Beneficial Effects of L-Carnitine Supplementation for Weight Management in Overweight and Obese Adults: An Updated Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Publication date: Available online 17 November 2019Source: Pharmacological ResearchAuthor(s): Moein Askarpour, Amir Hadi, Maryam Miraghajani, Michael Symonds, Ali Sheikhi, Ehsan GhaediAbstractDespite preclinical studies demonstrating the efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation for weight management, findings in clinical setting are contradictory. Electronic bibliographical databases were systematically searched up to February 2019 with no limitation in language, including Scopus, PubMed, ISI Web of Science and Cochrane Library. Clinical trials registry platform were also searched. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which reported an effect of L-carnitine supplementation on obesity-related indices were included. Weighted mean difference (WMD) was estimated using a random-effect model (DerSimonian-Laird method). Eventually 43 eligible RCTs were included for quantitative analysis. Meta-analysis results revealed that L-carnitine supplementation significantly decreased weight (WMD: -1.129 kg, 95% CI: -1.590, -0.669; I2: 63.4), body mass index (BMI) (WMD: -0.359 kg/m2, 95% CI: -0.552, -0.167; I2:85.2) and fat mass (WMD: -1.158 kg, 95% CI: -1.763, -0.554, I2:15.5). However, L-carnitine supplementation did not change body fat percentage (WMD: -0.874 %, 95% CI: -1.890, 0.142, I2:98.2) or waist circumference (WMD: -0.883 mg/dl, 95% CI: -1.770, 0.004, I2:74.8). L-carnitine supplementation changed weight (r = -0.98) and BMI (r = -0.67) in a non-linear fashion based on carnit...
Source: Pharmacological Research - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research