The Effect of Chronic Intake of L-carnitine L-tartrate on Lipid Metabolism during Aerobic Exercise

Background & Aims: Despite 20 years of research, there is no compelling evidence about the effect of carnitine supplementation on improving physical performance in healthy subjects. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of long term consumption of acute L-carnitine L-tartarate (LCLT) on fat metabolism and aerobic capacity. Methods: A total of 28 healthy nonathlete male students received either L-carnitine L-tartarate or placebo (Lactose) for 3 weeks (3g orally, daily) in experimental and control groups. The subjects of both groups performed submaximal ergometery Astrand protocol on bicycle for 20 minutes before and after this supplementation period. Following each test, blood samples were drawn immediately to determine the concentrations of plasma free fatty acid (FFA), triglyceride (TG) and other metabolites. Resting and submaximal heart rates were monitored. The collected data of pre and post tests were evaluated by SPSS 13.0 software in the both groups. Results: No significant differences in FFA, TG and resting and exercise heart rates were found between pre and post tests in the both experimental and control groups. Conclusion: Three weeks LCLT supplementation has no effect on fat metabolism and aerobic capacity. Also, chronic intake of LCLT has no effect on substrate utilization or endurance performance in healthy individuals.