The use of L-carnitine in male reproductive abnormalities: The available evidence

Abstract

Dietary health supplements have been increasingly used in the prevention and treatment of chronic disorders. During the previous decades, l-carnitine has been reported to have beneficial effects on male reproductive functions. L-carnitine, a non-protein amino acid produced endogenously in the human body from the essential amino acids lysine and methionine or obtained from exogenous dietary sources. The main natural forms of L-carnitine are Acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine. The aim of this paper is to review l-carnitine research findings relevant to its use in male reproductive abnormalities. Treatment of reproductive male abnormalities caused by abnormalities of idiopathic semen quality including oligozoospermia, asthenospermia, and azoospermia include hormonal therapies (Clomiphene citrate, tamoxifen, recombinant FSH, and testosterone undecanoate). Non-hormonal therapies include pentoxifylline, and dietary health supplements including carnitine. Carnitine has the additional advantage of improving associated erectile dysfunction. Conclusion: There is convincing research evidence suggesting that l-carnitine can improve male reproductive and can be useful in the treatment of some form’s male infertility and erectile dysfunction.