Effect of L‐carnitine supplementation on low birth weight Korean infants

Abstract

In the present study, low birth weight infants(LBWI) were studied in order to assess any specific changes in serum lipids profile or carnitine concentration as a consequence of carnitine supplementation. LBWI were 25 newborns with body weights under 2,500g, the 25 LBWI were divided into 2 groups: L‐carnitine supplemented (received L‐carnitine 10mg/kg/day, LCS) or L‐carnitine non‐supplemented (LCNS) group. The study and control groups, each consisting of 25 infants, did not differ significantly in gestation age, Apgar index, birth weight, height, head circumference or chest circumference. The addition of carnitine as a nutritional supplement did not clearly enhance growth in our group of Korean premature infants. But, lipid profile and serum carnitine level were significantly improved after carnitine supplementation. Therefore, our findings suggest that continuous carnitine supplementation is required for catch up growth of premature infants in Korea.