L-Carnitine Tartrate Supplementation for 5 Weeks Improves Exercise Recovery in Men and Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Matthew Stefan,Raad Gheith,Matthew Sharp,Shane Durkee,Aouatef Bellamine,Charlie Ottinger,Ryan Lowery,Jacob Wilson

doi:10.3390/nu13103432

Abstract

L-carnitine tartrate has been shown to improve relatively short-term recovery among athletes. However, there is a lack of research on the longer-term effects in the general population. Objective: The primary objectives of this randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial were to evaluate the effects of daily L-carnitine tartrate supplementation for 5 weeks on recovery and fatigue. Method: In this study, eighty participants, 21- to 65-years-old, were recruited. Participants were split into two groups of forty participants each, a placebo, and a L-carnitine Tartrate group. Seventy-three participants completed a maintenance exercise training program that culminated in a high-volume exercise challenge. Results: Compared to placebo, L-carnitine tartrate supplementation was able to improve perceived recovery and soreness (p = 0.021), and lower serum creatine kinase (p = 0.016). In addition, L-carnitine tartrate supplementation was able to blunt declines in strength and power compared to placebo following an exercise challenge. Two sub-analyses indicated that these results were independent of gender and age. Interestingly, serum superoxide dismutase levels increased significantly among those supplementing with L-carnitine tartrate. Conclusions: These findings agree with previous observations among healthy adult subjects and demonstrate that L-carnitine tartrate supplementation beyond 35 days is beneficial for improving recovery and reducing fatigue following exercise across gender and age.

Highlights

The trial achieved its two primary objectives. Both serum creatine kinase levels and Perceived Recovery Status and Soreness Scale results were significantly different between groups
The current study sought to add to the existing research by investigating the effects of L-carnitine tartrate supplementation on longer-term recovery in a general adult population following an intense exercise challenge, which was preceded by a maintenance exercise program
Our results demonstrated that L-carnitine tartrate supplementation blunted the decline in normalized perceived muscle recovery and soreness scale (PRS) scores that were exhibited by the PLA group

Summary

Introduction

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. L-carnitine is a quaternary amine that plays a vital role in energy generation by interacting with fatty acids [1]. While the mammalian body can synthesize L-carnitine from lysine and methionine, most of our daily intake of L-carnitine comes from the diet, with red meat being an abundant source [1]. L-carnitine is responsible for shuttling fatty acids from the cytosol into the mitochondria for fatty acid β-oxidation and energy production [2]. L-carnitine was shown to support mitochondrial function [3]. L-carnitine is primarily stored in skeletal and cardiac muscles because of their high mitochondrial density and high energy demand [4].

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Discussion

Conclusion