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L-carnitine supplementation in humans. The effects on physical performance
1Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Geneva.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|February 1, 1990
Summary
Athletes widely use L-carnitine supplements, but scientific evidence is lacking. This review critically examines L-carnitine
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Widespread L-carnitine supplementation in athletes lacks robust scientific support.
- Commonly cited benefits include enhanced lipid turnover and glycogen sparing during exercise.
- Potential depletion of L-carnitine levels during intense exercise is also a concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the existing literature on L-carnitine metabolism in exercising humans.
- To evaluate the purported benefits of L-carnitine supplementation for athletic performance.
- To provide insights into energy turnover in muscles during exercise.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on L-carnitine and exercise.
- Analysis of carnitine metabolism, lipid turnover, and energy production in muscle.
- Critical evaluation of human experimental data supporting L-carnitine's efficacy.
Main Results:
- Evidence supporting L-carnitine's role in increasing lipid turnover and glycogen sparing is equivocal.
- Data on L-carnitine level changes during heavy exercise is inconsistent.
- A critical gap exists in understanding L-carnitine's true impact on athletic performance.
Conclusions:
- The current evidence does not unequivocally support L-carnitine supplementation for enhancing athletic performance.
- Further research is needed to clarify L-carnitine's role in exercise metabolism.
- Sport medicine practitioners should be aware of the limited scientific basis for widespread L-carnitine use.