L-carnitine is a compound synthesized in your body that has properties similar to amino acids. Its main function is to transport fat into the mitochondria of cells, where it’s burned for energy. Although the body makes enough L-carnitine, people with certain conditions, such as angina, may be L-carnitine deficient. L-carnitine supplementation may inhibit the development of fatty liver disease by reducing its risk factors.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease refers to the excess buildup of lipids in the livers of people who drink a little or no alcohol. Although symptoms of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are rare, they may include weight loss, fatigue and pain in the upper abdomen region. Risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease include high cholesterol, high triglycerides, obesity and metabolic syndrome, according to the Mayo Clinic.
NASH
Researchers at the University of Catania in Italy studied the impact of L-carnitine supplementation on patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, which causes inflammation due to fat buildup in the liver. Subjects followed a diet with or without 2 grams of L-carnitine daily for 24 weeks. At the end of the study, which was published in the June 2010 issue of "American Journal of Gastroenterology,” scientists observed that those in the L-carnitine group experienced decreases in inflammation, total cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver, all of which can help prevent the development of fatty liver disease.
Fatty Liver Disease
Scientists at Viale Messina in Italy investigated the impact of L-carnitine on steatosis, or fatty liver disease, in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Subjects took their hepatitis C medications with or without 2 grams of L-carnitine daily for 12 months. Scientists found that those in the L-carnitine group experienced greater decreases in total cholesterol, triglycerides and liver enzymes compared with those who didn’t take L-carnitine. The findings were published in the April 2008 issue of "Digestive Diseases Sciences.”
Interactions
L-carnitine supplementation may interact with several medications, including AZT, doxorubicin and isotretinoin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consult your health care provider before taking L-carnitine.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; February 2011
- "American Journal of Gastroenterology"; L-carnitine Supplementation to Diet: A New Tool in Treatment of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis -- A Randomized and Controlled Clinical Trial; M. Malaguarnera et al.; June 2010
- "Digestive Diseases Sciences"; L-carnitine Treatment Reduces Steatosis in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C Treated With Alpha-Interferon and Ribavirin; M. Romano et al.; April 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Carnitine (L-carnitine); 2011
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