is relevant to systemic metabolic pathways.
- Improvement of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease With Carnitine-Orotate Complex in Type 2 Diabetes (CORONA): A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 25877813
Carnitine‑orotate produced large improvements in liver fat and ALT with modest HbA1c change—strong metabolic improvements in NAFLD with diabetes.
- Effect of antioxidants on mitochondrial function in HIV-1-related lipoatrophy: a pilot study
PubMed ID: 20977356
ALC improved mitochondrial markers (13CO2 exhalation, mtDNA) indicating metabolic effects.
- Oral carnitine supplementation reduces body weight and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 26666519
PCOS trial showed improved fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA‑IR and weight loss — direct metabolic enhancement with oral carnitine.
- Metabolomics identifies increases in the acylcarnitine profiles in the plasma of overweight subjects in response to mild weight loss: a randomized, controlled design study
PubMed ID: 30322392
Weight‑loss associated rises in acylcarnitines indicate enhanced fatty‑acid mobilization and metabolic shifts tied to carnitine pathways.
- Comparative study to evaluate the effect of l-carnitine plus glimepiride versus glimepiride alone on insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients
PubMed ID: 30641691
Add‑on L‑carnitine in T2D improved multiple glycemic, insulin‑resistance and inflammatory/lipid biomarkers—strong metabolic benefit.
- Effects of Chromium and Carnitine Co-supplementation on Body Weight and Metabolic Profiles in Overweight and Obese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 30977089
Chromium+carnitine produced favorable weight, insulin and lipid changes—metabolic improvements though combination therapy limits attribution.
- The effect of L-carnitine supplementation on insulin resistance, sex hormone-binding globulin and lipid profile in overweight/obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial
PubMed ID: 34727201
L‑carnitine improved insulin sensitivity metrics in PCOS, indicating enhanced metabolic handling of glucose.
- Ameliorating effects of L-carnitine and synbiotic co-supplementation on anthropometric measures and cardiometabolic traits in women with obesity: a randomized controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 37929031
L‑carnitine + synbiotic produced greater weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity—evidence of metabolic enhancement (RCT with co‑intervention).
- Exploring the non-targeted metabolomic landscape in endurance-trained runners following 10 weeks of different dietary patterns and concomitant training
PubMed ID: 40697094
Endurance runners on LCHF showed large increases in carnitine‑related metabolites and phospholipids—direct metabolomic evidence.
Energy & Fatigue (25)
- Exploratory open label, randomized study of acetyl- and propionylcarnitine in chronic fatigue syndrome
PubMed ID: 15039515
Open randomized study reported reduced global and mental fatigue in many chronic fatigue syndrome patients treated with ALC/propionyl‑carnitine.
- Comparison of the effects of acetyl L-carnitine and amantadine for the treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis: results of a pilot, randomised, double-blind, crossover trial
PubMed ID: 14759641
Small crossover RCT found ALC reduced MS-related fatigue more than amantadine and was better tolerated.
- Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue
PubMed ID: 17658628
Well-powered RCT in elderly fatigued subjects showed large, clinically meaningful reductions in physical and mental fatigue with ALC.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine reduces depression and improves quality of life in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 21443422
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy trial: ALC reduced ammonia, improved QoL and lowered depression/fatigue measures.
- Oral acetyl-L-carnitine therapy reduces fatigue in overt hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 21310833
Large RCT in overt hepatic encephalopathy showed marked reductions in mental and physical fatigue with ALC.
- The supplementation of acetyl-L-carnitine decreases fatigue and increases quality of life in patients with hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon-α 2b plus ribavirin
PubMed ID: 21923249
ALC added to hepatitis C therapy significantly reduced physical and mental fatigue and improved QoL.
- Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of acetyl-L-carnitine for ALS
PubMed ID: 23421600
ALS patients had improved function and survival with ALC, suggesting improved physiological capacity/energy.
- L-Carnitine Tartrate Supplementation for 5 Weeks Improves Exercise Recovery in Men and Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 34684429
L‑carnitine tartrate attenuated CK rise after exercise and improved perceived recovery/soreness versus placebo.
- L-carnitine supplementation for the management of fatigue in patients with hypothyroidism on levothyroxine treatment: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 27432821
Randomized trial in hypothyroid patients: L‑carnitine reduced mental fatigue and produced high responder rates — direct evidence for fatigue reduction.
- [L-carnitine treatment patients with chronic cerebral ischemia]
PubMed ID: 23739503
60‑day L‑carnitine improved fatigue scores (MFI‑20) in patients with chronic cerebral ischemia.
- Efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation on frailty status and its biomarkers, nutritional status, and physical and cognitive function among prefrail older adults: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 27895474
Prefrail elderly experienced improved frailty and strength; likely accompanied by reduced fatigue and improved vitality.
- Randomised phase III clinical trial of 5 different arms of treatment on 332 patients with cancer cachexia
PubMed ID: 20496538
Same large trial: combination including L-carnitine improved fatigue and symptoms.
- Randomized phase III clinical trial of five different arms of treatment in 332 patients with cancer cachexia
PubMed ID: 20156909
In cancer cachexia trial the multi-agent arm that included L-carnitine showed reduced fatigue versus single agents (L-carnitine contribution plausible but not isolated).
- L-Carnitine in the treatment of fatigue in adult celiac disease patients: a pilot study
PubMed ID: 17693145
Randomized double-blind trial in celiac patients showed significant reduction in patient-reported fatigue with L-carnitine.
- L-Carnitine treatment reduces severity of physical and mental fatigue and increases cognitive functions in centenarians: a randomized and controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 18065594
Very elderly trial reported reduced fatigue alongside body-composition and cognitive benefits.
- Effect of L-carnitine on the physical fitness of thalassemic patients
PubMed ID: 17031691
Oral L-carnitine increased exercise oxygen use and measures of cardiac performance in thalassemia patients suggesting energy-related benefit.
- L-carnitine ameliorated fasting-induced fatigue, hunger, and metabolic abnormalities in patients with metabolic syndrome: a randomized controlled study
PubMed ID: 25424121
IV L‑carnitine during modified fasting reduced subjective fatigue scores in a randomized trial (moderate n).
- Randomized phase III clinical trial of five different arms of treatment for patients with cancer cachexia: interim results
PubMed ID: 18262758
Interim cancer‑cachexia trial: L‑carnitine arm showed statistically significant improvement on fatigue measures (MFSI‑SF) in humans.
- Prolonged oral L-carnitine substitution increases bicycle ergometer performance in patients with severe, ischemically induced cardiac insufficiency
PubMed ID: 10686664
120-day L-carnitine improved exercise tolerance in ischemic HF patients (less exertional fatigue).
- Multicenter trial of L-carnitine in maintenance hemodialysis patients. II. Clinical and biochemical effects
PubMed ID: 2266675
Hemodialysis trial reported fewer cramps/hypotension and increased VO2max — symptoms and capacity that relate to reduced fatigue.
- [The clinical and hemodynamic effects of propionyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of congestive heart failure]
PubMed ID: 1493661
In CHF patients exercise tolerance increased substantially, implying greater energy/functional capacity.
- Amantadine and L-carnitine treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
PubMed ID: 9018019
L‑carnitine improved multiple subjective fatigue measures in chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Acute and chronic effects of propionyl-L-carnitine on the hemodynamics, exercise capacity, and hormones in patients with congestive heart failure
PubMed ID: 9784909
Marked increases in peak VO2 and exercise time in heart failure patients indicate greater physiological energy capacity.
- Intravenous L-carnitine increases plasma carnitine, reduces fatigue, and may preserve exercise capacity in hemodialysis patients
PubMed ID: 11325685
Hemodialysis RCT reported significant patient-reported fatigue improvement with IV L-carnitine.
- Levocarnitine administration in elderly subjects with rapid muscle fatigue: effect on body composition, lipid profile and fatigue
PubMed ID: 12875611
Elderly RCT reported large, clinically meaningful reductions in physical and mental fatigue vs placebo.
Liver support (20)
- Branched chain amino acids supplemented with L-acetylcarnitine versus BCAA treatment in hepatic coma: a randomized and controlled double blind study
PubMed ID: 19357525
Randomized double‑blind trial in hepatic coma: adding LAC to BCAA produced faster and larger ammonia reductions and improved neurologic/EEG measures.
- L-Carnitine in the treatment of mild or moderate hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 14571103
Large placebo-controlled trial in hepatic encephalopathy reported reduced encephalopathy grade, lower ammonia, and better psychometrics.
- Effects of L-carnitine in patients with hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 16437672
Large RCT in cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy showed reduced ammonia and improved cognition — direct liver-disease benefit.
- L-carnitine treatment reduces steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with alpha-interferon and ribavirin
PubMed ID: 17939042
Adding L-carnitine to interferon+ribavirin produced larger ALT/AST reductions and lowered triglycerides in hepatitis C patients.
- Additional L-Carnitine Reduced the Risk of Hospitalization in Patients with Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy on Rifaximin
PubMed ID: 34348263
In hepatic encephalopathy patients adding L‑carnitine to rifaximin substantially reduced hospital admissions—strong clinical liver‑disease benefit.
- Effect of L-carnitine on quality of life in covert hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 35526858
Six months of 2 g/day L‑carnitine improved MELD scores and some cognitive subtests in covert hepatic encephalopathy (double‑blind RCT showing liver‑relevant outcomes).
- METHOD FOR PREVENTION OF COAGULOPATHIC BLEEDING DURING SURGERY FOR MECHANICAL JAUNDICE
PubMed ID: 40007399
Perioperative levocarnitine in obstructive jaundice improved coagulation indices and reduced bleeding complications—directly relevant to liver disease patients.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in minimal hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 18357530
Large RCT in cirrhotics with minimal hepatic encephalopathy: ALC lowered serum ammonia and improved multiple cognitive and liver‑function measures.
- The effects of adjunctive treatment with L-carnitine on monitoring laboratory variables in ICU patients: a double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 36597167
Double‑blind RCT in ICU: enteral L‑carnitine (3 g/day) significantly lowered ALT and lactate and raised albumin/total protein vs placebo — direct liver/marker benefit.
- Improvement of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease With Carnitine-Orotate Complex in Type 2 Diabetes (CORONA): A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 25877813
Double‑blind RCT: carnitine‑orotate produced large ALT normalization and CT liver‑fat improvement in diabetic NAFLD (strong evidence).
- Effect of carnitine-orotate complex on glucose metabolism and fatty liver: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 24611967
Carnitine‑orotate + metformin led to substantially greater ALT reductions and improved oxidative/mtDNA markers vs metformin alone (randomized trial).
- Carnitine for prevention of antituberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity: a randomized, clinical trial
PubMed ID: 24325386
Oral L‑carnitine (2 g/day) halved rate of antituberculosis drug‑induced hepatotoxicity vs placebo (RCT; clinically meaningful reduction).
- Efficacy and safety of entecavir plus carnitine complex (GODEX®) compared to entecavir monotherapy in patient with ALT elevated chronic hepatitis B: randomized, multicenter open-label trials. The GOAL study
PubMed ID: 23837141
Carnitine‑containing complex + entecavir increased ALT normalization rates in chronic hepatitis B patients (multicenter RCT).
- L-carnitine supplementation improves hematological pattern in patients affected by HCV treated with Peg interferon-α 2b plus ribavirin
PubMed ID: 22110268
Adding L‑carnitine to antiviral therapy in HCV increased sustained and end‑of‑treatment virologic response (clinical liver disease outcome).
- The supplementation of acetyl-L-carnitine decreases fatigue and increases quality of life in patients with hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon-α 2b plus ribavirin
PubMed ID: 21923249
Adding ALC to hepatitis C therapy lowered AST/ALT and improved viremia reduction and QoL.
- Effects of Oral L-Carnitine on Liver Functions after Transarterial Chemoembolization in Intermediate-Stage HCC Patients
PubMed ID: 26664151
Oral L‑carnitine around TACE preserved albumin, PT and Child‑Pugh scores vs control—strong direct evidence for liver support.
- Impact of L-carnitine supplementation on post-transplant outcomes in liver transplant candidates with sarcopenia: A randomized controlled open-label trial
PubMed ID: 40962224
Sarcopenic liver transplant candidates receiving L‑carnitine had better post‑transplant muscle recovery and lower mortality—supports liver patient outcomes.
- Oral acetyl-L-carnitine therapy reduces fatigue in overt hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 21310833
ALC reduced ammonia and improved fatigue/physical activity in overt hepatic encephalopathy.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine reduces depression and improves quality of life in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 21443422
ALC reduced ammonia and improved QoL and depression in minimal hepatic encephalopathy.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine improves cognitive functions in severe hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized and controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 21870121
Randomized trial: ALC improved cognition, lowered ammonia and improved EEG in severe hepatic encephalopathy.
Workout performance (20)
- Pharmacological treatment of patients with chronic critical limb ischemia: L-propionyl-carnitine enhances the short-term effects of PGE-1
PubMed ID: 19548076
Improved maximum walking distance in CLI patients when L-propionyl-carnitine was added, a clear functional exercise benefit.
- Evaluation of the efficacy of propionyl-L-carnitine versus pulsed muscular compressions in diabetic and non-diabetic patients affected by obliterating arteriopathy Leriche stage II
PubMed ID: 18506129
Propionyl-L-carnitine improved walking distance and reduced symptoms in intermittent claudication (functional performance).
- Effect of L-carnitine on the physical fitness of thalassemic patients
PubMed ID: 17031691
Oral L-carnitine improved exercise oxygen consumption and cardiac output in thalassemia patients.
- Effect of PLC on functional parameters and oxidative profile in type 2 diabetes-associated PAD
PubMed ID: 16446007
Propionyl-L-carnitine improved pain-free walking distance in PAD, a clear exercise-performance outcome.
- Propionyl-L-carnitine improves exercise performance and functional status in patients with claudication
PubMed ID: 11382369
Improved walking times and functional capacity in claudication patients indicate performance gains.
- L-carnitine moderately improves the exercise tolerance in chronic stable angina
PubMed ID: 11310378
Small but significant increase in exercise duration in stable angina patients.
- Acute and chronic effects of propionyl-L-carnitine on the hemodynamics, exercise capacity, and hormones in patients with congestive heart failure
PubMed ID: 9784909
Propionyl‑L‑carnitine produced large increases in peak VO2 and exercise time in chronic heart failure.
- Propionyl-L-carnitine in intermittent claudication: double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose titration, multicenter study
PubMed ID: 7594063
Marked improvement in maximal walking distance in intermittent claudication—enhanced functional exercise capacity.
- Efficacy of L-propionylcarnitine treatment in patients with left ventricular dysfunction
PubMed ID: 7982429
6‑month propionylcarnitine increased exercise time and LVEF in LV dysfunction—supports exercise capacity.
- Controlled study on the therapeutic efficacy of propionyl-L-carnitine in patients with congestive heart failure
PubMed ID: 1445476
25.9% increase in exercise time at 180 days in CHF patients—robust exercise performance benefit.
- [The clinical and hemodynamic effects of propionyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of congestive heart failure]
PubMed ID: 1493661
CHF patients had +16.4% exercise time at 180 days with propionyl‑L‑carnitine—clinically meaningful performance improvement.
- Prolonged oral L-carnitine substitution increases bicycle ergometer performance in patients with severe, ischemically induced cardiac insufficiency
PubMed ID: 10686664
120-day L-carnitine supplementation improved cycling performance and effort tolerance in ischemic HF patients (randomized controlled data).
- Multicenter trial of L-carnitine in maintenance hemodialysis patients. II. Clinical and biochemical effects
PubMed ID: 2266675
Hemodialysis patients had improved VO2max after L-carnitine, indicating enhanced exercise capacity.
- Impact of L-carnitine supplementation on post-transplant outcomes in liver transplant candidates with sarcopenia: A randomized controlled open-label trial
PubMed ID: 40962224
Peri‑transplant supplementation improved muscle recovery and muscle area—relevant to functional performance and recovery capacity.
- L-Carnitine Tartrate Supplementation for 5 Weeks Improves Exercise Recovery in Men and Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 34684429
Randomized trial showed L‑carnitine tartrate reduced exercise‑induced muscle damage and improved recovery/performance markers.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine Slows the Progression from Prefrailty to Frailty in Older Subjects: A Randomized Interventional Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 36043711
ALC improved 6‑minute walk distance in prefrail older adults in an RCT — a meaningful exercise/performance endpoint.
- An Exploratory Investigation of Endotoxin Levels in Novice Long Distance Triathletes, and the Effects of a Multi-Strain Probiotic/Prebiotic, Antioxidant Intervention
PubMed ID: 27869661
Recreational triathletes given a probiotic + antioxidant regimen including N‑acetyl‑carnitine had lower endotoxin and less exercise‑induced gut permeability/symptoms—practical benefit for endurance athletes (multi‑ingredient).
- Additional antiischemic effects of long-term L-propionylcarnitine in anginal patients treated with conventional antianginal therapy
PubMed ID: 8850378
L‑propionylcarnitine increased time to ST‑segment depression and modestly improved exercise duration in angina patients—objective exercise performance gains.
- A study on the efficacy and safety assessment of propionyl-L-carnitine tablets in treatment of intermittent claudication
PubMed ID: 23998557
Propionyl‑L‑carnitine improved peak walking time in claudication patients — functional exercise performance benefit.
- L-Carnitine plus cilostazol versus cilostazol alone for the treatment of claudication in patients with peripheral artery disease: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 22615190
Oral L‑carnitine added to cilostazol produced a modest but significant PWT benefit in PAD (per‑protocol analysis).
Endurance (17)
- Acetyl-L-carnitine Slows the Progression from Prefrailty to Frailty in Older Subjects: A Randomized Interventional Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 36043711
ALC increased 6‑min walk distance in prefrail older adults, an endurance‑related measure in this population.
- Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue
PubMed ID: 17658628
Marked improvements in physical fatigue and function in older adults imply better stamina/endurance in daily activities.
- Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of acetyl-L-carnitine for ALS
PubMed ID: 23421600
ALS improvements in function/resilience indicate increased sustained capacity in disease context.
- Impact of L-carnitine supplementation on post-transplant outcomes in liver transplant candidates with sarcopenia: A randomized controlled open-label trial
PubMed ID: 40962224
Improved muscle mass and BMI recovery after transplant suggests enhanced functional stamina in sarcopenic patients.
- L-Carnitine Tartrate Supplementation for 5 Weeks Improves Exercise Recovery in Men and Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 34684429
Reduced exercise‑induced muscle damage and better subjective recovery support improved repeated‑effort stamina.
- Efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation on frailty status and its biomarkers, nutritional status, and physical and cognitive function among prefrail older adults: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 27895474
Prefrail elderly experienced functional gains (grip, frailty index) that support increased day‑to‑day stamina.
- A study on the efficacy and safety assessment of propionyl-L-carnitine tablets in treatment of intermittent claudication
PubMed ID: 23998557
Propionyl‑L‑carnitine increased peak walking time in intermittent claudication (endurance improvement).
- Pharmacological treatment of patients with chronic critical limb ischemia: L-propionyl-carnitine enhances the short-term effects of PGE-1
PubMed ID: 19548076
Significant increase in maximum walking distance in critical limb ischemia patients with L-propionyl-carnitine adjunct — endurance-related functional gain.
- Evaluation of the efficacy of propionyl-L-carnitine versus pulsed muscular compressions in diabetic and non-diabetic patients affected by obliterating arteriopathy Leriche stage II
PubMed ID: 18506129
Large improvements in walking distance for intermittent claudication suggest increased functional endurance.
- Effect of PLC on functional parameters and oxidative profile in type 2 diabetes-associated PAD
PubMed ID: 16446007
Pain-free walking distance increased substantially in PAD patients treated with propionyl-L-carnitine (endurance measure).
- Levocarnitine administration in elderly subjects with rapid muscle fatigue: effect on body composition, lipid profile and fatigue
PubMed ID: 12875611
Increased muscle mass and reduced fatigue in elderly subjects support improved stamina/endurance.
- Propionyl-L-carnitine improves exercise performance and functional status in patients with claudication
PubMed ID: 11382369
Large RCT documented substantial increases in peak walking time (endurance) with propionyl-L-carnitine.
- Acute and chronic effects of propionyl-L-carnitine on the hemodynamics, exercise capacity, and hormones in patients with congestive heart failure
PubMed ID: 9784909
Marked rise in peak VO2 and longer exercise time indicate increased endurance in heart failure patients.
- Propionyl-L-carnitine in intermittent claudication: double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose titration, multicenter study
PubMed ID: 7594063
Large improvement in maximal walking distance in claudication suggests increased functional endurance.
- Multicenter trial of L-carnitine in maintenance hemodialysis patients. II. Clinical and biochemical effects
PubMed ID: 2266675
VO2max increases in dialysis patients indicate improved aerobic capacity that contributes to endurance.
- Prolonged oral L-carnitine substitution increases bicycle ergometer performance in patients with severe, ischemically induced cardiac insufficiency
PubMed ID: 10686664
Improved maximal cycling performance in ischemic HF patients consistent with increased endurance capacity.
- Additional antiischemic effects of long-term L-propionylcarnitine in anginal patients treated with conventional antianginal therapy
PubMed ID: 8850378
Time to ischemia (ST depression) increased substantially with L‑propionylcarnitine and exercise duration improved—consistent with increased functional endurance in cardiac patients.
Weight management (15)
- Modulatory Effects of Multi-species/Multi-strain Synbiotic and L-carnitine Concomitant Supplementation on Atherogenic-Indices, Body Composition, Visceral Obesity, and Appetite in Metabolically Healthy Women with Obesity: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 39921845
L‑carnitine + synbiotic resulted in greater fat‑mass reductions than L‑carnitine alone in obese women (co‑supplemented trial).
- Levocarnitine administration in elderly subjects with rapid muscle fatigue: effect on body composition, lipid profile and fatigue
PubMed ID: 12875611
Elderly RCT produced substantial fat mass loss (−3.1 kg) and increased muscle mass — clinically relevant body composition change.
- Adding L-carnitine to antagonist ovarian stimulation doesn't improve the outcomes of IVF/ ICSI cycle in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a double-blind randomized clinical trial
PubMed ID: 38191449
Double‑blind RCT in PCOS produced a clinically meaningful short‑term weight loss (−2.65 kg in 6 weeks).
- The effect of L-Carnitine supplementation on clinical symptoms, C-reactive protein and malondialdehyde in obese women with knee osteoarthritis: a double blind randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 33596883
Double‑blind RCT in obese women on low‑calorie diet: 1 g/day L‑carnitine produced a small but statistically significant additional BMI reduction versus placebo.
- Changes in Gut Microbiota-Related Metabolites and Long-term Successful Weight Loss in Response to Weight-Loss Diets: The POUNDS Lost Trial
PubMed ID: 29305401
Large diet trial: early decreases in circulating L‑carnitine predicted greater weight and fat loss (strong observational association).
- L-Carnitine treatment reduces severity of physical and mental fatigue and increases cognitive functions in centenarians: a randomized and controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 18065594
In very elderly, levocarnitine reduced total fat mass and increased muscle mass in an RCT.
- Sibutramine and L-carnitine compared to sibutramine alone on insulin resistance in diabetic patients
PubMed ID: 20720348
Large randomized study: adding L-carnitine to sibutramine led to faster/greater weight loss over one year (but confounded by co-medication).
- Orlistat and L-carnitine compared to orlistat alone on insulin resistance in obese diabetic patients
PubMed ID: 20683173
Orlistat+L-carnitine produced superior weight loss in obese diabetics (combination therapy context).
- Effects of combination of sibutramine and L-carnitine compared with sibutramine monotherapy on inflammatory parameters in diabetic patients
PubMed ID: 20423740
Sibutramine+L-carnitine improved weight loss faster/more than sibutramine alone (large RCT; confounded).
- Randomized phase III clinical trial of a combined treatment with carnitine + celecoxib ± megestrol acetate for patients with cancer-related anorexia/cachexia syndrome
PubMed ID: 22047681
Combination regimens including L‑carnitine raised lean mass and improved walking in cancer cachexia patients (confounded but clinically relevant).
- L-Carnitine-supplementation in advanced pancreatic cancer (CARPAN)--a randomized multicentre trial
PubMed ID: 22824168
Randomized trial in advanced pancreatic cancer: oral L‑carnitine increased BMI, body cell mass and body fat vs placebo.
- Oral carnitine supplementation reduces body weight and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 26666519
Double‑blind RCT in overweight women with PCOS: oral carnitine produced significant weight, BMI and waist reductions over 12 weeks — direct human evidence.
- Ameliorating effects of L-carnitine and synbiotic co-supplementation on anthropometric measures and cardiometabolic traits in women with obesity: a randomized controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 37929031
L‑carnitine co‑administered with a multistrain synbiotic produced substantially greater weight loss and insulin sensitivity improvements vs L‑carnitine alone (double‑blind RCT; co‑supplement effect).
- Effects of Chromium and Carnitine Co-supplementation on Body Weight and Metabolic Profiles in Overweight and Obese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 30977089
Chromium+carnitine intervention produced greater weight loss and improved metabolic markers vs placebo—supports weight‑related benefit though effect cannot be attributed to carnitine alone.
- Metabolomics identifies increases in the acylcarnitine profiles in the plasma of overweight subjects in response to mild weight loss: a randomized, controlled design study
PubMed ID: 30322392
Diet‑induced weight loss increased many acylcarnitines (C6–C16) linked to fatty‑acid mobilization, supporting carnitine pathway involvement in fat loss physiology.
Focus & concentration (17)
- Oral acetyl-L-carnitine therapy reduces fatigue in overt hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 21310833
ALC improved mental fatigue and activity and contributed to cognitive improvements in hepatic encephalopathy.
- A Phase II Randomized Clinical Trial of a Nutritional Formulation for Cognition and Mood in Alzheimer's Disease
PubMed ID: 25589719
Nutraceutical with ALC showed cognitive test improvements in Alzheimer's disease.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine Slows the Progression from Prefrailty to Frailty in Older Subjects: A Randomized Interventional Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 36043711
Randomized trial in prefrail older adults showed significant MMSE improvement with acetyl‑L‑carnitine.
- A Nutritional Formulation for Cognitive Performance in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Placebo-Controlled Trial with an Open-Label Extension
PubMed ID: 26402075
MCI trial: nutraceutical containing ALC prevented decline in an executive task and improved composite scores.
- L-Carnitine in the treatment of mild or moderate hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 14571103
Cognitive test improvement (NCT-A) in cirrhotics indicates enhanced cognitive function.
- Effects of L-carnitine in patients with hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 16437672
Improved psychometric tests in hepatic encephalopathy support cognition benefits in liver disease.
- L-Carnitine treatment reduces severity of physical and mental fatigue and increases cognitive functions in centenarians: a randomized and controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 18065594
Significant MMSE improvement in a randomized trial of very elderly participants after levocarnitine.
- A prospective double-blind, randomized clinical trial of levocarnitine to treat autism spectrum disorders
PubMed ID: 21629200
Double‑blind RCT in autism showed significant improvements in clinical severity and cognitive scores with L‑carnitine.
- [L-carnitine treatment patients with chronic cerebral ischemia]
PubMed ID: 23739503
Improved memory scores and faster cognitive test performance after 60 days of L‑carnitine in chronic cerebral ischemia.
- L-carnitine supplementation for the management of fatigue in patients with hypothyroidism on levothyroxine treatment: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 27432821
Improvement in mental fatigue in hypothyroid patients suggests potential benefits for focus and cognition.
- Combined metabolic activators improve cognitive functions in Alzheimer's disease patients: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase-II trial
PubMed ID: 36703196
Phase‑2 RCT of a metabolic activator containing L‑carnitine produced measurable cognitive improvements and hippocampal preservation in Alzheimer's patients.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of mildly demented elderly patients
PubMed ID: 2201659
3‑month RCT in mildly demented elderly improved memory, attention and behaviour vs placebo (strong cognitive evidence).
- Role of acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of cognitive deficit in chronic alcoholism
PubMed ID: 2201652
90‑day RCT in abstinent alcoholics improved long‑term verbal memory and logical memory (domain‑specific cognitive improvement).
- Long-term acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in Alzheimer's disease
PubMed ID: 1944900
Large one‑year RCT showed slowed cognitive and functional decline across multiple measures in Alzheimer's disease.
- Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue
PubMed ID: 17658628
Demonstrated improved MMSE and reduced mental fatigue in older adults taking ALC.
- A vitamin/nutriceutical formulation improves memory and cognitive performance in community-dwelling adults without dementia
PubMed ID: 20191258
Multinutrient including ALC produced measurable improvements in memory and executive tests.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine improves cognitive functions in severe hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized and controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 21870121
Robust cognitive improvements in severe hepatic encephalopathy with ALC treatment.
Blood sugar (14)
- Ameliorating effects of L-carnitine and synbiotic co-supplementation on anthropometric measures and cardiometabolic traits in women with obesity: a randomized controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 37929031
In obese women L‑carnitine + synbiotic produced greater declines in HOMA‑IR, insulin and fasting glucose than L‑carnitine alone (RCT; co‑supplement effect).
- The effect of L-carnitine supplementation on insulin resistance, sex hormone-binding globulin and lipid profile in overweight/obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial
PubMed ID: 34727201
In overweight/obese women with PCOS, 12 weeks L‑carnitine produced consistent improvements in insulin, HOMA‑IR and QUICKI.
- Effects of Chromium and Carnitine Co-supplementation on Body Weight and Metabolic Profiles in Overweight and Obese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 30977089
Chromium+carnitine improved HOMA‑IR and fasting insulin vs placebo—metabolic improvements though attributable to combined therapy.
- Comparative study to evaluate the effect of l-carnitine plus glimepiride versus glimepiride alone on insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients
PubMed ID: 30641691
Randomized add‑on trial in T2D showed significant improvements in FBG, PPBG, HbA1c and HOMA‑IR with L‑carnitine.
- Oral carnitine supplementation reduces body weight and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 26666519
Overweight PCOS patients had significant improvements in fasting glucose, insulin and HOMA‑IR with oral carnitine — direct glycemic benefit.
- Effect of an L-carnitine-containing peritoneal dialysate on insulin sensitivity in patients treated with CAPD: a 4-month, prospective, multicenter randomized trial
PubMed ID: 23725973
Adding L‑carnitine to peritoneal dialysis solution improved insulin sensitivity measured by clamp (randomized multicenter trial).
- Effects of combination of sibutramine and L-carnitine compared with sibutramine monotherapy on inflammatory parameters in diabetic patients
PubMed ID: 20423740
Sibutramine+L-carnitine produced faster improvements in fasting glucose and HbA1c versus sibutramine alone.
- Orlistat and L-carnitine compared to orlistat alone on insulin resistance in obese diabetic patients
PubMed ID: 20683173
Orlistat+L-carnitine improved glycemic markers and HOMA-IR in obese diabetics (combination therapy).
- Sibutramine and L-carnitine compared to sibutramine alone on insulin resistance in diabetic patients
PubMed ID: 20720348
Sibutramine+L-carnitine group had faster/better improvements in glycemic control (HbA1c) vs sibutramine alone (combination therapy).
- Effects of simvastatin and carnitine versus simvastatin on lipoprotein(a) and apoprotein(a) in type 2 diabetes mellitus
PubMed ID: 19618992
L-carnitine coadministered with simvastatin improved glycemia in type 2 diabetic patients versus simvastatin alone.
- Effect of L-carnitine on plasma glycemic and lipidemic profile in patients with type II diabetes mellitus
PubMed ID: 15741989
12-week L-carnitine modestly lowered fasting glucose in T2D patients (–13 mg/dL) though triglycerides rose.
- The effect of L-carnitine, administered through intravenous infusion of glucose, on both glucose and insulin levels in healthy subjects
PubMed ID: 7758398
IV L‑carnitine given with glucose acutely reduced glucose excursion without changing insulin—direct glycemic effect.
- Improvement in insulin resistance and favourable changes in plasma inflammatory adipokines after weight loss associated with two months' consumption of a combination of bioactive food ingredients in overweight subjects
PubMed ID: 23271695
Multi-ingredient supplement including L-carnitine improved insulin-resistance indices (HOMA/QUICKI) and adipokine ratio — direct metabolic insulin-sensitivity evidence.
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine Ameliorates Metabolic and Endocrine Alterations in Women with PCOS: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 34047916
Adding ALC to metformin+pioglitazone in PCOS produced large, clinically relevant improvements in insulin markers and adiponectin and restored menses.
Healthy aging (15)
- Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of acetyl-L-carnitine for ALS
PubMed ID: 23421600
ALC improved function, FVC and doubled median survival in ALS—relevant to neurodegenerative aging outcomes.
- Impact of L-carnitine supplementation on post-transplant outcomes in liver transplant candidates with sarcopenia: A randomized controlled open-label trial
PubMed ID: 40962224
Peri‑transplant L‑carnitine improved muscle recovery and markedly lowered post‑transplant mortality—benefits relevant to resilience/aging.
- Combined metabolic activators improve cognitive functions in Alzheimer's disease patients: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase-II trial
PubMed ID: 36703196
Metabolic co‑therapy including L‑carnitine improved cognition and preserved hippocampal volume in Alzheimer's (multi‑ingredient RCT; relevant to aging cognition).
- The effects of l-Carnitine supplementation on inflammatory markers, clinical status, and 28 days mortality in critically ill patients: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 35623869
In ICU patients L‑carnitine reduced systemic inflammation and organ‑failure scores, suggesting resilience/repair benefits relevant to aging.
- L-Carnitine Tartrate Supplementation for 5 Weeks Improves Exercise Recovery in Men and Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 34684429
L‑carnitine tartrate improved antioxidant enzymes and reduced exercise‑induced muscle damage, consistent with healthy‑aging mechanisms.
- L-Carnitine supplementation reduces biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress in patients with coronary artery disease: a randomised controlled trial
PubMed ID: 32816578
Improved antioxidant capacity and lowered inflammatory markers in CAD patients—mechanisms relevant to healthy aging.
- Efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation on frailty status and its biomarkers, nutritional status, and physical and cognitive function among prefrail older adults: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 27895474
Double‑blind RCT in prefrail elderly: 10 weeks of L‑carnitine markedly improved frailty index and grip strength — directly relevant to healthy aging.
- Effects of L-carnitine supplement on serum inflammatory cytokines, C-reactive protein, lipoprotein (a), and oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients with Lp (a) hyperlipoproteinemia
PubMed ID: 20812958
Large reductions in IL-6 and CRP in hemodialysis patients (inflammation markers linked to aging-related decline).
- Effects of L-Carnitine supplement on plasma coagulation and anticoagulation factors in hemodialysis patients
PubMed ID: 20863217
Reduced CRP and fibrinogen and increased free carnitine (systemic inflammation reduction relevant to healthy aging).
- L-Carnitine treatment reduces severity of physical and mental fatigue and increases cognitive functions in centenarians: a randomized and controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 18065594
Levocarnitine in very elderly improved muscle mass, reduced fat, lowered fatigue and improved cognition in an RCT.
- Levocarnitine administration in elderly subjects with rapid muscle fatigue: effect on body composition, lipid profile and fatigue
PubMed ID: 12875611
Elderly trial showed increases in muscle mass, decreased fat, and marked fatigue reductions — relevant to healthy aging.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine Slows the Progression from Prefrailty to Frailty in Older Subjects: A Randomized Interventional Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 36043711
Randomized trial in prefrail older adults showed reduced inflammation, improved cognition and walking distance (meaningful aging-related outcomes).
- Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue
PubMed ID: 17658628
Large RCT in older adults with fatigue showed marked reductions in physical/mental fatigue and improved cognition (supports aspects of healthy aging).
- Long-term acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in Alzheimer's disease
PubMed ID: 1944900
Large one‑year RCT showed slowed cognitive & functional decline in Alzheimer's patients (aging-related benefit).
- Acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of mildly demented elderly patients
PubMed ID: 2201659
3‑month RCT in mildly demented elderly improved cognitive/behavioural measures (relevant to aging brain health).
Alertness (14)
- Effects of L-carnitine in patients with hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 16437672
Cirrhosis RCT showed improved cognitive test scores (symbol digit, block design) after L-carnitine.
- L-Carnitine treatment reduces severity of physical and mental fatigue and increases cognitive functions in centenarians: a randomized and controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 18065594
Levocarnitine improved MMSE cognitive scores in very elderly participants.
- [L-carnitine treatment patients with chronic cerebral ischemia]
PubMed ID: 23739503
L‑carnitine improved MMSE and reduced test times in chronic cerebral ischemia patients — clinical cognitive/alertness benefit.
- L-carnitine supplementation for the management of fatigue in patients with hypothyroidism on levothyroxine treatment: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 27432821
L‑carnitine reduced mental fatigue in hypothyroid patients and increased proportion reporting fatigue improvement — supports improved mental alertness.
- Combined metabolic activators improve cognitive functions in Alzheimer's disease patients: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase-II trial
PubMed ID: 36703196
Multi‑ingredient metabolic therapy including L‑carnitine improved ADAS‑Cog and preserved hippocampal volume in mild Alzheimer's (RCT; cognition/alertness relevant).
- Acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of mildly demented elderly patients
PubMed ID: 2201659
3‑month RCT showed improved attention and memory in mildly demented elderly (direct alertness/cognitive attention benefit).
- Role of acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of cognitive deficit in chronic alcoholism
PubMed ID: 2201652
90‑day RCT in abstinent alcoholics improved memory and constructional tasks (supports alertness/attention).
- Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue
PubMed ID: 17658628
Large trial in fatigued older adults showed cognitive score (MMSE) improvements and reduced mental fatigue with ALC.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in minimal hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 18357530
ALC lowered ammonia and improved multiple cognitive tests in cirrhotic patients, indicating clearer mental alertness benefits in hepatic encephalopathy.
- Branched chain amino acids supplemented with L-acetylcarnitine versus BCAA treatment in hepatic coma: a randomized and controlled double blind study
PubMed ID: 19357525
In hepatic coma, adding LAC to BCAA led to faster ammonia reduction and improved Glasgow/EEG metrics, reflecting rapid improvement in consciousness/alertness.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine improves cognitive functions in severe hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized and controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 21870121
ALC improved multiple cognitive tests and EEGs in severe hepatic encephalopathy.
- Oral acetyl-L-carnitine therapy reduces fatigue in overt hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 21310833
ALC reduced mental fatigue and improved activity in hepatic encephalopathy, improving alertness.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine Slows the Progression from Prefrailty to Frailty in Older Subjects: A Randomized Interventional Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 36043711
In prefrail older adults ALC improved MMSE scores and walking, indicating improved cognitive alertness in an RCT.
- L-Carnitine in the treatment of mild or moderate hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 14571103
Mild/moderate hepatic encephalopathy trial documented improved NCT-A and reduced HE grade — improved mental function.
Mood balance (14)
- Effect of acetyl-L-carnitine on geriatric patients suffering from dysthymic disorders
PubMed ID: 2099360
Randomized trial (3 g/day) significantly reduced depressive symptoms and improved quality of life in older adults.
- Carnitine versus androgen administration in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, depressed mood, and fatigue associated with male aging
PubMed ID: 15072869
Propionyl‑ and acetyl‑carnitine improved depression scores and sexual function in older men (effects reversed after stopping).
- A double-blind, randomised, controlled clinical trial of acetyl-L-carnitine vs. amisulpride in the treatment of dysthymia
PubMed ID: 16316746
Large randomized double‑blind trial found ALC improved depressive symptoms comparably to amisulpride with better tolerability.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine for alcohol craving and relapse prevention in anhedonic alcoholics: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial
PubMed ID: 20595193
ALC reduced anhedonia/craving in alcohol-dependent subjects (mood-related benefit).
- Acetyl-L-carnitine reduces depression and improves quality of life in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 21443422
ALC reduced depression scores in minimal hepatic encephalopathy.
- Acetyl-l-Carnitine in the treatment of anhedonia, melancholic and negative symptoms in alcohol dependent subjects
PubMed ID: 21256179
IV ALC accelerated improvement in anhedonia in detoxified alcohol-dependent patients.
- L-Acetylcarnitine in dysthymic disorder in elderly patients: a double-blind, multicenter, controlled randomized study vs. fluoxetine
PubMed ID: 23428336
Elderly dysthymia trial: ALC produced antidepressant effects comparable to fluoxetine.
- A randomised controlled trial comparing duloxetine and acetyl L-carnitine in fibromyalgic patients: preliminary data
PubMed ID: 25786048
Fibromyalgia trial showed improvements in depressive symptoms with ALC.
- Effect of whey protein-derived decapeptide on mood status and blood variables in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial
PubMed ID: 39085724
Acute crossover in fatigued adults showed modest, statistically significant improvement in depression‑related scores after AJI801.
- The effects of concurrent alpha-linolenic acid, L-carnitine supplementation on clinical symptoms, mental health, and quality of life in women with migraine: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 40082970
Randomized, triple‑blind RCT of ALA + L‑carnitine produced large improvements in depression/anxiety scores and QoL versus placebo (combination product).
- Levocarnitine administration in elderly subjects with rapid muscle fatigue: effect on body composition, lipid profile and fatigue
PubMed ID: 12875611
Large reductions in mental fatigue (45%) in elderly subjects imply mood/mental state benefits.
- Oral carnitine supplementation influences mental health parameters and biomarkers of oxidative stress in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 28277138
Randomized double-blind RCT in women with PCOS: 250 mg oral carnitine for 12 weeks significantly improved depression/anxiety scores versus placebo.
- Effect of Adding l -Carnitine to Risperidone on Behavioral, Cognitive, Social, and Physical Symptoms in Children and Adolescents With Autism: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 36735565
L‑carnitine added to risperidone reduced several behavioral problem scores in youth with autism (RCT), consistent with improved mood/behavior regulation.
- l -carnitine adjunct to risperidone for treatment of autism spectrum disorder-associated behaviors: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial
PubMed ID: 37551601
Low‑dose L‑carnitine improved irritability and hyperactivity when added to risperidone in children with ASD (RCT), relevant to mood/behavior symptoms.
Fat burn (8)
- A combination of (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols and L-carnitine reduces the plasma lipid levels and increases the expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and HepG2 cells
PubMed ID: 21540583
Intervention (includes L-carnitine) lowered FFAs/TG and increased PPARα and FA-oxidation gene expression (mechanistic support for increased fat oxidation).
- L-Carnitine treatment reduces severity of physical and mental fatigue and increases cognitive functions in centenarians: a randomized and controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 18065594
Levocarnitine decreased total fat mass in very elderly RCT, consistent with fat-loss/fat-metabolism effects.
- Levocarnitine administration in elderly subjects with rapid muscle fatigue: effect on body composition, lipid profile and fatigue
PubMed ID: 12875611
Elderly trial produced meaningful fat-mass loss (−3.1 kg) suggesting enhanced fat utilization/altered metabolism.
- Improvement in insulin resistance and favourable changes in plasma inflammatory adipokines after weight loss associated with two months' consumption of a combination of bioactive food ingredients in overweight subjects
PubMed ID: 23271695
Supplement containing L-carnitine decreased respiratory quotient (RQ) consistent with increased fat oxidation during diet intervention.
- Mangiferin supplementation improves serum lipid profiles in overweight patients with hyperlipidemia: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25989216
Mangiferin increased serum L-carnitine and β-hydroxybutyrate (ketone) levels and lowered triglycerides — supports enhanced fat mobilization/oxidation (indirect).
- Modulatory Effects of Multi-species/Multi-strain Synbiotic and L-carnitine Concomitant Supplementation on Atherogenic-Indices, Body Composition, Visceral Obesity, and Appetite in Metabolically Healthy Women with Obesity: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 39921845
Combined L‑carnitine + synbiotic produced greater fat‑mass reductions versus L‑carnitine alone in obese women (supports fat‑loss role in combo).
- Metabolomics identifies increases in the acylcarnitine profiles in the plasma of overweight subjects in response to mild weight loss: a randomized, controlled design study
PubMed ID: 30322392
Dietary weight loss produced rises in medium/long‑chain acylcarnitines consistent with increased fatty‑acid mobilization/oxidation.
- Oral carnitine supplementation reduces body weight and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 26666519
Significant weight and waist reductions in PCOS patients with carnitine suggest increased fat loss, consistent with fatty‑acid transport/oxidation effects.
Exercise recovery (6)
- l-carnitine downregulate the muscle wasting effect of glucocorticoids in pemphigus patient: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 37078370
Duplicate entry avoided — same study strongly relevant to reduced muscle damage and recovery markers.
- Idiopathic facial paralysis: new therapeutic prospects with acetyl-L-carnitine
PubMed ID: 1301409
Adjunctive ALC with steroids sped nerve recovery and improved EMG amplitudes in facial paralysis (clear recovery effect).
- Efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation for improving lean body mass and physical function in patients on hemodialysis: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 30353121
In carnitine-deficient dialysis patients, IV L-carnitine helped maintain arm muscle area and grip strength over 12 months—supports muscle maintenance/recovery.
- L-Carnitine Tartrate Supplementation for 5 Weeks Improves Exercise Recovery in Men and Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 34684429
L‑carnitine tartrate attenuated CK rise after exercise and improved subjective recovery vs placebo in a well‑conducted RCT.
- Leptin as a surrogate immune-metabolic marker to predict impact of anti-cachectic therapy: results of a prospective randomized trial in multiple solid tumors
PubMed ID: 39389003
Multimodal cachexia regimen including L‑carnitine increased lean body mass—supports muscle rebuilding/anti‑catabolic effect.
- Impact of L-carnitine supplementation on post-transplant outcomes in liver transplant candidates with sarcopenia: A randomized controlled open-label trial
PubMed ID: 40962224
Peri‑transplant L‑carnitine associated with greater muscle recovery and higher post‑transplant survival—strong recovery signal.
Nutrient uptake (7)
- Plasma pharmacokinetics and gastrointestinal transit of a new propionyl-L-carnitine controlled release formulation
PubMed ID: 21810044
Pharmacokinetic/scintigraphic study: colon‑targeted PLC tablets increased plasma PLC and L‑carnitine — direct evidence of absorption/transport.
- Effect of L-carnitine supplementation in comparison with moderate aerobic training on serum inflammatory parameters in healthy obese women
PubMed ID: 25600905
Oral L‑carnitine reliably raised plasma free carnitine levels in obese women—direct evidence of increased systemic carnitine availability for fatty‑acid transport.
- Effect of intravenous L-carnitine on growth parameters and fat metabolism during parenteral nutrition in neonates
PubMed ID: 2122016
IV L-carnitine in parenterally-fed neonates raised plasma carnitine, improved nitrogen balance and weight gain — clear nutrient/transport benefit in a deficient setting.
- Multicenter trial of L-carnitine in maintenance hemodialysis patients. I. Carnitine concentrations and lipid effects
PubMed ID: 2266674
IV L-carnitine produced large rises in plasma carnitine (biochemical evidence for increased systemic availability for tissues).
- Nutritional supplementation with MyoVive repletes essential cardiac myocyte nutrients and reduces left ventricular size in patients with left ventricular dysfunction
PubMed ID: 12075268
Supplement (including carnitine) increased myocardial carnitine and other myocardial nutrients — direct evidence for enhanced tissue nutrient availability.
- Effects of parenteral L-carnitine supplementation on fat metabolism and nutrition in premature neonates
PubMed ID: 7844680
IV L‑carnitine in very low birth weight infants robustly raised plasma carnitine, preserved ketogenesis and improved fat tolerance—clear support for nutrient/fat transport role.
- Dynamic Metabolic Signatures of Choline and Carnitine across Healthy Pregnancy and in Cord Blood: Association with Maternal Dietary Protein
PubMed ID: 36780943
Pregnancy cohort showed maternal free carnitine and acetylcarnitine decline with fetal enrichment, indicating active fetal uptake and maternal need for transport.
Similar by evidence
Supplements the same benefits carry qualifying findings for — a fact about the evidence graph, not a recommendation to swap.
Products with Carnitine
Search all40 products whose verified label declares Carnitine — not every bottle that mentions it in a title.
Being studied right now
Recruiting clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. A trial in progress has no result yet — this is what the field is asking, not what it found.