L-Carnitine
19 benefits mapped to clinical evidence across supplements.
Dose per serving from products
851 products in our catalogue print how much L-Carnitine a serving holds.
Most common: 250 mg to 500 mg, 20% of 851 products.
| Dose per serving | Products |
|---|---|
| 5 mg or less | 7 |
| 5 mg to 10 mg | 58 |
| 10 mg to 25 mg | 66 |
| 25 mg to 50 mg | 42 |
| 50 mg to 100 mg | 75 |
| 100 mg to 250 mg | 101 |
| 250 mg to 500 mg | 169 |
| 500 mg to 1 g | 159 |
| 1 g to 2.5 g | 78 |
| 2.5 g to 5 g | 95 |
| over 5 g | 1 |
Dose per serving from research
168 study groups in 131 studies say how much L-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, 45% of 168 study groups.
| Daily dose | Study groups |
|---|---|
| 250 mg or less | 3 |
| 250 mg to 500 mg | 10 |
| 500 mg to 1 g | 32 |
| 1 g to 2.5 g | 76 |
| 2.5 g to 5 g | 39 |
| over 5 g | 8 |
Commonly used together
44 of 184 study groups took L-Carnitine with something else. Shown: what 3 or more different studies gave.
What was given together, not what works together.
| Taken with | Study groups |
|---|---|
| Acetyl-L-Carnitine | 13 |
| Vitamin C | 4 |
| Vitamin E | 4 |
| Zinc | 3 |
Benefit Evidence
Attention/memory +significant
Fatigue/cognition +MMSE
Reaction time only
Energy metabolism + cell protection
−55% glycogen use
Organ function, survival
Attention/memory +significant
Fatigue/cognition +MMSE
Reaction time only
Research sources
Heart health (53)
- Effects of L-carnitine supplementation on lipid profiles in patients with coronary artery disease
PubMed ID: 27317162
In CAD patients, 1 g/day L-carnitine increased HDL and ApoA-1 — favorable cardiovascular lipid changes.
- Effect of carni Q-gel (ubiquinol and carnitine) on cytokines in patients with heart failure in the Tishcon study
PubMed ID: 17824295
Ubiquinol+L‑carnitine improved walking distance and reduced cytokines in HF patients; attribution to carnitine partial/uncertain.
- L-carnitine as an adjunct therapy to percutaneous coronary intervention for non-ST elevation myocardial infarction
PubMed ID: 17955358
Peri‑PCI IV L‑carnitine lowered post‑procedural cardiac enzyme peaks—less myocardial injury signal.
- L-Carnitine supplementation reduces oxidized LDL cholesterol in patients with diabetes
PubMed ID: 19056606
Improvements in oxidized‑LDL, LDL and triglycerides in T2DM are cardiometabolic risk reductions relevant to 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
LVEF increases and decreased LV dimensions in thalassemia intermedia when L‑carnitine added to hydroxyurea.
- 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 decreases in IL-6 and CRP in dialysis patients suggest cardiovascular inflammation reduction.
- L-carnitine treatment in patients with mild diastolic heart failure is associated with improvement in diastolic function and symptoms
PubMed ID: 20639632
In mild diastolic heart failure, L-carnitine improved diastolic indices (IVRT, E') and symptoms — direct cardiac benefit.
- 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
L-carnitine (±CoQ10) reduced lipoprotein(a) in hemodialysis patients — relevant to cardiovascular risk.
- Effect of L-carnitine on oxidative stress and platelet activation after major surgery
PubMed ID: 21770897
Perioperative infusion prevented oxidative stress and platelet activation markers — cardioprotective mechanistic effect.
- [The impact of L-carnitine administration on the serum level of myocardium injury markers in patients with acute carbon monoxide poisoning]
PubMed ID: 22153012
Adding L‑carnitine to standard care after CO poisoning reduced early myocardial injury biomarkers (cTnI, CK‑MB, myoglobin).
- [Influence of levocarnitine on heart function and endocrine among patients with heart failure]
PubMed ID: 24125620
IV levocarnitine added to standard HF therapy improved LVEF, reduced LV volumes and lowered NT‑proBNP over 15 days — strong short‑term cardiac signal.
- 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
RCT in CAD patients: L‑carnitine reduced oxidative stress and boosted antioxidant enzymes — cardioprotective biomarker effects.
- Effects of levocarnitine on brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity in hemodialysis patients: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25533009
In hemodialysis carnitine‑deficient patients, oral L‑carnitine improved carnitine levels, reduced ERI and decreased baPWV — cardiac/vascular 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 showed robust improvements in EF, LV mass index and NT-proBNP with levocarnitine.
- [Effect of L-Carnitine on QT Dispersion in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome]
PubMed ID: 26320283
IV then oral L-carnitine in ACS reduced QT dispersion, indicating improved myocardial electrical stability.
- L-Carnitine/Simvastatin Reduces Lipoprotein (a) Levels Compared with Simvastatin Monotherapy: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study
PubMed ID: 27914033
Adding L-carnitine to simvastatin modestly lowered Lp(a), a CV risk factor; supports cardiometabolic risk reduction.
- Randomized Trial of Carnitine for the Prevention of Perioperative Atrial Fibrillation
PubMed ID: 28982550
Randomized perioperative high‑dose L‑carnitine (3 g/day) reduced postoperative atrial fibrillation incidence and lowered CRP—clinically meaningful cardiac benefit.
- L-carnitine decreases myocardial injury in children undergoing open-heart surgery: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 38568244
Pediatric RCT showed large, clinically meaningful reductions in troponin I/CK‑MB and better post‑op LV function with L‑carnitine pretreatment.
- Plasma l-carnitine and risks of cardiovascular events and recurrent stroke after ischemic stroke: A nested case-control study
PubMed ID: 36155150
Observational: higher plasma L‑carnitine after ischemic stroke strongly associated with lower recurrent CV events.
- 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
Pediatric T1D RCT: L‑carnitine improved troponin I and echocardiographic parameters.
- 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 indicating possible cardiac stress on withdrawal (trial of dose reduction/cessation).
- The Effects of L-Carnitine on Echocardiographic Changes in Patients With β-Thalassemia Major and Intermedia
PubMed ID: 32555029
Randomized trial in β‑thalassemia: 6 months L‑carnitine improved LV dilatation/hypertrophy and increased cardiac output substantially.
- 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 raised TAC and lowered MPO/nitrotyrosine/hs-CRP, indicating cardioprotective biomarker improvements.
- A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of L-carnitine in suspected acute myocardial infarction
PubMed ID: 8746285
Randomized double‑blind trial in suspected MI: 2 g/day L‑carnitine for 28 days reduced enzyme‑assessed infarct size and cardiac events—strong clinical cardiac evidence.
- Myocardial Protective Effects of L-Carnitine on Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Patients With Rheumatic Valvular Heart Disease Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
PubMed ID: 27569824
Adding L‑carnitine to cardioplegia during valve surgery reduced postoperative myocardial enzymes and apoptotic index—biochemical myocardial protection.
- [Myocardial protective effect of L-carnitine in children with hand, foot and mouth disease caused by Coxsackie A16 virus]
PubMed ID: 28774367
In children with viral‑associated myocardial enzyme abnormalities, L‑carnitine lowered injury and oxidative stress markers (biomarker improvement).
- 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 increased myocardial energy metabolites and improved ultrastructure after open‑heart surgery—biochemical heart support.
- Prolonged oral L-carnitine substitution increases bicycle ergometer performance in patients with severe, ischemically induced cardiac insufficiency
PubMed ID: 10686664
Ischemic heart failure patients had improved maximal exercise performance on oral L‑carnitine.
- Nutritional supplementation with MyoVive repletes essential cardiac myocyte nutrients and reduces left ventricular size in patients with left ventricular dysfunction
PubMed ID: 12075268
Pre‑surgery supplement including carnitine associated with reduced LVEDV (cardiac structural/functional signal).
- Effect of levocarnitine plus iron sucrose on nutritional status and life cycle in uremic patients with renal anemia
PubMed ID: 40556279
In uremic anemia, L‑carnitine plus iron improved nutritional markers and median survival — supportive of cardiac/clinical outcomes.
- Multicenter trial of L-carnitine in maintenance hemodialysis patients. II. Clinical and biochemical effects
PubMed ID: 2266675
Reduced intradialytic hypotension/cramps and increased VO2max in dialysis patients — cardiovascular/functional benefit.
- The therapeutic effect of L-carnitine in patients with exercise-induced stable angina: a controlled study
PubMed ID: 1794297
Large multicenter angina study reported fewer arrhythmias and improved exercise tolerance and lipids.
- Carnitine supplementation in diphtheria
PubMed ID: 1291495
Very large trial in diphtheria showing major reductions in myocarditis incidence and mortality with DL‑carnitine.
- [The clinical and hemodynamic effects of propionyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of congestive heart failure]
PubMed ID: 1493661
Propionyl-L-carnitine improved ejection fraction and lowered vascular resistance in CHF patients (direct cardiac function improvements).
- Controlled study on L-carnitine therapeutic efficacy in post-infarction
PubMed ID: 1292918
Large post-MI randomized study showed markedly fewer angina episodes and a large reduction in mortality with oral L-carnitine (strong cardioprotective signal).
- Controlled study on the therapeutic efficacy of propionyl-L-carnitine in patients with congestive heart failure
PubMed ID: 1445476
Double-blind trial in CHF demonstrated increased LVEF and exercise time with propionyl-L-carnitine over 6 months.
- Prevention by L-carnitine of interleukin-2 related cardiac toxicity during cancer immunotherapy
PubMed ID: 8236505
Oral L-carnitine reduced IL-2–related cardiac complications in cancer patients, indicating cardioprotective effects in this context.
- [The evaluation of the antiarrhythmic activity of L-carnitine and propafenone in ischemic cardiopathy]
PubMed ID: 7682488
In ischemic heart disease with frequent PVCs, adding L-carnitine to propafenone further reduced premature beats (adjunct cardiac antiarrhythmic benefit).
- Efficacy of L-propionylcarnitine treatment in patients with left ventricular dysfunction
PubMed ID: 7982429
L-propionylcarnitine improved exercise time, LVEF and cardiac output indices in left ventricular dysfunction patients.
- 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 randomized trial after anterior MI showed reduced progressive ventricular dilation over 12 months (direct cardiac remodeling benefit).
- [Therapy of arrhythmia induced by myocardial ischemia. Association of L-carnitine, propafenone and mexiletine]
PubMed ID: 8681496
In effort angina patients L-carnitine reduced ventricular ectopic beats and potentiated antiarrhythmic drug effects (cardiac rhythm benefit).
- Anti-ischaemic efficacy of L-propionylcarnitine--a promising novel metabolic approach to ischaemia?
PubMed ID: 8737216
Propionyl-L-carnitine reduced angina attacks and nitroglycerin use and improved ischemic exercise measures in 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 substantially increased exercise capacity and lowered filling pressures in chronic heart failure (improves cardiac performance).
- Three-year survival of patients with heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy and L-carnitine administration
PubMed ID: 10650325
Randomized long-term trial in dilated cardiomyopathy showed markedly fewer deaths with oral L-carnitine (strong heart benefit on mortality).
- The effects of L-carnitine treatment on left ventricular function and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy
PubMed ID: 10856733
In ischemic cardiomyopathy, L-carnitine modestly increased LVEF and increased antioxidant enzyme activity (direct cardiac function data).
- L-carnitine reduces plasma lipoprotein(a) levels in patients with hyper Lp(a)
PubMed ID: 11213533
Oral L‑carnitine produced a modest but significant reduction in Lp(a), a cardiovascular risk factor.
- Propionyl-L-carnitine improves exercise performance and functional status in patients with claudication
PubMed ID: 11382369
Improved walking performance in claudication patients indicates peripheral vascular/functional cardiac benefits relevant to cardiovascular health.
- The effect of L-carnitine on plasma lipoprotein(a) levels in hypercholesterolemic patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
PubMed ID: 12867219
L‑carnitine lowered Lp(a) in type 2 diabetics with hypercholesterolemia, supporting a potential cardioprotective lipid effect.
- 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 improved markers of cardiac metabolism in diabetic CABG patients.
- Efficacy and tolerability of combined treatment with L-carnitine and simvastatin in lowering lipoprotein(a) serum levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
PubMed ID: 16384561
Adding L‑carnitine to simvastatin decreased Lp(a) compared with simvastatin alone, a favorable effect for cardiovascular risk.
- Metabolic treatment with L-carnitine in acute anterior ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 16685128
Large MI trial: reduced 5-day mortality though no 6-month benefit — suggests possible early cardioprotective effect.
- Effect of L-carnitine on the physical fitness of thalassemic patients
PubMed ID: 17031691
Increased cardiac output and oxygen pulse at maximal exercise in thalassemia 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
Acute endothelial protection in claudicants suggests vascular/heart benefit potential.
Fertility (46)
- [Efficacy of natural vitamin E on oligospermia and asthenospermia: a prospective multi-centered randomized controlled study of 106 cases]
PubMed ID: 22741442
Levocarnitine (with/without vitamin E) associated with improved sperm concentration, motility and higher pregnancy counts in infertile men.
- [Short-term medication of L-carnitine before intracytoplasmic sperm injection for infertile men with oligoasthenozoospermia]
PubMed ID: 22474993
Two weeks oral L‑carnitine before ICSI improved progressive sperm motility and increased usable embryo rate.
- 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 randomized trial: 3 g/day L‑carnitine added to clomiphene dramatically improved ovulation and pregnancy rates in clomiphene‑resistant PCOS.
- [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 + tadalafil improved erectile scores in men with late‑onset hypogonadism and ED vs baseline (combination therapy, confounded).
- [Shugan Yiyang Capsules for the treatment of asthenospermia: A clinical study]
PubMed ID: 26333227
Trial in men with asthenospermia showed highest clinical effectiveness when levocarnitine was combined with herbal capsules; direct sperm-quality benefit.
- [Yijingfang for the treatment of asthenospermia: A randomized controlled clinical trial]
PubMed ID: 29714423
Infertile men receiving a regimen that included L‑carnitine showed improved sperm count and motility, but effect is confounded by combination therapy.
- [L-carnitine combined with coenzyme Q10 for idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia: A double-blind randomized controlled trial]
PubMed ID: 30157357
Large RCT of combined L‑carnitine + CoQ10 improved semen parameters and pregnancy outcomes—strong clinical reproductive signal though combination therapy.
- [L-carnitine improves sperm acrosin activity in male infertility patients]
PubMed ID: 32212483
Large RCT: 3 months L-carnitine improved sperm count, motility and acrosin activity in infertile men (direct, high-quality evidence).
- [Huanshao Capsules combined with levocarnitine for the treatment of asthenospermia, oligospermia and teratozoospermia]
PubMed ID: 30157364
RCT: levocarnitine combined with Huanshao capsules produced large improvements in semen volume, concentration and motility (strong reproductive benefit).
- l-Carnitine plus metformin in clomiphene-resistant obese PCOS women, reproductive and metabolic effects: a randomized clinical trial
PubMed ID: 30806102
Large double-blind RCT: adding L-carnitine to metformin markedly increased ovulation and pregnancy rates in obese, CC-resistant PCOS women (robust reproductive outcome).
- Comparison of L-Carnitine vs. Coq10 and Vitamin E for idiopathic male infertility: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 35856361
Large RCT: oral L‑carnitine improved sperm concentration, motility and morphology vs active comparator.
- [Compound Amino Acid Capsule (8-11) combined with L-carnitine for the treatment of asthenospermia]
PubMed ID: 38597704
Randomized trial: L‑carnitine + amino acids improved sperm motility and reduced ROS in idiopathic asthenospermia.
- Multi-pharmacological treatment for young subfertile males with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome
PubMed ID: 39505516
RCT arms with L‑carnitine improved semen parameters and prostatitis symptoms (combination treatments).
- Effects of L-Carnitine and Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Randomized, Controlled, Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 38105612
Small RCT: L‑carnitine + CoQ10 reduced prostate volume vs finasteride+placebo—reproductive/prostate effect.
- [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 and concentration over 12 weeks in RCT.
- [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 + vitamin E improved sperm antioxidant status and motility in RCT, though herbal comparator was superior.
- 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 with a product containing L‑carnitine showed robust improvements in sperm count/motility/morphology.
- [A controlled randomized trial of the use of combined L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in men with oligoasthenozoospermia]
PubMed ID: 16281510
Three-month RCT showed increased forward/total motile sperm and higher pregnancy rates with LC+ALC.
- [Treatment with carnitine, acetyl carnitine, L-arginine and ginseng improves sperm motility and sexual health in men with asthenopermia]
PubMed ID: 20940690
Combination therapy including carnitine improved sperm motility and sexual satisfaction versus no treatment (moderate evidence; multi‑ingredient).
- Semen quality in patients with Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection treated concurrently with prulifloxacin and a phytotherapeutic agent
PubMed ID: 21979301
Large RCT adding an L‑carnitine–containing supplement to antibiotics improved sperm concentration and motility significantly (strong reproductive evidence though multi‑ingredient).
- [Using L- and acetyl-L-carnintines in combination with clomiphene citrate and antioxidant complex for treating idiopathic male infertility: a prospective randomized trial]
PubMed ID: 28845935
Adding LC+ALC to clomiphene+vitamins modestly increased sperm concentration but did not affect motility/morphology or pregnancy rates.
- [Adjuvant antioxidant therapy in varicocele infertility]
PubMed ID: 28845931
Post‑varicocelectomy randomized trial: carnitine/ALA complex substantially improved motility, counts and reduced DNA fragmentation (adjunctive to surgery).
- 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 RCT: supplement containing LC/ALC and micronutrients improved sperm count and motility vs placebo.
- [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
Antioxidant complex with ALC markedly lowered sperm oxidative stress/DNA fragmentation and increased pregnancies vs placebo.
- 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
Proxeed Plus RCT (LC/ALC + nutrients) showed robust improvements in sperm DNA fragmentation, motility and seminal carnitine in idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia.
- Dietary supplementation with a novel l-carnitine multi-micronutrient in idiopathic male subfertility involving oligo-, astheno-, teratozoospermia: A randomized clinical study
PubMed ID: 32330373
Multi‑nutrient RCT including L‑carnitine improved spermiograms and clinical pregnancy rates substantially.
- Prospective randomized multicentre comparison on sibling oocytes comparing G-Series media system with antioxidants versus standard G-Series media system
PubMed ID: 32299733
Adding antioxidants (one of which was ALC) to embryo culture media improved embryo quality and implantation/pregnancy rates (multi‑agent).
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine Ameliorates Metabolic and Endocrine Alterations in Women with PCOS: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 34047916
ALC added to insulin‑sensitizing therapy in PCOS improved menstrual regularity and metabolic markers relevant to fertility, though combined therapy limits attribution.
- Dynamic Metabolic Signatures of Choline and Carnitine across Healthy Pregnancy and in Cord Blood: Association with Maternal Dietary Protein
PubMed ID: 36780943
Pregnancy cohort: maternal carnitine/acetylcarnitine fell across gestation—observational data relevant to reproductive nutrient needs.
- Antioxidant treatment for oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and varicocele: a DBPC trial to evaluate the impact of age and body mass index
PubMed ID: 38305695
Double‑blind RCT: carnitine‑containing antioxidant supplement significantly improved sperm concentration, total count and motility.
- A prospective randomized controlled trial of antioxidants in human IVF and embryo culture media
PubMed ID: 40973967
Large IVF RCT: antioxidant media including ALC increased fertilization rate and blastocyst yield though pregnancy rate 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
Propionyl‑L‑carnitine (with combos) improved erectile function (IIEF‑5) in insulin‑dependent diabetic men and enhanced response to PDE5 inhibitor.
- 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
Combination therapy associated with higher free L-carnitine and improved semen parameters (confounded by other drugs but biologically plausible link).
- Oral propionyl-l-carnitine and intraplaque verapamil in the therapy of advanced and resistant Peyronie's disease
PubMed ID: 12010235
Propionyl‑L‑carnitine added to intraplaque verapamil significantly improved penile curvature and erectile function in Peyronie’s disease.
- 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 improved sperm oxidative stress and motility (especially after NSAID pretreatment) in men with abacterial PVE.
- Use of carnitine therapy in selected cases of male factor infertility: a double-blind crossover trial
PubMed ID: 12568837
2 g/day L‑carnitine RCT produced significant, clinically relevant increases 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 plus sildenafil improved erectile function in sildenafil‑refractory diabetic men, indicating reproductive benefit.
- 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 reduced oxidative activity and improved erectile scores in diabetics (direct reproductive outcome).
- Safety and efficacy of clomiphene citrate and L-carnitine in idiopathic male infertility: a comparative study
PubMed ID: 20845296
Randomized trial in infertile men: L-carnitine improved semen volume, sperm count and motility over 3 months — strong human reproductive evidence.
- [L-carnitine: safe and effective for asthenozoospermia]
PubMed ID: 20684322
L-carnitine + vitamin E for 3 months improved sperm forward motility and markedly increased partner pregnancy rates — strong effect (combination therapy).
- [Use of L-carnitine before percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration-intracytoplasmic sperm injection for obstructive azoospermia]
PubMed ID: 21243757
Pre-ICSI treatment with L-carnitine increased number/rate of good-quality embryos in obstructive azoospermia patients — direct reproductive benefit.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine vs tamoxifen in the oral therapy of Peyronie's disease: a preliminary report
PubMed ID: 11446848
ALC reduced pain and curvature in early Peyronie’s disease—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
Carnitine added to antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory therapy reduced ROS and improved sperm motility/viability in infectious infertility.
- Cinnoxicam and L-carnitine/acetyl-L-carnitine treatment for idiopathic and varicocele-associated oligoasthenospermia
PubMed ID: 15292108
Large randomized trial: LC/ALC improved semen parameters and substantially increased pregnancy rates (best group).
- 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
Six-month RCT: combined LC and ALC increased sperm motility, especially in men with low baseline motility.
- 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
Placebo-controlled RCT: L-acetylcarnitine improved sperm motility and seminal antioxidant capacity.
Metabolism (42)
- Efficacy and Safety of the Combination of Superoxide Dismutase, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin B12, and Carnitine for 12 Months in Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy
PubMed ID: 33114210
12‑month multi‑ingredient supplement including carnitine improved neurophysiology and metabolic biomarkers in diabetic neuropathy patients.
- 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
RCT in PCOS overweight women showed weight loss and improved glycemic/insulin-resistance markers with L-carnitine.
- 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
L‑carnitine in dialysis fluid increased measured insulin sensitivity (glucose infusion rate), direct metabolic benefit.
- Caloric restriction alters the metabolic response to a mixed-meal: results from a randomized, controlled trial
PubMed ID: 22523532
Caloric restriction study showed acylcarnitine changes related to improved insulin sensitivity — supports metabolic roles of carnitine pools.
- Involvement of impaired carnitine-induced fatty acid oxidation in experimental and human diabetic kidney disease
PubMed ID: 40402578
Human/animal data show restoration of carnitine metabolism and improved renal/metabolic markers with L‑carnitine.
- 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 anti‑cachexia program including L‑carnitine increased lean mass and decreased REE—metabolic benefits.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine (levacecarnine) in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. A long-term, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 12455197
ALC improved nerve function and pain in diabetic neuropathy — a metabolic-disease context (large RCT).
- 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
6‑week RCT in PCOS showed meaningful weight loss and improved lipid profile attributable to L‑carnitine.
- 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 larger improvements in weight and HOMA‑IR vs L‑carnitine alone (RCT).
- 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
Pediatric T1D trial: L‑carnitine improved LDL/TC and echocardiographic markers (metabolic and cardiac benefits).
- Acetyl-L-carnitine improves pain, nerve regeneration, and vibratory perception in patients with chronic diabetic neuropathy: an analysis of two randomized placebo-controlled trials
PubMed ID: 15616239
Pooled large trials showed nerve fibre regeneration and symptom benefits in diabetic neuropathy (metabolic disease relevance).
- Effect of antioxidants on mitochondrial function in HIV-1-related lipoatrophy: a pilot study
PubMed ID: 20977356
N‑acetyl‑L‑carnitine modestly improved mitochondrial oxidative function and CD4+ mtDNA in HIV patients—metabolic benefit markers.
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine Ameliorates Metabolic and Endocrine Alterations in Women with PCOS: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 34047916
Adding ALC to standard therapy in PCOS improved insulin, adiponectin and HOMA‑IR (though given with other drugs).
- Dietary Lipid Quantity and Quality Modulate the Postprandial Metabolomic Profile in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome
PubMed ID: 39770889
Diet/n‑3 trial changed muscle/plasma carnitine‑related metabolites in metabolic‑syndrome subjects—mechanistic metabolic effects.
- Serum metabolite profiling yields insights into health promoting effect of A. muciniphila in human volunteers with a metabolic syndrome
PubMed ID: 34812127
A. muciniphila supplementation raised acylcarnitines and ketone markers, indicating altered (enhanced) lipid/ketone metabolism.
- Potential inhibitory effects of L-carnitine supplementation on tissue advanced glycation end products in patients with hemodialysis
PubMed ID: 23909402
Dialysis trial: oral L‑carnitine lowered skin AGEs and changed serum carnitine/lipids—metabolic and glycation effects.
- L-carnitine ameliorated fasting-induced fatigue, hunger, and metabolic abnormalities in patients with metabolic syndrome: a randomized controlled study
PubMed ID: 25424121
High‑dose IV L‑carnitine during fasting reduced hunger and increased weight loss and insulin decline—metabolic intervention effects.
- Effect of carnitine-orotate complex on glucose metabolism and fatty liver: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 24611967
Carnitine‑orotate + metformin improved ALT and oxidative stress and increased mtDNA—favorable metabolic effects.
- Improvement of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease With Carnitine-Orotate Complex in Type 2 Diabetes (CORONA): A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 25877813
Carnitine‑orotate RCT improved liver fat and modestly reduced HbA1c in diabetic fatty‑liver patients—clear metabolic benefits.
- 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 weight‑loss trial: early decreases in circulating L‑carnitine/choline predicted greater weight/fat losses — metabolic association.
- 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
Randomized trial in obese women on a low‑calorie diet found a small but significant additional BMI reduction with 1 g/day L‑carnitine—metabolic effect on weight.
- [Clinical studies on fifty-seven Chinese patients with combined methylmalonic aciduria and homocysteinemia]
PubMed ID: 17953808
Clinical series in inborn errors (with L‑carnitine as part of combination therapy) produced substantive metabolic and clinical improvements—direct metabolic relevance.
- Effect of acarbose and vildagliptin on plasma trimethylamine N-oxide levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a 6-month, two-arm randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 40395816
In T2D, acarbose/vildagliptin increased plasma carnitine while lowering TMAO and improving insulin resistance (correlative evidence linking carnitine status and glycemic control).
- Effects of parenteral L-carnitine supplementation on fat metabolism and nutrition in premature neonates
PubMed ID: 7844680
Parenteral L-carnitine in VLBW infants corrected deficiency, preserved ketogenesis and improved fat tolerance/early weight gain—clear metabolic benefit in that setting.
- Effects of combination of sibutramine and L-carnitine compared with sibutramine monotherapy on inflammatory parameters in diabetic patients
PubMed ID: 20423740
Sibutramine + L-carnitine led to faster/broader improvements in weight and HbA1c vs sibutramine alone — metabolic benefit but confounded.
- Comparison between orlistat plus l-carnitine and orlistat alone on inflammation parameters in obese diabetic patients
PubMed ID: 21077943
Orlistat + L-carnitine improved weight, glycemic control and inflammatory markers faster than orlistat alone — supports metabolic benefit (shared attribution).
- Orlistat and L-carnitine compared to orlistat alone on insulin resistance in obese diabetic patients
PubMed ID: 20683173
In obese T2D patients, orlistat + L-carnitine produced faster/better weight loss, HbA1c and HOMA-IR improvements — strong metabolic changes (co-therapy).
- 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 (2 g/day) added to simvastatin increased LDL particle size and reduced small LDL and triglycerides in T2D — direct metabolic lipid effect.
- Effects of simvastatin and carnitine versus simvastatin on lipoprotein(a) and apoprotein(a) in type 2 diabetes mellitus
PubMed ID: 19618992
L‑carnitine added to simvastatin improved triglycerides, HDL, Lp(a) and lowered glycemia in T2DM patients.
- L-carnitine treatment reduces steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with alpha-interferon and ribavirin
PubMed ID: 17939042
Improved liver enzymes and lipid measures when L‑carnitine added to HCV therapy.
- 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
Centenarian trial showed reduced fat mass and increased muscle mass, indicating metabolic improvements.
- Levocarnitine administration in elderly subjects with rapid muscle fatigue: effect on body composition, lipid profile and fatigue
PubMed ID: 12875611
Elderly subjects lost fat, gained muscle and had marked reductions in fatigue, consistent with improved body composition/metabolic health.
- Usefulness of L-carnitine, a naturally occurring peripheral antagonist of thyroid hormone action, in iatrogenic hyperthyroidism: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 11502782
L‑carnitine prevented/reversed symptoms of iatrogenic hyperthyroidism and favorably affected bone markers, reflecting metabolic modulation.
- 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 attenuated the glucose rise during glucose infusion in healthy subjects, indicating an effect on glucose 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 oral supplement (including L‑carnitine) improved insulin resistance and RQ in overweight adults.
- GS-0976 Reduces Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis Markers in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
PubMed ID: 30059671
Acylcarnitine shifts in NASH responders indicate altered substrate oxidation relevant to metabolic health.
- Mangiferin supplementation improves serum lipid profiles in overweight patients with hyperlipidemia: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25989216
Mangiferin RCT raised serum L-carnitine and ketone bodies while lowering TG/FFA—evidence of enhanced fatty-acid oxidation and improved metabolic markers.
- 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
1 g/day L‑carnitine for 12 weeks improved insulin sensitivity indices in women with PCOS (RCT).
- 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+L-carnitine reduced weight, fasting glucose, insulin resistance and triglycerides in overweight PCOS women (combination trial; strong metabolic signal but confounded).
- Randomized controlled trial of N-acetylcysteine versus l-carnitine among women with clomiphene-citrate-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome
PubMed ID: 31273783
In CC-resistant PCOS L-carnitine improved lipid profile though it did not improve pregnancy/ovulation — selective metabolic benefits.
- 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
Adding L-carnitine to glimepiride in T2D significantly improved glycemic control, insulin resistance and lipids (direct metabolic benefit).
- Efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation for improving lean body mass and physical function in patients on hemodialysis: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 30353121
IV L‑carnitine maintained lean mass and strength in hemodialysis patients—clear metabolic/body‑composition benefit in deficient patients.
Blood circulation (32)
- Levocarnitine Decreases Intradialytic Hypotension Episodes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 28805348
Levocarnitine given before dialysis markedly reduced intradialytic hypotension episodes—direct circulation/haemodynamic benefit.
- Carnitine-related alterations in patients with intermittent claudication: indication for a focused carnitine therapy
PubMed ID: 8653874
IV L‑carnitine changed exercise acetylcarnitine responses and significantly improved walking in claudication subgroup, consistent with improved limb perfusion.
- 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
Combination including ALC increased brachial artery diameter and reduced systolic BP (modest vascular benefit).
- 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 (with combos) improved endothelial function (FMD) in diabetic men — direct support for vascular/circulatory benefit.
- Additional antiischemic effects of long-term L-propionylcarnitine in anginal patients treated with conventional antianginal therapy
PubMed ID: 8850378
L‑propionylcarnitine modestly prolonged time to ischemic ST depression and slightly increased exercise tolerance in angina—anti‑ischemic/vascular effects.
- Multicenter trial of L-carnitine in maintenance hemodialysis patients. II. Clinical and biochemical effects
PubMed ID: 2266675
Reduction in intradialytic hypotension suggests circulatory/vascular benefit.
- The therapeutic effect of L-carnitine in patients with exercise-induced stable angina: a controlled study
PubMed ID: 1794297
Large angina study showed improved exercise hemodynamics and reduced ischemic signs.
- Carnitine supplementation in diphtheria
PubMed ID: 1291495
Markedly reduced myocarditis incidence in diphtheria (cardiac protection) — circulation/heart benefit.
- [The clinical and hemodynamic effects of propionyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of congestive heart failure]
PubMed ID: 1493661
Reduced systemic vascular resistance and improved hemodynamics in CHF patients indicate vascular/circulatory benefits.
- Controlled study on the therapeutic efficacy of propionyl-L-carnitine in patients with congestive heart failure
PubMed ID: 1445476
Improvements in exercise tolerance and LVEF with propionyl-L-carnitine in CHF imply better systemic perfusion/vascular function.
- Propionyl-L-carnitine in intermittent claudication: double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose titration, multicenter study
PubMed ID: 7594063
Significant improvement in walking distance in intermittent claudication implies improved peripheral perfusion/circulation.
- Propionyl-L-carnitine improves exercise performance and functional status in patients with claudication
PubMed ID: 11382369
Propionyl‑L‑carnitine produced large, clinically meaningful improvements in walking time and claudication onset, reflecting improved peripheral circulation.
- Oral propionyl-l-carnitine and intraplaque verapamil in the therapy of advanced and resistant Peyronie's disease
PubMed ID: 12010235
Propionyl‑L‑carnitine adjunct improved curvature/plaque and erectile function in Peyronie’s disease, consistent with local tissue and vascular benefits.
- 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 function in diabetic men, likely via improved penile blood flow.
- 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 pressures, indicating improved cardiac perfusion/hemodynamics.
- 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
IV propionyl-L-carnitine improved ABI and reduced oxidative stress markers in hemodialysis patients with PAD.
- Effect of PLC on functional parameters and oxidative profile in type 2 diabetes-associated PAD
PubMed ID: 16446007
12-month propionyl-L-carnitine improved ABI and multiple oxidative markers in diabetic PAD — strong vascular evidence.
- 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
IV propionyl-L-carnitine raised ABI and lowered endothelin-1/homocysteine over 12 months — robust vascular benefit.
- 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 propionyl‑L‑carnitine acutely protected endothelial function and reduced sVCAM‑1 responses to exercise.
- 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 reduced endothelial markers and oxidative activity in diabetics with ED (vascular 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
Improved walking distance and calf pain in PAD consistent with better peripheral circulation.
- 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 post‑meal FMD in healthy adults after a high‑fat meal.
- Pharmacological treatment of patients with chronic critical limb ischemia: L-propionyl-carnitine enhances the short-term effects of PGE-1
PubMed ID: 19548076
Propionyl-L-carnitine + PGE1 substantially improved rest pain and walking distance in critical limb ischemia — strong peripheral circulation benefit.
- Effects of L-Carnitine supplement on plasma coagulation and anticoagulation factors in hemodialysis patients
PubMed ID: 20863217
L-carnitine raised serum carnitine and significantly lowered fibrinogen and CRP — relevant to thrombosis/inflammation and vascular health.
- 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
Oral L-carnitine in dialysis patients markedly reduced IL-6 and CRP; these anti-inflammatory changes often accompany vascular 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
Modest increases in walking distance and QOL in claudication when added to cilostazol imply vascular benefit.
- Propionyl-L-carnitine improves endothelial function, microcirculation and pain management in critical limb ischemia
PubMed ID: 22936457
Randomized trial in severe limb ischemia: improved FMD, TcPO2 and reduced pain — strong evidence for improved microcirculation.
- NOX2 up-regulation is associated with artery dysfunction in patients with peripheral artery disease
PubMed ID: 22336250
Propionyl‑L‑carnitine improved flow‑mediated dilation and reduced NOX2 activation in PAD, mechanistic circulation improvement.
- A study on the efficacy and safety assessment of propionyl-L-carnitine tablets in treatment of intermittent claudication
PubMed ID: 23998557
Large RCT: propionyl‑L‑carnitine improved peak walking time in PAD and related vascular endpoints — direct circulation benefit.
- L-Carnitine supplementation reduces biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress in patients with coronary artery disease: a randomised controlled trial
PubMed ID: 32816578
L-carnitine lowered oxidative/inflammatory vascular markers in CAD patients (biomarker evidence for vascular benefit).
- The Effects of L-Carnitine on Echocardiographic Changes in Patients With β-Thalassemia Major and Intermedia
PubMed ID: 32555029
L‑carnitine improved echocardiographic measures and markedly increased cardiac output in β‑thalassemia patients.
- 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 stroke associated with substantially lower recurrent vascular events (epidemiologic).
Immune support (24)
- Effects of L-carnitine supplementation in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 disease: a pilot study
PubMed ID: 35997951
Hospitalized COVID RCT: L‑carnitine lowered CRP/ESR and improved oxygenation and outcomes in a pilot trial.
- L-Carnitine and synbiotic co-supplementation: beneficial effects on metabolic-endotoxemia, meta-inflammation, and oxidative-stress biomarkers in obese patients: a double blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 36752775
L‑carnitine + synbiotic reduced IL‑6/hs‑CRP/TNF‑α in obese women—anti‑inflammatory effect.
- Comparing the effectiveness of L-carnitine and paraffin oil in acute aluminum phosphide poisoning using predictive biomarkers and scores: A randomized controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 36592154
L‑carnitine improved oxidative/apoptosis biomarkers and reduced ventilation/death in severe poisoning—supports host resilience.
- The effects of L-carnitine supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress, and clinical outcomes in critically Ill patients with sepsis: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial
PubMed ID: 38444016
High‑dose oral L‑carnitine in septic ICU lowered CRP/TAC changes and strongly reduced 28‑day mortality—robust immune/host‑response benefit.
- Adding L-Carnitine and Selenium to Methimazole in Graves' Disease: A Prospective Randomized Trial on Thyroid Markers and Quality of Life
PubMed ID: 40871722
L‑carnitine + selenium accelerated TRAb decline in Graves disease—modulation of autoimmune process (combination therapy).
- L-carnitine as a novel approach for pain and inflammation relief in rheumatoid arthritis
PubMed ID: 41037123
Adjunct L‑carnitine reduced CRP and DAS28 in RA—anti‑inflammatory and immune‑modulating signals.
- Carnitine treatment improved quality-of-life measure in a sample of Midwestern hemodialysis patients
PubMed ID: 16387893
24-week IV carnitine improved QoL domains and lowered EPO needs in HD patients — indirect support for health resilience.
- Effects of L-carnitine infusions on inflammatory and nutritional markers in haemodialysis patients
PubMed ID: 16861734
IV L-carnitine in hemodialysis reduced CRP and improved markers of nutrition — indicates reduced inflammation and improved resilience.
- Carnitine supplementation in diphtheria
PubMed ID: 1291495
Large controlled study in diphtheria where DL‑carnitine markedly reduced myocarditis and deaths — strong clinical benefit in infectious disease context.
- Effect of levocarnitine plus iron sucrose on nutritional status and life cycle in uremic patients with renal anemia
PubMed ID: 40556279
In uremic anemia patients, adding L‑carnitine improved nutrition and median survival — may reflect enhanced clinical resilience.
- 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 added to therapy for mild–moderate ulcerative colitis significantly improved clinical and endoscopic outcomes—direct support for gut immune/ inflammatory modulation.
- 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 complex with antiviral therapy increased IFN-γ ELISPOT responses and improved ALT outcomes—immune activation signal.
- L-carnitine supplementation improves hematological pattern in patients affected by HCV treated with Peg interferon-α 2b plus ribavirin
PubMed ID: 22110268
In HCV patients, L‑carnitine adjunct improved blood counts and was associated with higher sustained virologic response (immune/therapy resilience).
- Acetyl-L-carnitine Slows the Progression from Prefrailty to Frailty in Older Subjects: A Randomized Interventional Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 36043711
ALC lowered CRP in prefrail older adults, suggesting anti‑inflammatory effects relevant to immune resilience.
- Clinical Evidence of Acetyl-L-Carnitine Efficacy in the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Pilot Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 35936217
Post‑stroke ALC reduced inflammatory markers (TNF‑α, IL‑6, ICAM‑1) and improved outcomes—stronger trial evidence of anti‑inflammatory/immune‑modulating benefit.
- Effects of L-Carnitine supplement on plasma coagulation and anticoagulation factors in hemodialysis patients
PubMed ID: 20863217
L-carnitine lowered CRP and fibrinogen in dialysis patients, supporting reduced systemic inflammation.
- 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
In hemodialysis patients, L-carnitine reduced CRP (−29%) and IL-6 (−61%) — strong anti-inflammatory/immune-resilience signal.
- Effects of l-carnitine supplement on serum amyloid A and vascular inflammation markers in hemodialysis patients: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 21439850
L-carnitine increased blood levels and reduced serum amyloid A (SAA) by ~32% in hemodialysis patients — inflammation marker improvement.
- Preliminary safety and efficacy of L-carnitine infusion for the treatment of vasopressor-dependent septic shock: a randomized control trial
PubMed ID: 23851424
Small RCT in septic shock found lower 28‑day mortality with L‑carnitine infusion, promising immune/critical‑illness signal.
- Antiinflammatory effects of L-carnitine supplementation (1000 mg/d) in coronary artery disease patients
PubMed ID: 25701337
RCT in CAD patients: 1 g/day L‑carnitine reduced CRP and IL‑6 and lowered TNF‑α vs placebo — clear anti‑inflammatory/immunomodulatory effect.
- Effects of nutritional supplementation on fatigue, and autonomic and immune dysfunction in patients with end-stage renal disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial
PubMed ID: 25746727
Multi-nutrient drink (includes carnitine) lowered HHV7 reactivation and improved autonomic markers; immune effect noted though multi-ingredient.
- L-Carnitine Supplementation Reduces Short-Term Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
PubMed ID: 25951165
Preoperative IV L-carnitine reduced leukocyte/neutrophil counts and attenuated postoperative NLR rise (direct anti-inflammatory/immune modulation).
- Preventive Effect of L-Carnitine on Scar Formation During Acute Pyelonephritis: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 30418227
Randomized trial: L-carnitine during acute pediatric pyelonephritis reduced later renal scarring — meaningful benefit in infection context (immune/inflammatory consequence).
- 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
ICU RCT: 3 g/day L‑carnitine reduced CRP/IL‑6 and improved clinical severity scores.
Endurance (22)
- 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
Centenarian trial showed reduced fatigue and increased muscle mass, consistent with better endurance/physical reserve.
- Effect of L-carnitine on the physical fitness of thalassemic patients
PubMed ID: 17031691
Improved VO2 and exercise capacity in thalassemia patients—direct endurance signal.
- Effect of PLC on functional parameters and oxidative profile in type 2 diabetes-associated PAD
PubMed ID: 16446007
12-month propionyl-L-carnitine increased pain-free walking distance (+153 m) in diabetic PAD — substantial endurance gain.
- Levocarnitine administration in elderly subjects with rapid muscle fatigue: effect on body composition, lipid profile and fatigue
PubMed ID: 12875611
Elderly participants reported large reductions in physical fatigue and increased muscle mass, consistent with improved stamina.
- Propionyl-L-carnitine improves exercise performance and functional status in patients with claudication
PubMed ID: 11382369
Propionyl‑L‑carnitine produced large, clinically significant increases in walking time in claudication patients, reflecting improved endurance.
- Intravenous L-carnitine increases plasma carnitine, reduces fatigue, and may preserve exercise capacity in hemodialysis patients
PubMed ID: 11325685
Preservation of VO2max and reduced fatigue in dialysis patients suggests maintenance of stamina.
- Acute and chronic effects of propionyl-L-carnitine on the hemodynamics, exercise capacity, and hormones in patients with congestive heart failure
PubMed ID: 9784909
Large improvements in peak VO2 and exercise time indicate meaningful gains in stamina in CHF patients.
- Propionyl-L-carnitine in intermittent claudication: double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose titration, multicenter study
PubMed ID: 7594063
Large relative improvements in maximal walking distance with propionyl-L-carnitine point to better stamina.
- Efficacy of L-propionylcarnitine treatment in patients with left ventricular dysfunction
PubMed ID: 7982429
L-propionylcarnitine improved exercise time and cardiac function in patients with LV dysfunction (endurance-related).
- Controlled study on the therapeutic efficacy of propionyl-L-carnitine in patients with congestive heart failure
PubMed ID: 1445476
Propionyl-L-carnitine improved maximum exercise time and walking tolerance over 6 months in CHF patients.
- [The clinical and hemodynamic effects of propionyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of congestive heart failure]
PubMed ID: 1493661
Chronic heart-failure patients had increased maximum exercise time with propionyl-L-carnitine (endurance-related).
- The therapeutic effect of L-carnitine in patients with exercise-induced stable angina: a controlled study
PubMed ID: 1794297
Angina trial reported increased exercise tolerance and reduced ischemic response.
- Multicenter trial of L-carnitine in maintenance hemodialysis patients. II. Clinical and biochemical effects
PubMed ID: 2266675
IV L‑carnitine raised VO2max in hemodialysis patients (objective endurance gain).
- Prolonged oral L-carnitine substitution increases bicycle ergometer performance in patients with severe, ischemically induced cardiac insufficiency
PubMed ID: 10686664
Oral L‑carnitine increased maximal exercise performance in ischemic HF.
- Randomized phase III clinical trial of five different arms of treatment for patients with cancer cachexia: interim results
PubMed ID: 18262758
Clinical signals of less fatigue and improved lean mass in the L‑carnitine arm are consistent with improved stamina.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine Slows the Progression from Prefrailty to Frailty in Older Subjects: A Randomized Interventional Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 36043711
ALC increased 6‑minute walk distance in prefrail older adults (clinically meaningful functional endurance gain).
- Oral acetyl-L-carnitine therapy reduces fatigue in overt hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 21310833
Increased 6‑min walk distance and physical activity in hepatic encephalopathy supports improved stamina.
- 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
Marked increases in walking distance for claudication patients indicate better stamina.
- 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
Thalassemia intermedia trial showed hematologic and some functional cardiac improvements that can support endurance.
- Pharmacological treatment of patients with chronic critical limb ischemia: L-propionyl-carnitine enhances the short-term effects of PGE-1
PubMed ID: 19548076
In CLI patients, L-propionyl-carnitine + PGE1 increased maximum walking distance (+75 m) — direct evidence of improved endurance/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 PAD — direct endurance improvement.
- 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 had marked frailty score improvement and increased grip strength consistent with improved stamina.
Energy & Fatigue (24)
- Prolonged oral L-carnitine substitution increases bicycle ergometer performance in patients with severe, ischemically induced cardiac insufficiency
PubMed ID: 10686664
Improved maximal exercise performance in HF patients consistent with increased functional energy.
- Multicenter trial of L-carnitine in maintenance hemodialysis patients. II. Clinical and biochemical effects
PubMed ID: 2266675
VO2max increase and symptom relief in dialysis patients are consistent with higher energy/functional capacity.
- Amantadine and L-carnitine treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
PubMed ID: 9018019
Crossover trial in chronic fatigue syndrome reported improvements in multiple fatigue-related parameters with 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
Large increases in VO2 and exercise time in CHF patients translate into greater functional energy and capacity.
- Intravenous L-carnitine increases plasma carnitine, reduces fatigue, and may preserve exercise capacity in hemodialysis patients
PubMed ID: 11325685
Hemodialysis patients reported improved fatigue scores after IV L‑carnitine, indicating increased energy.
- Levocarnitine administration in elderly subjects with rapid muscle fatigue: effect on body composition, lipid profile and fatigue
PubMed ID: 12875611
Elderly participants reported large reductions in physical and mental fatigue and gained muscle, indicating meaningful increases in perceived energy.
- Carnitine treatment improved quality-of-life measure in a sample of Midwestern hemodialysis patients
PubMed ID: 16387893
24-week IV carnitine improved SF-36 physical domains and lowered EPO needs — supports improved energy/functional status.
- Randomized phase III clinical trial of five different arms of treatment for patients with cancer cachexia: interim results
PubMed ID: 18262758
Cachexia trial reported reduced fatigue and improved lean mass in the L‑carnitine arm — consistent with increased energy.
- Effects of parenteral L-carnitine supplementation on fat metabolism and nutrition in premature neonates
PubMed ID: 7844680
Parenteral L-carnitine corrected deficiency and preserved ketogenesis in VLBW infants, allowing better fat tolerance and early weight gain—markers of increased usable energy.
- Exploratory open label, randomized study of acetyl- and propionylcarnitine in chronic fatigue syndrome
PubMed ID: 15039515
CFS trial: acetyl- and propionyl-carnitine groups reported meaningful fatigue improvements (open randomized study).
- 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
In MS patients ALC reduced fatigue more than amantadine (small randomized crossover pilot).
- Mangiferin supplementation improves serum lipid profiles in overweight patients with hyperlipidemia: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25989216
Mangiferin RCT increased serum L-carnitine and ketone bodies and reduced TG/FFA, consistent with greater fatty-acid flux and energetic availability.
- Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue
PubMed ID: 17658628
Elderly fatigued subjects: ALC produced robust reductions in physical/mental fatigue and improved function (randomized trial).
- Oral acetyl-L-carnitine therapy reduces fatigue in overt hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 21310833
ALC reduced fatigue severity and increased physical activity/walking distance in overt hepatic encephalopathy (strong evidence for increased energy).
- 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
During HCV therapy ALC reduced physical and mental fatigue and improved multiple QoL domains (robust increase in energy/vitality).
- Acetyl-L-carnitine Slows the Progression from Prefrailty to Frailty in Older Subjects: A Randomized Interventional Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 36043711
Improvements in walking distance and MMSE in prefrail older adults imply increased functional energy/endurance with ALC.
- 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
Hypothyroid patients reported marked improvement in mental fatigue and fatigue severity with L-carnitine.
- 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 had large frailty score improvements and better grip strength, consistent with increased functional energy.
- Efficacy and safety of an amino acid jelly containing coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine in controlling fatigue in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: a multi-institutional, randomized, exploratory trial (JORTC-CAM01)
PubMed ID: 26105516
Chemo-related fatigue improved with a carnitine-containing supplement, suggesting increased energy, though multi-ingredient.
- [L-carnitine treatment patients with chronic cerebral ischemia]
PubMed ID: 23739503
L‑carnitine improved fatigue measures in chronic cerebral ischemia patients — subjective energy benefit.
- 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
Hematologic improvement in thalassemia intermedia likely contributes to better energy.
- L-Carnitine in the treatment of fatigue in adult celiac disease patients: a pilot study
PubMed ID: 17693145
2 g/day L‑carnitine for 180 days reduced subjective fatigue in adults with celiac 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
Marked reductions in fatigue and increases in muscle mass in centenarians indicate substantial energy improvements.
- Effect of L-carnitine on the physical fitness of thalassemic patients
PubMed ID: 17031691
Improved exercise capacity and VO2 in thalassemia suggests increased functional energy.
Workout performance (22)
- Efficacy of L-propionylcarnitine treatment in patients with left ventricular dysfunction
PubMed ID: 7982429
Placebo-controlled trial of L-propionylcarnitine showed objective improvements in exercise time in LV dysfunction patients.
- Levocarnitine administration in elderly subjects with rapid muscle fatigue: effect on body composition, lipid profile and fatigue
PubMed ID: 12875611
Elderly subjects gained muscle mass and reduced fatigue substantially, consistent with improved overall functional performance.
- Effect of PLC on functional parameters and oxidative profile in type 2 diabetes-associated PAD
PubMed ID: 16446007
Long-term improvement in walking distance in PAD indicates improved exercise performance.
- 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
Substantial improvements in walking distance (claudication) reflecting performance gains.
- 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
Hematologic and some cardiac function improvements in thalassemia intermedia that can aid exercise capacity.
- Pharmacological treatment of patients with chronic critical limb ischemia: L-propionyl-carnitine enhances the short-term effects of PGE-1
PubMed ID: 19548076
Increase in maximum walking distance after propionyl-L-carnitine indicates improved functional exercise performance.
- 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 PAD — clinical exercise performance gain.
- 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 improved frailty index and grip strength — functional performance gains.
- Effect of L-carnitine on the physical fitness of thalassemic patients
PubMed ID: 17031691
Direct increases in VO2max, cardiac output and oxygen pulse after 6 months.
- Controlled study on the therapeutic efficacy of propionyl-L-carnitine in patients with congestive heart failure
PubMed ID: 1445476
Double-blind, placebo-controlled CHF study demonstrated dose-duration dependent improvements in maximum exercise time and tolerance.
- [The clinical and hemodynamic effects of propionyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of congestive heart failure]
PubMed ID: 1493661
Randomized study in CHF showed consistent increases in maximum exercise time over 6 months with propionyl-L-carnitine.
- The therapeutic effect of L-carnitine in patients with exercise-induced stable angina: a controlled study
PubMed ID: 1794297
Large angina trial reported improved exercise tolerance over 6 months.
- Multicenter trial of L-carnitine in maintenance hemodialysis patients. II. Clinical and biochemical effects
PubMed ID: 2266675
IV L‑carnitine raised VO2max and improved exercise tolerance in dialysis patients.
- Prolonged oral L-carnitine substitution increases bicycle ergometer performance in patients with severe, ischemically induced cardiac insufficiency
PubMed ID: 10686664
Longer term oral L‑carnitine improved maximal bicycle exercise in ischemic HF patients.
- 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 elders—an objective exercise performance measure.
- Oral acetyl-L-carnitine therapy reduces fatigue in overt hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 21310833
Improved 6‑min walk and physical activity in hepatic encephalopathy suggests functional exercise improvement.
- 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 reduced cytokines, but attribution to carnitine alone is uncertain.
- Propionyl-L-carnitine in intermittent claudication: double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose titration, multicenter study
PubMed ID: 7594063
Significant, well-powered improvement in maximal walking distance in PAD (exercise performance measure).
- 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 with propionyl-L-carnitine represent strong exercise-performance improvements.
- L-carnitine moderately improves the exercise tolerance in chronic stable angina
PubMed ID: 11310378
Oral L-carnitine modestly increased exercise duration in angina patients (clinical performance endpoint).
- Intravenous L-carnitine increases plasma carnitine, reduces fatigue, and may preserve exercise capacity in hemodialysis patients
PubMed ID: 11325685
Dialysis patients had improved fatigue scores and less decline in VO2max, indicating modest exercise performance preservation.
- Propionyl-L-carnitine improves exercise performance and functional status in patients with claudication
PubMed ID: 11382369
Robust randomized data show improved peak walking time, onset of pain and walking speed in claudication—clear exercise performance benefit.
Liver support (21)
- Carnitine for prevention of antituberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity: a randomized, clinical trial
PubMed ID: 24325386
Oral L‑carnitine given during TB therapy roughly halved the incidence of drug‑related hepatotoxicity in an RCT.
- 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
During HCV antiviral therapy ALC reduced fatigue and improved multiple QoL domains and liver enzyme/viremia changes (adjunctive liver benefit).
- Oral acetyl-L-carnitine therapy reduces fatigue in overt hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 21310833
ALC reduced fatigue and improved activity in overt hepatic encephalopathy with ammonia decreases—clinically meaningful liver support.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine reduces depression and improves quality of life in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 21443422
ALC improved QoL, depression and lowered ammonia in minimal hepatic encephalopathy (RCT).
- Acetyl-L-carnitine improves cognitive functions in severe hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized and controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 21870121
ALC significantly reduced ammonia, improved cognition and EEG in severe hepatic encephalopathy (robust trial).
- 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 ALC+BCAA produced rapid and larger ammonia and neurologic improvements (RCT)—strong liver benefit.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in minimal hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 18357530
In cirrhotic patients ALC reduced ammonia and improved cognition (large RCT) — strong liver support evidence.
- Impact of L-carnitine supplementation on post-transplant outcomes in liver transplant candidates with sarcopenia: A randomized controlled open-label trial
PubMed ID: 40962224
Randomized perioperative L-carnitine in sarcopenic liver transplant candidates improved muscle metrics and markedly lowered post-transplant mortality and bilirubin — strong clinical evidence in a liver population.
- METHOD FOR PREVENTION OF COAGULOPATHIC BLEEDING DURING SURGERY FOR MECHANICAL JAUNDICE
PubMed ID: 40007399
Perioperative levocarnitine was associated with faster normalization of coagulation in obstructive jaundice—direct liver‑related clinical effect.
- Effect of L-carnitine on quality of life in covert hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 35526858
2 g/day L‑carnitine increased serum carnitine and stabilized MELD scores in cirrhosis (RCT).
- Additional L-Carnitine Reduced the Risk of Hospitalization in Patients with Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy on Rifaximin
PubMed ID: 34348263
Adding L‑carnitine to rifaximin reduced hospital admissions in hepatic encephalopathy patients (clinical benefit in liver disease).
- Combined Metabolic Activators Accelerates Recovery in Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19
PubMed ID: 34180141
Multi‑compound metabolic activator that included L‑carnitine improved ALT and recovery time in COVID (combination therapy).
- L-carnitine treatment reduces steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with alpha-interferon and ribavirin
PubMed ID: 17939042
Adding L‑carnitine to antiviral therapy in HCV reduced ALT and improved lipid/steatosis markers.
- Effects of L-carnitine in patients with hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 16437672
Randomized trial in cirrhotic patients: L-carnitine lowered serum ammonia and improved cognitive tests in hepatic encephalopathy — direct hepatic benefit.
- L-Carnitine in the treatment of mild or moderate hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 14571103
Large randomized trial showed L‑carnitine improved hepatic encephalopathy grade and psychometric performance, indicating clinical liver‑related benefit.
- GS-0976 Reduces Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis Markers in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
PubMed ID: 30059671
NASH trial observed decreased acylcarnitines in responders, implying improved hepatic β‑oxidation; mechanistic relevance to carnitine metabolism.
- Effects of Oral L-Carnitine on Liver Functions after Transarterial Chemoembolization in Intermediate-Stage HCC Patients
PubMed ID: 26664151
Randomized study in HCC patients undergoing TACE: L-carnitine improved Child–Pugh score, albumin, PT and prevented early bilirubin rises—strong direct hepatoprotective signal.
- 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
Randomized ICU trial of 3 g/day L‑carnitine lowered ALT and lactate and raised albumin vs placebo—direct biochemical liver benefits.
- 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 hepatic‑fat improvements in diabetic NAFLD patients.
- Effect of carnitine-orotate complex on glucose metabolism and fatty liver: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 24611967
Double‑blind RCT: carnitine‑orotate + metformin markedly lowered ALT and improved oxidative/mitochondrial markers in fatty liver.
- 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 with antiviral therapy improved ALT normalization rates in chronic hepatitis B patients.
Weight management (18)
- 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 women with PCOS lost ~2.7 kg and improved insulin resistance on 12-week L-carnitine vs placebo (RCT).
- 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+L-carnitine produced clinically meaningful weight loss (~−3.6 kg) in overweight PCOS women (combination trial; strong signal but confounded).
- 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 markedly larger weight loss and BMI reduction vs L‑carnitine alone (RCT).
- 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
RCT in PCOS showed modest but significant weight loss (~2.65 kg) over 6 weeks with L‑carnitine.
- L-carnitine ameliorated fasting-induced fatigue, hunger, and metabolic abnormalities in patients with metabolic syndrome: a randomized controlled study
PubMed ID: 25424121
Randomized IV L‑carnitine during a fasting program produced greater short‑term weight loss and reduced hunger versus control.
- Acute effect on satiety, resting energy expenditure, respiratory quotient, glucagon-like peptide-1, free fatty acids, and glycerol following consumption of a combination of bioactive food ingredients in overweight subjects
PubMed ID: 24015698
Acute trial of multi‑ingredient supplement including L‑carnitine increased satiety and thermogenesis in overweight adults — relevant to weight control (multi‑ingredient).
- 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 weight‑loss study: early decreases in circulating L‑carnitine/choline predicted greater short‑ and long‑term weight and fat reduction (associative evidence).
- 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
Randomized trial in obese women: 1 g/day L‑carnitine produced a small but statistically significant greater BMI reduction vs placebo on a low‑calorie diet.
- Mangiferin supplementation improves serum lipid profiles in overweight patients with hyperlipidemia: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25989216
Mangiferin trial lowered TG/FFA and raised carnitine and ketones—metabolic changes that support increased fat oxidation and potential weight-management effects.
- Evaluation of the efficacy of a topical cosmetic slimming product combining tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine, caffeine, carnitine, forskolin and retinol, In vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies
PubMed ID: 21564138
Topical multi‑ingredient product (includes carnitine) reduced body circumferences vs placebo; attribution to carnitine uncertain.
- 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
Oral multi‑ingredient supplement including carnitine improved metabolic markers in overweight adults, supportive of weight management.
- Levocarnitine administration in elderly subjects with rapid muscle fatigue: effect on body composition, lipid profile and fatigue
PubMed ID: 12875611
Randomized trial in elderly subjects showed significant fat loss (−3.1 kg) and muscle gain, directly supporting weight/body‑composition benefits.
- 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
Centenarian RCT showed −1.8 kg fat mass and +3.8 kg muscle mass vs placebo — meaningful body‑composition changes.
- Orlistat and L-carnitine compared to orlistat alone on insulin resistance in obese diabetic patients
PubMed ID: 20683173
In obese T2D patients, orlistat + L-carnitine produced faster and greater weight loss vs orlistat alone — strong clinical weight outcome (combination).
- Comparison between orlistat plus l-carnitine and orlistat alone on inflammation parameters in obese diabetic patients
PubMed ID: 21077943
Same orlistat study reported faster weight reduction with added L-carnitine — supports weight management (co-therapy).
- Effects of combination of sibutramine and L-carnitine compared with sibutramine monotherapy on inflammatory parameters in diabetic patients
PubMed ID: 20423740
Sibutramine + L-carnitine led to faster/broader weight improvement vs sibutramine alone — supportive but confounded.
- L-Carnitine-supplementation in advanced pancreatic cancer (CARPAN)--a randomized multicentre trial
PubMed ID: 22824168
Oral L‑carnitine in advanced pancreatic cancer produced modest weight and body cell mass gains (beneficial in cachexia).
- Effect of feeding a weight loss food beyond a caloric restriction period on body composition and resistance to weight gain in dogs
PubMed ID: 26225609
Dietary L‑carnitine in overweight dogs reduced fat and preserved/gained lean mass — animal evidence supportive.
Mood balance (18)
- 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
Centenarian trial reported improvements in mental and physical fatigue and cognitive scores consistent with better wellbeing.
- 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
12‑week oral carnitine in women with PCOS significantly improved depression/anxiety scores and antioxidant markers—direct RCT evidence for mood benefits.
- 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
Add‑on L‑carnitine improved ABC total and lethargy/social subscales in youth with ASD—direct mood/engagement benefit.
- l -carnitine adjunct to risperidone for treatment of autism spectrum disorder-associated behaviors: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial
PubMed ID: 37551601
Adjunct L‑carnitine reduced irritability and hyperactivity in children with autism—clinically meaningful wellbeing effects.
- A randomised controlled trial comparing duloxetine and acetyl L-carnitine in fibromyalgic patients: preliminary data
PubMed ID: 25786048
In fibromyalgia trial ALC improved pain and depression (clinically meaningful mood/wellbeing improvements).
- L-Acetylcarnitine in dysthymic disorder in elderly patients: a double-blind, multicenter, controlled randomized study vs. fluoxetine
PubMed ID: 23428336
Elderly dysthymia RCT: L‑acetylcarnitine improved mood similarly to fluoxetine and acted faster — antidepressant relevance.
- Acetyl-l-Carnitine in the treatment of anhedonia, melancholic and negative symptoms in alcohol dependent subjects
PubMed ID: 21256179
IV ALC sped early improvement in anhedonia and melancholic symptoms during detox (short‑term mood benefit).
- Oral acetyl-L-carnitine therapy reduces fatigue in overt hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 21310833
ALC reduced mental and physical fatigue and increased activity in overt HE, improving wellbeing and function.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine reduces depression and improves quality of life in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 21443422
In minimal hepatic encephalopathy ALC improved quality of life and lowered depression scores (strong mood/wellbeing evidence).
- Acetyl-L-carnitine for alcohol craving and relapse prevention in anhedonic alcoholics: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial
PubMed ID: 20595193
In anhedonic alcohol‑dependent patients ALC delayed relapse and reduced craving and anhedonia, indicating mood/pleasure improvement.
- Double-blind, multicenter trial comparing acetyl l-carnitine with placebo in the treatment of fibromyalgia patients
PubMed ID: 17543140
Fibromyalgia trial showed improved pain and mood with ALC versus placebo.
- A double-blind, randomised, controlled clinical trial of acetyl-L-carnitine vs. amisulpride in the treatment of dysthymia
PubMed ID: 16316746
ALC improved depressive symptoms in dysthymia comparably to amisulpride with better tolerability (randomized trial).
- Effect of acetyl-L-carnitine on geriatric patients suffering from dysthymic disorders
PubMed ID: 2099360
RCT in elderly dysthymic patients showed significant reductions in depression scores and improved quality of life with ALC.
- Combined Rehabilitation with Alpha Lipoic Acid, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Resveratrol, and Cholecalciferolin Discogenic Sciatica in Young People: A Randomized Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 38138300
Rehab + ALC‑containing supplement produced substantial quality‑of‑life improvements in sciatica patients.
- 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 trial of L‑carnitine + flaxseed oil reduced migraine frequency/severity and improved QoL measures, indicating benefit to wellbeing.
- Levocarnitine administration in elderly subjects with rapid muscle fatigue: effect on body composition, lipid profile and fatigue
PubMed ID: 12875611
Elderly participants reported large drops in physical and mental fatigue, reflecting improved wellbeing and mood‑related symptoms.
- Carnitine treatment improved quality-of-life measure in a sample of Midwestern hemodialysis patients
PubMed ID: 16387893
24-week IV carnitine improved SF-36 physical domains and reduced erythropoietin needs — supports improved wellbeing.
- A prospective double-blind, randomized clinical trial of levocarnitine to treat autism spectrum disorders
PubMed ID: 21629200
Behavioral and some autism severity scores improved in RCT of oral L‑carnitine, supporting mood/behavior benefits.
Mental clarity (16)
- Combined metabolic activators improve cognitive functions in Alzheimer's disease patients: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase-II trial
PubMed ID: 36703196
Cognitive improvement in mild‑moderate AD occurred with a metabolic activator that included L‑carnitine (cannot isolate effect).
- 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 improved mental fatigue in hypothyroid patients, which is consistent with improved clarity/concentration.
- [L-carnitine treatment patients with chronic cerebral ischemia]
PubMed ID: 23739503
Cognitive test improvements and better attention reported with L‑carnitine in chronic cerebral ischemia patients.
- A prospective double-blind, randomized clinical trial of levocarnitine to treat autism spectrum disorders
PubMed ID: 21629200
RCT in children with autism showed improved cognition/behavior measures after 3 months of oral 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
MMSE improved significantly in centenarians receiving levocarnitine — direct cognitive benefit.
- Effects of L-carnitine in patients with hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 16437672
Lowered ammonia and improved cognitive testing in cirrhotic encephalopathy patients — clear benefit to mental clarity in that population.
- Levocarnitine administration in elderly subjects with rapid muscle fatigue: effect on body composition, lipid profile and fatigue
PubMed ID: 12875611
Marked reductions in mental fatigue in elderly subjects point to improved mental clarity and cognitive stamina.
- L-Carnitine in the treatment of mild or moderate hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 14571103
L‑carnitine significantly improved psychometric testing (NCT‑A) and encephalopathy grades, indicating notable improvements in mental clarity in hepatic encephalopathy.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine reduces depression and improves quality of life in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 21443422
Improved QoL, reduced depression and improved cognition in minimal HE (supports mental clarity).
- Acetyl-L-carnitine improves cognitive functions in severe hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized and controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 21870121
Large RCT in severe hepatic encephalopathy showed major cognitive/ memory improvements with ALC — strong mental clarity evidence.
- A vitamin/nutriceutical formulation improves memory and cognitive performance in community-dwelling adults without dementia
PubMed ID: 20191258
Multicomponent nutriceutical including ALC improved memory/executive performance (moderate evidence, multi‑ingredient).
- Acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in minimal hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 18357530
ALC reduced ammonia and improved multiple cognitive tests in cirrhosis (robust cognitive clarity benefit).
- Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue
PubMed ID: 17658628
Elderly trial showed improvements in mental fatigue and MMSE cognitive scores with ALC.
- Long-term acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in Alzheimer's disease
PubMed ID: 1944900
One‑year RCT in Alzheimer patients showed slower deterioration across cognitive measures — supports mental clarity preservation.
- Role of acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of cognitive deficit in chronic alcoholism
PubMed ID: 2201652
Significant improvements in several cognitive domains in abstinent alcoholics support clearer mental function.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of mildly demented elderly patients
PubMed ID: 2201659
Improvements in memory, attention and behavior in mildly demented elderly indicate clearer cognition with ALC.
Focus & concentration (15)
- [L-carnitine treatment patients with chronic cerebral ischemia]
PubMed ID: 23739503
L‑carnitine (1–2 g/day) improved cognitive test scores, attention and reduced fatigue in chronic cerebral ischemia patients.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of mildly demented elderly patients
PubMed ID: 2201659
Randomized double‑blind trial in mildly demented elderly showed improvements in memory and attention with acetyl‑L‑carnitine.
- Role of acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of cognitive deficit in chronic alcoholism
PubMed ID: 2201652
Multicenter RCT in abstinent alcoholics showed significant improvements in several cognitive domains.
- Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue
PubMed ID: 17658628
Elderly with fatigue: ALC reduced mental fatigue and produced MMSE cognitive improvement (randomized trial).
- Acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in minimal hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 18357530
Cirrhotic patients had improved MMSE and Trail Making Test performance with ALC (RCT) — strong cognitive focus evidence.
- A double-blind, parallel, multicenter comparison of L-acetylcarnitine with placebo on the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in fragile X syndrome boys
PubMed ID: 18286595
In fragile X boys with ADHD ALC reduced hyperactivity and improved social behavior, potentially aiding attention/concentration.
- A vitamin/nutriceutical formulation improves memory and cognitive performance in community-dwelling adults without dementia
PubMed ID: 20191258
Multicomponent nutriceutical (includes ALC) improved memory/executive test scores vs placebo — ALC may have contributed (moderate evidence, multi‑ingredient).
- Acetyl-L-carnitine improves cognitive functions in severe hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized and controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 21870121
Severe hepatic encephalopathy trial showed large cognitive test improvements with ALC (robust evidence for concentration/attention gains).
- Acetyl-L-carnitine reduces depression and improves quality of life in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 21443422
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy trial improved cognitive function and QoL with ALC (good evidence).
- L-Carnitine in the treatment of mild or moderate hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 14571103
L‑carnitine improved psychometric performance in hepatic encephalopathy, reflecting enhanced cognitive processing in that population.
- The influence on cognition of the interactions between lecithin, carnitine and carbohydrate
PubMed ID: 14760514
In young women carnitine plus glucose sped reaction times, indicating a modest, conditional improvement in attention/processing speed.
- Effects of L-carnitine in patients with hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 16437672
Cirrhotic patients had lower ammonia and improved cognitive test performance with L-carnitine — clear cognitive benefit in hepatic encephalopathy.
- 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
Centenarian RCT showed substantial MMSE/cognitive score improvements with levocarnitine.
- A prospective double-blind, randomized clinical trial of levocarnitine to treat autism spectrum disorders
PubMed ID: 21629200
Three‑month oral L‑carnitine trial in children with autism improved some cognition/behavior measures (ATEC, CARS).
- 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
Hypothyroid patients on levothyroxine had improved mental fatigue with L-carnitine (direct cognitive/fatigue symptom benefit).
Blood sugar (15)
- 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 HOMA‑IR improvements and weight loss vs L‑carnitine alone.
- 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
1 g/day L‑carnitine for 12 weeks improved fasting insulin, HOMA‑IR and QUICKI in PCOS women (RCT).
- 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+L-carnitine reduced fasting glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR in overweight PCOS (combination confounds but strong glycemic effect).
- 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
Adding L-carnitine to glimepiride significantly improved fasting glucose, HbA1c and HOMA-IR in T2D (direct glycemic benefit).
- 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 RCT showed improvements in fasting glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR with L-carnitine.
- 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
L‑carnitine in dialysis fluid significantly increased insulin sensitivity (glucose infusion rate), direct glycemic benefit.
- Effects of combination of sibutramine and L-carnitine compared with sibutramine monotherapy on inflammatory parameters in diabetic patients
PubMed ID: 20423740
Sibutramine + L-carnitine resulted in faster HbA1c reductions vs sibutramine alone — supportive but confounded.
- Orlistat and L-carnitine compared to orlistat alone on insulin resistance in obese diabetic patients
PubMed ID: 20683173
Orlistat + L-carnitine produced faster/better HbA1c improvements in obese T2D patients (co-therapy) — strong glycemic outcome.
- Effects of simvastatin and carnitine versus simvastatin on lipoprotein(a) and apoprotein(a) in type 2 diabetes mellitus
PubMed ID: 19618992
Addition of L‑carnitine to simvastatin lowered glycemia in T2DM (reported significant).
- Effect of L-carnitine on plasma glycemic and lipidemic profile in patients with type II diabetes mellitus
PubMed ID: 15741989
In type II diabetics 3 g/day L‑carnitine modestly lowered fasting glucose (~9% reduction), demonstrating some glycemic benefit.
- 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 attenuated the glucose rise during infusion in healthy volunteers, indicating an acute effect on glycemia.
- 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 oral supplement (with L‑carnitine) produced significant improvements in HOMA (insulin resistance).
- Effect of acarbose and vildagliptin on plasma trimethylamine N-oxide levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a 6-month, two-arm randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 40395816
In T2D, acarbose and vildagliptin lowered TMAO and increased plasma carnitine; TMAO reductions correlated with improved HOMA-IR—supports interplay between carnitine status and glycemic control.
- Improvement of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease With Carnitine-Orotate Complex in Type 2 Diabetes (CORONA): A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 25877813
Carnitine‑orotate RCT showed a modest but significant HbA1c reduction in diabetic patients with fatty liver.
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine Ameliorates Metabolic and Endocrine Alterations in Women with PCOS: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 34047916
Addition of ALC to metformin+pioglitazone in PCOS produced greater reductions in insulin and HOMA‑IR vs met+pio alone (combined therapy).
Cell health (14)
- Effect of antioxidants on mitochondrial function in HIV-1-related lipoatrophy: a pilot study
PubMed ID: 20977356
N‑acetyl‑L‑carnitine modestly improved mitochondrial oxidative function (13C breath test) and CD4+ mtDNA in HIV patients — direct mitochondrial biomarker improvements.
- Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of acetyl-L-carnitine for ALS
PubMed ID: 23421600
ALC improved function and survival in ALS; mechanism may involve mitochondrial/neuroprotective effects (plausible mechanistic link).
- Effect of carnitine-orotate complex on glucose metabolism and fatty liver: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 24611967
Carnitine‑orotate + metformin increased mtDNA copy number and decreased oxidative damage—strong RCT evidence of mitochondrial benefit.
- 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
ICU RCT: L‑carnitine reduced lactate substantially—consistent with improved mitochondrial oxidative metabolism.
- Metabolic aspects of acute cerebral hypoxia during extracorporeal circulation and their modification induced by acetyl-carnitine treatment
PubMed ID: 1428303
In extracorporeal circulation, ALC limited hypoxia‑induced brain metabolic derangements, indicating mitochondrial/energy preservation.
- 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 increased myocardial ATP/creatine phosphate and improved ultrastructure—evidence of mitochondrial/energetic tissue protection.
- Effects of parenteral L-carnitine supplementation on fat metabolism and nutrition in premature neonates
PubMed ID: 7844680
Correction of carnitine deficiency in VLBW infants preserved ketone production and fat oxidation—evidence of improved mitochondrial FAO function.
- GS-0976 Reduces Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis Markers in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
PubMed ID: 30059671
Decreases in medium/long‑chain acylcarnitines in NASH responders are consistent with improved β‑oxidation/mitochondrial function.
- Effects of doxorubicin-containing chemotherapy and a combination with L-carnitine on oxidative metabolism in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma
PubMed ID: 16283381
In lymphoma patients L‑carnitine increased CPT1A and OCTN2 mRNA and other oxidative‑metabolism gene expression, supporting mitochondrial metabolic activity.
- Oxidative stress in response to aerobic and anaerobic power testing: influence of exercise training and carnitine supplementation
PubMed ID: 19266389
GPLC lowered resting MDA, supporting reduced oxidative stress at the cellular/mitochondrial level.
- [Influence of levocarnitine on heart function and endocrine among patients with heart failure]
PubMed ID: 24125620
Short‑term IV levocarnitine improved cardiac function markers plausibly via mitochondrial support in myocardium.
- The effects of concurrent Coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine supplementation in migraine prophylaxis: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial
PubMed ID: 30612463
Lowered serum lactate with CoQ10+L-carnitine suggests improved mitochondrial oxidative metabolism (good mechanistic signal; combination confounded).
- The effects of L-carnitine supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress, and clinical outcomes in critically Ill patients with sepsis: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial
PubMed ID: 38444016
Antioxidant increases and reduced inflammation in sepsis imply improved mitochondrial/oxidative stress handling.
- Involvement of impaired carnitine-induced fatty acid oxidation in experimental and human diabetic kidney disease
PubMed ID: 40402578
Mechanistic animal + small human PD data show restoration of carnitine pools and acylcarnitine ratios—direct mitochondrial metabolism relevance.
Healthy aging (9)
- Levocarnitine administration in elderly subjects with rapid muscle fatigue: effect on body composition, lipid profile and fatigue
PubMed ID: 12875611
Elderly individuals experienced fat loss, muscle gain and large reductions in fatigue—outcomes consistent with healthy aging support.
- L-Carnitine in the treatment of mild or moderate hepatic encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 14571103
Improved cognitive/psychometric function in hepatic encephalopathy suggests neurocognitive benefits relevant to aging populations.
- The therapeutic effect of L-carnitine in patients with exercise-induced stable angina: a controlled study
PubMed ID: 1794297
Large trial with long‑term improvements in arrhythmia burden and exercise tolerance — may support healthier aging cardiovascularly.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine Slows the Progression from Prefrailty to Frailty in Older Subjects: A Randomized Interventional Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 36043711
Double‑blind RCT in prefrail older adults: ALC improved walking distance, cognition and lowered CRP—meaningful evidence for healthy aging benefits.
- Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of acetyl-L-carnitine for ALS
PubMed ID: 23421600
ALC improved function and survival in ALS (disease‑specific), indicating potential protective/aging disease relevance though not general healthy‑aging evidence.
- A vitamin/nutriceutical formulation improves memory and cognitive performance in community-dwelling adults without dementia
PubMed ID: 20191258
Multicomponent nutriceutical (including ALC) improved memory/executive function over 3 months — supports cognitive aging preservation (multi‑ingredient trial).
- Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue
PubMed ID: 17658628
In elderly with fatigue, ALC improved fatigue and cognitive scores (MMSE), relevant to functional 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
Prefrail elderly RCT produced marked improvement in frailty index (~−34%) and increased grip strength 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
Randomized double‑blind centenarian trial showed improved cognition, reduced fatigue, increased muscle mass and reduced fat.
Muscle soreness (8)
- Multicenter trial of L-carnitine in maintenance hemodialysis patients. II. Clinical and biochemical effects
PubMed ID: 2266675
IV L‑carnitine reduced cramps and intradialytic muscle symptoms — direct symptom relief.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine in the management of pain during methadone withdrawal syndrome
PubMed ID: 18978503
ALC reduced pain during methadone detox in an RCT—supports analgesic/anti‑pain effects.
- A randomised controlled trial comparing duloxetine and acetyl L-carnitine in fibromyalgic patients: preliminary data
PubMed ID: 25786048
In fibromyalgia ALC improved pain (clinical pain reduction), relevant to reduced muscle pain/soreness.
- Palmitoylethanolamide and acetyl-L-carnitine act synergistically with duloxetine and pregabalin in fibromyalgia: results of a randomised controlled study
PubMed ID: 37378482
Adding ALC+PEA to fibromyalgia therapy lowered pain and disease impact versus standard therapy, supporting analgesic benefit in chronic pain.
- Combined Rehabilitation with Alpha Lipoic Acid, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Resveratrol, and Cholecalciferolin Discogenic Sciatica in Young People: A Randomized Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 38138300
Young sciatica patients had large pain reductions with rehab + ALC-containing mix; pain outcomes improved substantially.
- Clinical usefulness of nutraceutics with acetyl-L-carnitine, α-lipoic acid, phosphatidylserine, curcumin, C, E and B-group vitamins in patients awaiting for carpal tunnel release during COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled open label prospective study
PubMed ID: 37366197
Multi-ingredient ALC-containing nutraceutical reduced pain symptoms in carpal tunnel patients (symptom/pain benefit).
- Propionyl-L-carnitine improves endothelial function, microcirculation and pain management in critical limb ischemia
PubMed ID: 22936457
Trial in severe limb ischemia reported significant pain reduction (VAS), directly relevant to soreness/pain.
- 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 markers of muscle damage and improved recovery perception after exercise.
Fat burn (7)
- Effect of feeding a weight loss food beyond a caloric restriction period on body composition and resistance to weight gain in dogs
PubMed ID: 26225609
Dietary L‑carnitine in dogs reduced fat mass and preserved lean mass — supportive animal evidence for enhanced fat utilization.
- 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
Greater weight loss with L‑carnitine + synbiotic suggests enhanced fat loss, though combined intervention.
- 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
Combination led to weight and TG reductions consistent with improved fat metabolism, but chromium confounds attribution.
- 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
Observed reduction in total fat mass in centenarians indicates enhanced fat loss/partitioning.
- Levocarnitine administration in elderly subjects with rapid muscle fatigue: effect on body composition, lipid profile and fatigue
PubMed ID: 12875611
Trial in elderly subjects produced substantial reduction in total fat mass (−3.1 kg), consistent with enhanced fat loss.
- 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
Supplementation (multi‑ingredient including carnitine) lowered RQ and improved markers consistent with increased fat oxidation.
- 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 ketones while lowering TG/FFA—consistent with enhanced fatty-acid oxidation.
Exercise recovery (6)
- Multicenter trial of L-carnitine in maintenance hemodialysis patients. II. Clinical and biochemical effects
PubMed ID: 2266675
Improved VO2max and reduced intradialytic symptoms imply improved recovery capacity.
- Randomized Trial of Carnitine for the Prevention of Perioperative Atrial Fibrillation
PubMed ID: 28982550
Perioperative L‑carnitine reduced postoperative atrial fibrillation and inflammation—clinical signal for faster/smoother surgical recovery.
- The effects of concurrent Coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine supplementation in migraine prophylaxis: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial
PubMed ID: 30612463
Lowered serum lactate with CoQ10+L-carnitine implies faster metabolic recovery, but combination limits certainty.
- L-Carnitine Tartrate Supplementation for 5 Weeks Improves Exercise Recovery in Men and Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 34684429
RCT with L‑carnitine tartrate reduced exercise‑induced CK rise and improved perceived recovery.
- l-carnitine downregulate the muscle wasting effect of glucocorticoids in pemphigus patient: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 37078370
L‑carnitine raised IGF‑1 and lowered myostatin/CK—markers consistent with reduced muscle‑wasting and faster recovery.
- Levocarnitine administration in elderly subjects with rapid muscle fatigue: effect on body composition, lipid profile and fatigue
PubMed ID: 12875611
Elderly subjects gained muscle and reported large reductions in fatigue, consistent with improved recovery capacity.
Forms of L-Carnitine
The form a label may print instead of L-Carnitine. Each is a different substance with its own identifier, and none of them has research of its own — the studies are the ones on this page.
Similar by evidence
Supplements the same benefits carry qualifying findings for — a fact about the evidence graph, not a recommendation to swap.
Products with L-Carnitine
Search all1175 products whose verified label declares L-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.