L-Carnitine

L-carnitine can relieve leg pain in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and treat some aspects of metabolic syndrome. Although it’s often also used for fat loss, its effectiveness for that is questionable.

Quick Answer

What it is

L-carnitine can relieve leg pain in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and treat some aspects of metabolic syndrome. Although it’s often also used for fat loss, its effectiveness for that is questionable.

Key findings

  • Grade A: Ammonia (Hepatic Encephalopathy)
  • Grade A: Fertility (Idiopathic Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (IOAT))
  • Grade B: Blood glucose (Prediabetes)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: L-Carnitine

Quick Facts: L-Carnitine

  • Best Evidence:Grade A
  • Conditions Studied:68
  • Research Outcomes:558
  • Grade A Findings:3
  • Grade B Findings:7
  • Key Effect:Hepatic Encephalopathy
Outcomes by grade:
A3
B7
C33
D15
68 conditions Β· 558 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
|
A
Ammonia
Moderate Decrease
moderate↓Improves
?
Hepatic Encephalopathy Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Attention
↑Improves
?
Anxiety Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
Bilirubin
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Cirrhosis Severity
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Cognition
↑Improves
?
Depression Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
↑Worsens
?
Serum Albumin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Urea
1 study
↑Improves
A
Fertility
Moderate Improvement
5 studies
moderate↑Improves
?
Seminal Motility
↑Improves
?
Sperm Count
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Sperm Quality
↑Improves
A
Fertility
Moderate Improvement
5 studies
moderate↑Improves
?
Seminal Motility
↑Improves
?
Sperm Count
1 study
↑Improves
B
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
↓Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
16 studies
↓Improves
?
HbA1c
↓Improves
?
Body Mass Index (BMI)
↓Improves
?
Insulin Resistance
8 studies
↓Improves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
↓Improves
?
Body Fat
↓Improves
?
Leptin
3 studies
↑Improves
?
TNF-Alpha
↓Improves
?
Insulin
↑Worsens
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
↑Worsens
B
Blood Pressure
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
↓Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
18 studies
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Body Mass Index (BMI)
↓Improves
?
vLDL-C
4 studies
↓Improves
B
ADHD Symptoms
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Aggression
1 study
↑Improves
?
Attention
↑Improves
B
Adiponectin
Small Increase
2 studies
small↑Improves
D
Apolipoprotein A
No effect
6 studies
none
?
Blood glucose
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
↓Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
16 studies
↓Improves
?
HbA1c
↓Improves
?
Body Mass Index (BMI)
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
?
Insulin
↑Worsens
?
Insulin Resistance
8 studies
↓Improves
?
Glycemic Control
7 studies
↑Improves
?
Apolipoprotein B
6 studies
↓Improves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
↓Improves
?
Lipoprotein(a)
4 studies
↑Improves
?
Blood Pressure
↓Improves
?
Body Fat
↓Improves
?
Leptin
3 studies
↑Improves
?
TNF-Alpha
↓Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
↑Worsens
?
Beta-cell function
1 study
↑Improves
?
Bilirubin
1 study
↑Worsens
?
C-Peptide
1 study
↑Improves
?
Carbohydrate Oxidation
1 study
↑Improves
?
Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms
↓Improves
?
DNA Damage
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Erections
↑Improves
?
Hemoglobin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Kidney Function
1 study
↑Improves
?
LDL Oxidation
1 study
↓Improves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
↓Improves
?
Waist-Hip Ratio
1 study
↑Improves
?
White Blood Cell Count
1 study
↑Improves
?
Whole Body Glucose Uptake
↑Worsens
B
Anaerobic Capacity
Small Improvement
2 studies
small↑Improves
?
Blood Lactate (Exercise)
↑Worsens
?
Blood Carnitine
↑Improves
?
Exercise-Induced Oxidation
↑Worsens
?
Muscle Damage
↑Worsens
?
Muscle Mass
↑Improves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
↓Improves
?
Power Output
↑Improves
?
Body Fat
↓Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
2 studies
↓Improves
?
IGF-1
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Muscle Carnitine Content
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Muscle Soreness
↓Improves
?
Oxygen Uptake
↑Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
?
Androgen Receptor Density
↑Improves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
↓Improves
?
Creatine Kinase
↑Worsens
?
Fat Oxidation
↑Improves
?
Heart Rate
1 study
↓Improves
?
IGF Binding Protein
1 study
↑Improves
?
Interleukin 6
↓Improves
?
Ketone Bodies
1 study
↑Improves
?
Muscle Oxygenation
1 study
↑Improves
?
Rating of Perceived Exertion
1 study
↑Improves
?
Respiratory Exchange Ratio
↑Improves
?
Strength
1 study
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
?
TNF-Alpha
↓Improves
?
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)
1 study
↑Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
B
Ammonia
Moderate Decrease
moderate↓Improves
?
Cirrhosis Severity
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Cramps
↓Improves
?
Hepatic Encephalopathy Symptoms
↓Improves
B
Erections
Small Increase
small↑Improves
?
Sexual Function
↑Improves
C
Body Fat
Small Decrease
small↓Improves
?
Muscle Mass
↑Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
Hydration (Total Body Water)
1 study
↑Improves
?
Muscle protein synthesis (MPS)
1 study
↑Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
C
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile
Small Increase
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Blood glucose
↓Improves
?
HbA1c
↓Improves
?
Insulin
↑Worsens
?
Insulin Resistance
16 studies
↓Improves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
↓Improves
?
TNF-Alpha
↓Improves
?
Interleukin 6
↓Improves
?
Respiratory Exchange Ratio
↑Improves
?
Free Fatty Acids
↑Improves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
↓Improves
?
Carbohydrate Oxidation
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Glycemic Control
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Heart Rate
2 studies
↓Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
↑Worsens
?
Metabolic Rate
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Basophil Count
1 study
↑Improves
?
Bilirubin
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Blood Flow
1 study
↑Improves
?
Blood Lactate (Exercise)
↑Worsens
?
Body Fat
↓Improves
?
C-Peptide
1 study
↑Improves
?
Creatinine
1 study
↑Improves
?
Fat Oxidation
↑Improves
?
Glycerol
1 study
↑Improves
?
Hematocrit
↑Improves
?
Hemoglobin
1 study
↑Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Hydration (Total Body Water)
1 study
↑Improves
?
Ketone Bodies
1 study
↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study
↓Improves
?
Lymphocyte Count
1 study
↑Improves
?
Monocyte Count
1 study
↑Improves
?
Muscle Mass
↑Improves
?
Muscle protein synthesis (MPS)
1 study
↑Improves
?
Neutrophil Count
↑Improves
?
Nitric Oxide
1 study
↑Improves
?
Oxygen Uptake
↑Improves
?
Plasma Nitrate
↑Improves
?
Rating of Perceived Exertion
1 study
↑Improves
?
Serum Albumin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
↓Improves
?
Urea
1 study
↑Improves
?
Uric Acid
1 study
↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
?
White Blood Cell Count
1 study
↑Improves
C
DNA Damage
Small Improvement
1 study
small↓Improves
?
Fertility
5 studies
↑Improves
?
Sperm Count
4 studies0
↑Improves
?
Seminal Motility
0
↑Improves
?
Sperm Quality
0
↑Improves
C
Blood Carnitine
Large Increase
large↑Improves
?
Walking Ability
4 studies
↑Improves
?
Blood Flow
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Blood Lactate (Exercise)
↑Worsens
?
Peripheral Vascular Disease Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Hyperemia
1 study
↑Improves
?
Intermittent Claudication Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Lung Function
1 study
↑Improves
?
Peak flow time
↑Improves
?
Quality of Life
1 study
↑Improves
?
Strength
1 study
↑Improves
C
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Moderate Decrease
moderate↓Improves
?
Osteoarthritis Symptoms
3 studies
↓Improves
?
Pain
2 studies
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Interleukin 1-beta
1 study
↓Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study
↓Improves
?
Matrix Metalloproteinase 1
1 study
↑Improves
?
Matrix Metalloproteinase 13
↑Improves
?
Matrix Metalloproteinase 3
1 study
↑Improves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
↓Improves
?
TNF-Alpha
↓Improves
?
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)
1 study
↑Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
C
Atherosclerotic Signs
Mixed effect
?
Body Mass Index (BMI)
↓Improves
?
Insulin
↑Worsens
?
Insulin Resistance
2 studies
↓Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
2 studies
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
↓Improves
?
Beta-cell function
1 study
↑Improves
?
Blood glucose
↓Improves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
↓Improves
?
DHEAS
1 study
↑Improves
?
Free Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
?
Glycemic Control
1 study
↑Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Nitric Oxide
1 study
↑Improves
?
vLDL-C
1 study
↓Improves
C
Adiponectin
Small Increase
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Triglycerides
↓Improves
?
Blood glucose
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Blood Pressure
↓Improves
?
Glycemic Control
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
2 studies
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Waist circumference
2 studies
↓Improves
?
Apolipoprotein A
1 study
↑Improves
?
Apolipoprotein B
1 study
↓Improves
?
Appetite
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Atherosclerotic Signs
↑Improves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
↓Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
Free Fatty Acids
↑Improves
?
Hip Circumference
1 study
↓Improves
?
Insulin
↑Worsens
?
Lipoprotein(a)
1 study
↑Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
↑Worsens
?
Uric Acid
1 study
↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
C
Attention
Small Improvement
small↑Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
3 studies
↓Improves
C
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Body Mass Index (BMI)
↓Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
↑Worsens
?
Weight
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
3 studies
↓Improves
?
Waist circumference
3 studies
↓Improves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
↓Improves
?
HbA1c
↓Improves
?
Liver Fat
1 study
↓Improves
C
Adiponectin
Small Increase
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Blood glucose
↓Improves
?
Body Fat
↓Improves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
↓Improves
?
Glycemic Control
1 study
↑Improves
?
HbA1c
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Insulin
↑Worsens
?
Leptin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study
↓Improves
?
Metabolic Rate
1 study
↑Improves
?
TNF-Alpha
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
C
Body Fat
Small Decrease
small↓Improves
?
Memory
↑Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
Muscle Mass
↑Improves
?
Reaction Time
1 study
↑Improves
?
Subjective Well-Being
↑Improves
?
Verbal Memory
1 study
↑Improves
C
Body Fat
Small Decrease
small↓Improves
?
TNF-Alpha
↓Improves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
↓Improves
?
Glycemic Control
1 study
↑Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
↑Worsens
?
Muscle Mass
↑Improves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
↓Improves
?
Transforming Growth Factor Beta
1 study
↑Improves
?
Waist circumference
1 study
↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
C
Anxiety Symptoms
Small Improvement
1 study
small↓Improves
?
Migraine Duration
2 studies
↓Improves
?
Migraine Frequency
2 studies
↓Improves
?
Migraine Severity
↓Improves
?
Depression Symptoms
↓Improves
C
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Blood Pressure
↓Improves
?
Glycemic Control
1 study
↑Improves
?
HbA1c
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Insulin
↑Worsens
?
Kidney Function
1 study
↑Improves
?
Lipoprotein(a)
1 study
↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
C
Alcohol Dependence Symptoms
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Subjective Well-Being
↑Improves
C
Anxiety Symptoms
Small Improvement
1 study
small↓Improves
?
Depression Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Subjective Well-Being
↑Improves
C
Glycemic Control
Small Improvement
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
↑Worsens
?
TNF-Alpha
↓Improves
C
Blood Flow
Small Increase
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Body Fat
↓Improves
?
Muscle Mass
↑Improves
?
Myeloperoxidase
↑Improves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
↓Improves
?
TNF-Alpha
↓Improves
?
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)
1 study
↑Improves
C
Blood Carnitine
Large Increase
large↑Improves
?
Urine Carnitine
1 study
↑Improves
C
Asthma Symptoms
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Eosinophil count
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Immunoglobulin E
1 study
↑Improves
?
Lung Function
1 study
↑Improves
C
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Small Improvement
small↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study
↓Improves
?
Lymphocyte Count
1 study
↑Improves
?
Monocyte Count
1 study
↑Improves
?
Neutrophil Count
↑Improves
?
Serum Platelets
↑Improves
?
TMAO
1 study
↑Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
↓Improves
?
White Blood Cell Count
1 study
↑Improves
C
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms
↓Improves
?
HbA1c
↓Improves
C
Blood Carnitine
Large Increase
large↑Improves
?
Body Fat
↓Improves
?
Muscle Mass
↑Improves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
↓Improves
?
Power Output
↑Improves
?
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)
1 study
↑Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
C
Exercise Capacity
Small Improvement
1 study
small↑Improves
?
ST-segment depression
↓Improves
C
Blood Flow
Small Increase
1 study
small↑Improves
?
TNF-Alpha
↓Improves
C
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms
↓Improves
?
HbA1c
↓Improves
C
Cognition
Small Improvement
small↑Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
C
Bone Mineral Density
Small Improvement
small↑Improves
?
Ferritin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
↑Worsens
?
Osteocalcin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
C
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Body Fat
↓Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
HbA1c
↓Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
↑Worsens
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study
↓Improves
?
Serum T3
↑Improves
?
Serum T4
1 study
↑Improves
?
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone
1 study
↑Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Waist circumference
1 study
↓Improves
C
Cortisol
Small Decrease
1 study
small↓Improves
?
Depression Symptoms
↓Improves
C
Exercise Capacity
Small Improvement
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Heart Rate
1 study
↓Improves
?
Lung Function
1 study
↑Improves
?
Muscle Mass
↑Improves
?
Oxygen Uptake
↑Improves
?
Respiratory Exchange Ratio
↑Improves
?
Strength
1 study
↑Improves
C
Ammonia
Moderate Decrease
moderate↓Improves
?
Blood Clotting
1 study
↑Improves
?
Neutrophil Count
↑Improves
C
Blood Carnitine
Large Increase
large↑Improves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
↓Improves
?
IGF-1
1 study
↑Improves
?
Interleukin 6
↓Improves
?
Muscle Mass
↑Improves
?
Strength
1 study
↑Improves
?
TNF-Alpha
↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
D
Apolipoprotein A
No effect
4 studies
none
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Triglycerides
↓Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
4 studies
↓Improves
?
Apolipoprotein B
3 studies
↓Improves
?
Blood glucose
↓Improves
?
HbA1c
↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
?
Glycemic Control
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Insulin
↑Worsens
?
Lipoprotein(a)
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Blood Pressure
↓Improves
?
Body Fat
↓Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
Kidney Function
1 study
↑Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
↑Worsens
?
Muscle Mass
↑Improves
?
Superoxide Dismutase Activity
1 study
↑Improves
?
TNF-Alpha
↓Improves
D
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
No effect
none
?
Blood Lactate (Exercise)
↑Worsens
?
Fat Oxidation
↑Improves
?
Muscle Carnitine Content
1 study
↑Improves
?
Power Output
↑Improves
D
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
No effect
none
?
Blood Lactate (Exercise)
↑Worsens
?
Power Output
↑Improves
?
Blood glucose
↓Improves
?
Fat Oxidation
↑Improves
?
Heart Rate
1 study
↓Improves
?
Muscle Carnitine Content
1 study
↑Improves
D
Apolipoprotein A
No effect
2 studies
none
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
3 studies
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
↓Improves
?
Apolipoprotein B
2 studies
↓Improves
?
Blood glucose
↓Improves
?
Lipoprotein(a)
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Glycemic Control
1 study
↑Improves
?
HbA1c
↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
D
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
No effect
none
?
Blood Lactate (Exercise)
↑Worsens
?
Power Output
↑Improves
?
Oxygen Uptake
↑Improves
?
Blood Carnitine
↑Improves
?
Exercise-Induced Oxidation
↑Worsens
?
Heart Rate
3 studies
↓Improves
?
Muscle Carnitine Content
3 studies
↑Improves
?
Muscle Damage
↑Worsens
?
Muscle Mass
↑Improves
?
Anaerobic Capacity
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Body Fat
↓Improves
?
Fat Oxidation
↑Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
2 studies
↓Improves
?
IGF-1
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Muscle Soreness
↓Improves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
↓Improves
?
Respiratory Exchange Ratio
↑Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
?
Ammonia
↑Worsens
?
Androgen Receptor Density
↑Improves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
↓Improves
?
Creatine Kinase
↑Worsens
?
IGF Binding Protein
1 study
↑Improves
?
Interleukin 6
↓Improves
?
Ketone Bodies
1 study
↑Improves
?
Lung Function
1 study
↑Improves
?
Muscle Oxygenation
1 study
↑Improves
?
Rating of Perceived Exertion
1 study
↑Improves
?
Strength
1 study
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
?
TNF-Alpha
↓Improves
?
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)
1 study
↑Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
D
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
No effect
none
?
Blood Lactate (Exercise)
↑Worsens
?
Muscle Soreness
↓Improves
?
Exercise-Induced Oxidation
↑Worsens
?
Muscle Damage
↑Worsens
?
Creatine Kinase
↑Worsens
?
IGF Binding Protein
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
↓Improves
?
Blood Carnitine
↑Improves
?
Blood glucose
↓Improves
?
Hypoxanthine
1 study
↑Improves
?
IGF-1
1 study
↑Improves
?
Myoglobin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Power Output
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
?
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)
1 study
↑Improves
?
Uric Acid
1 study
↓Improves
?
Xanthine Oxidase
1 study
↑Improves
D
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms
No effect
1 study
none
?
Erections
↑Improves
?
Sexual Function
↑Improves
?
Depression Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
Fertility
1 study
↑Improves
?
Free Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
?
Luteinizing Hormone
1 study
↑Improves
?
Prostate-Specific Antigen
↑Improves
?
Sperm Count
1 study
↑Improves
?
Sperm Quality
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
D
Apolipoprotein A
No effect
1 study
none
?
Apolipoprotein B
1 study
↓Improves
?
Blood Pressure
↓Improves
?
Body Fat
↓Improves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Interleukin 6
↓Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study
↓Improves
?
Muscle Mass
↑Improves
?
Myeloperoxidase
↑Improves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
↓Improves
?
Superoxide Dismutase Activity
1 study
↑Improves
?
TNF-Alpha
↓Improves
?
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)
1 study
↑Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
D
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
No effect
none
?
Heart Rate
2 studies
↓Improves
?
Blood Lactate (Exercise)
↑Worsens
?
Oxygen Uptake
↑Improves
?
Power Output
↑Improves
?
Rating of Perceived Exertion
1 study
↑Improves
?
Respiratory Exchange Ratio
↑Improves
?
Running Speed
1 study
↑Improves
D
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
No effect
none
?
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile
1 study
↑Improves
?
Blood glucose
↓Improves
?
Blood Pressure
↓Improves
?
Exercise-Induced Oxidation
↑Worsens
?
Glycemic Control
1 study
↑Improves
?
HbA1c
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Insulin
↑Worsens
?
Kidney Function
1 study
↑Improves
?
Lipoprotein(a)
1 study
↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
D
Blood Lactate (Exercise)
No effect
none
?
COPD Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
D
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
No effect
none
?
Muscle Carnitine Content
1 study
↑Improves
?
Power Output
↑Improves
D
Hematocrit
No effect
none
?
Total Iron Binding Capacity
1 study
↑Improves
D
Blood Acidity
No effect
1 study
none
?
Blood Carnitine
↑Improves
?
Blood Lactate (Exercise)
↑Worsens
?
Depression Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Intermittent Claudication Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Autism Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
ADHD Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Cognition
↑Improves
?
Cramps
↓Improves
?
Blood glucose
↓Improves
?
Brain Injury Symptoms
↓Improves

Evidence by Condition

Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)

AHepatic Encephalopathy
1
↓AmmoniaImproves↓Hepatic Encephalopathy SymptomsImproves↑AttentionImproves
AIdiopathic Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (IOAT)
1
↑FertilityImproves↑Seminal MotilityImproves↑Sperm CountImproves
AOligospermia
1
↑FertilityImproves↑Seminal MotilityImproves↑Sperm CountImproves
BType 2 Diabetes
1
↑AdiponectinImprovesApolipoprotein A↓Blood glucoseImproves
BAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
1
↓ADHD SymptomsImproves↑AggressionImproves↑AttentionImproves
BCirrhosis
1
↓AmmoniaImproves↑Cirrhosis SeverityWorsens↓CrampsImproves
BPrediabetes
1
↓Blood glucoseImproves↓TriglyceridesImproves↓Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves
BErectile Dysfunction
1
↑ErectionsImproves↑Sexual FunctionImproves
BEnd-Stage Renal Disease
1
↓Blood PressureImproves↓Total cholesterolImproves↓TriglyceridesImproves
CMetabolic Health
1
↑Anti-Oxidant Enzyme ProfileImproves↓Blood glucoseImproves↓HbA1cImproves
CInfertility
1
↓DNA DamageImproves↑FertilityImproves↑Sperm CountImproves
CPeripheral Arterial Disease
1
↑Blood CarnitineImproves↑Walking AbilityImproves↑Blood FlowImproves
COsteoarthritis (OA)
1
↓C-Reactive Protein (CRP)Improves↓Osteoarthritis SymptomsImproves↓PainImproves
CPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
1
Atherosclerotic Signs↓Body Mass Index (BMI)Improves↑InsulinWorsens
CMetabolic Syndrome
1
↑AdiponectinImproves↓TriglyceridesImproves↓Blood glucoseImproves
CMyalgic Encephalomyelitis (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
1
↑AttentionImproves↓Fatigue SymptomsImproves
CNonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
1
↓Blood glucoseImproves↓Body Mass Index (BMI)Improves↑Liver EnzymesWorsens
CObesity
1
↑AdiponectinImproves↓Blood glucoseImproves↓Body FatImproves
CCognitive Improvement
1
↓Body FatImproves↑MemoryImproves↓Fatigue SymptomsImproves
CNonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
1
↓Body FatImproves↓TNF-AlphaImproves↓C-Reactive Protein (CRP)Improves

Research Citations (100)

L-carnitine ameliorated fasting-induced fatigue, hunger, and metabolic abnormalities in patients with metabolic syndrome: a randomized controlled study
PMID: 25424121
L-Carnitine's Effect on the Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
PMID: 32932644
Ameliorating hypertension and insulin resistance in subjects at increased cardiovascular risk: effects of acetyl-L-carnitine therapy
PMID: 19620516
Comparative study to evaluate the effect of l-carnitine plus glimepiride versus glimepiride alone on insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients
PMID: 30641691
Effects of simvastatin and carnitine versus simvastatin on lipoprotein(a) and apoprotein(a) in type 2 diabetes mellitus
PMID: 19618992
Comparison between orlistat plus l-carnitine and orlistat alone on inflammation parameters in obese diabetic patients
PMID: 21077943
Effects of combination of sibutramine and L-carnitine compared with sibutramine monotherapy on inflammatory parameters in diabetic patients
PMID: 20423740
L-Carnitine supplementation reduces oxidized LDL cholesterol in patients with diabetes
PMID: 19056606
Effect of L-carnitine on plasma glycemic and lipidemic profile in patients with type II diabetes mellitus
PMID: 15741989
Effect of carnitine-orotate complex on glucose metabolism and fatty liver: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PMID: 24611967

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