Is L-carnitine helpful in losing weight?

Description

L-carnitine is an amino acid produced by the body found in food and supplements. Some studies suggest it may offer health benefits, including increased weight loss, improved brain function, and more.

Function

The main function of L-carnitine (LC) is the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix for their conversion into energy via the β-oxidation process. Moreover, LC, by the reaction with acetyl-CoA and maintaining the acetyl-CoA/CoA ratio in the cell, regulates pyruvate dehydrogenase activity. LC also plays an important role in regulating metabolic pathways involved in skeletal muscle protein balance: proteolysis and protein synthesis. Furthermore, LC acts as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compound; thus, it may attenuate exercise-induced muscle damage[1].

Because L-carnitine helps move more fatty acids into your cells to be burned for energy, it's sometimes used as a weight loss supplement. One review of 37 studies found that L-carnitine supplementation significantly reduced body weight, body mass index (BMI), and fat mass. However, it did not affect belly fat or body fat percentage.

Side effects

There are potential side effects when too much L-carnitine is taken. They include: Vomiting, Nausea, Diarrhea, Abdominal cramps, Muscle weakness, Foul body odor, and Seizures. Some medications, like those that treat seizures or antibiotics, lower the body's carnitine levels. Taking a carnitine supplement may help avoid this. Always talk to a healthcare provider before starting a carnitine supplement.

References

[1] Angelika K Sawicka, Robert A Olek, Gianluca Renzi. “The bright and the dark sides of L-carnitine supplementation: a systematic review.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 17 1 (2020): 49.