According to a new meta-analysis, supplementation of the amino acid L-Carnitine has been shown to reduce both systolic blood pressure and waist circumference in people suffering from various health conditions associated with metabolic syndrome.
9 randomized controlled trials with over 500 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The participants had underlying health conditions like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(a liver disease),diabetes, knee osteoarthritis or were undergoing hemo-dialysis. The L-Carnitine dose given in the RCT’s varied from between 750 mg to3000 mg daily and lasted from 8 to 24 weeks. Most studies lasted 12 weeks and participants supplemented with 2,000 mg of L-Carnitine daily.
L-Carnitine was shown to significantly reduce waist circumference. In 2 of the 9 studies involving over 150 participants, a mean reduction in waist circumference of 1.89 cm was seen between the supplement group and the control group. 2 other studies with over 65 participants showed a reduction in systolic blood pressure of 7.41 mmHG in the supplement group. No significant differences in fasting blood sugar, HDL cholesterol or triglycerides were seen in these 9 studies between the supplement group and the control group. However, in 4 of the 9 studies, which involved over 320 participants, the fasting blood sugar levels dropped by 10.75 mg/dl. This was considered a significant change, and occurred in the supplement group as measured from the onset of the trials to the end of the trials.
Higher doses of L-Carnitine appeared to be more effective in reducing fasting blood sugar levels. In 2 of the trials where the participants were supplementing with at least 1000 mg of L-Carnitine daily, there was an 11.41 reduction in fasting blood sugar levels. No significant changes were seen when dosing was below 1000 mg daily.
L-Carnitine is considered a non-essential amino acid and is found in meat, fish, milk and dairy products. L-Carnitine plays a role in fat metabolism by transporting long-chain fatty acids into the cell for usage as an energy source. This amino acid is utilized for reducing body fat, improving cardiovascular health (by helping improve fatty acid metabolism in the heart, promoting healthy levels of good HDL cholesterol and triglycerides already within a normal range), and helping to support energy levels. Its most popular application is probably its fat reducing properties. Because L-Carnitine supports healthy fat burning without the use of stimulants, it is popular with individuals concerned about stimulants or unable to take stimulants as an option for reduction in body fat.
Further studies are needed.
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