Evidence supporting the use of: L-carnitine
For the health condition: Fatty Liver Disease
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
L-carnitine has a scientific basis for use in the management of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), with several studies investigating its efficacy. L-carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative involved in mitochondrial fatty acid transport and energy metabolism. In patients with NAFLD, impaired fatty acid oxidation is a key pathophysiological feature, and L-carnitine supplementation is hypothesized to enhance hepatic fatty acid oxidation, reduce lipid accumulation, and improve liver function.
A number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have evaluated L-carnitine's impact on liver enzyme levels, liver fat content, and markers of inflammation. For example, a 2018 meta-analysis of RCTs found that L-carnitine supplementation significantly improved liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST) and reduced markers of liver fat accumulation in patients with NAFLD. Another 2022 systematic review concluded that L-carnitine supplementation was associated with improvements in hepatic steatosis and some metabolic parameters. However, the evidence is not unequivocal: studies have shown variability in dosage, duration, and patient populations, and some trials have failed to show statistically significant benefits.
Overall, while the use of L-carnitine for fatty liver disease is not yet universally endorsed by clinical guidelines, the existing body of scientific evidence supports a potential benefit, particularly as an adjunct to lifestyle and dietary interventions. More large-scale, long-term studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and establish optimal dosing protocols.
Other ingredients used for Fatty Liver Disease
akkermansia muciniphilaalgal oil
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
anthocyanins
arjun tree
artichoke
astaxanthin
banaba
barberry
barley
beet
berberine
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium longum
black garlic
sesame
branched-chain amino acids
butyrate triglyceride
canola oil
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
cauliflower
chia seed
chicory
chlorella
chokeberry
choline
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
turmeric
curcumin
cyclodextrin
dandelion
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fenugreek
fiber blend (proprietary)
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
flaxseed
ginger
grape
hesperetin
kelp
l-carnitine
l-glutathione
l-methionine
l-taurine
lecithin
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
marine lipid
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
milk thistle
naringin
niacin (vitamin B3)
nicotinamide riboside
oleanolic acid
oleic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-9 fatty acids
palmitoleic acid
perilla
phenolic acids
phosphatidylcholine
phospholipids
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
butyric acid
psyllium
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
silymarin
spirulina
tocotrienols
trans-pterostilbene
tributyrin
trimethylglycine (TMG)
triphala
Urolithin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
seaweed
mulberry
zinc
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
jiaogulan
enicostemma littorale
punarnava
picrorhiza kurroa
lingzhi
morus
ferulic acid
ganoderma
polyphenols
anemarrhena asphodeloides
coix
nopal
algae
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ashitaba
4-hydroxyisoleucine
7,14-Hydroxy-Docosapentaenoic Acid
Arjuna
Apigenin
Aronia melanocarpa
Antrodia camphorata
Avocado
Ascophyllum nodosum
Acacetin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Astragaloside
Adzuki bean
Ampelopsin
Algal protein
Alisma
Arabinoxylan
Argan nut oil
Anemarrhena
alpha Methyl Tetradecylthioacetic Acid
Apocynin
Arjunolic acid
Borotutu
Brutieridin
Brown Algae
Brassica
Berberis (unspecified)
Baicalein
Blakeslea trispora
Betanin
Bifidobacteria
bile acid
Baicalin
Carqueja
Chebulic acid
Camelina Oil
Coriander
chlorogenic acid
Cynarin
Cruciferous
Chitin-Glucan Complex
Caulerpa okamurae
Copalchi
Curcuma
Corilagin
Crocetin
Cynaropicrin
corosolic acid
Carnosic acid
Diallyl sulfide
Danshen
Dihydromyricetin
DL-Methionine
Decursin
D-Pinitol
Diosgenin
Dithiolthiones
epicatechin
Eriocitrin
Ergothioneine
Erythrodiol
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Eucommia ulmoides
Fiber
Fatty acids
Rhubarb
walnut
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by l-carnitine
Addictions (drugs)Alzheimer's Disease
Angina
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Autism
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Congestive Heart Failure
Diabetes
Energy (lack of)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Heart (weakness)
Memory and Brain Function
Metabolic Syndrome
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nerve Damage
Peripheral Neuropathy
Triglycerides (high)
Products containing l-carnitine
Designs For Health
Acnutrol™ capsules
Vitabase
Brain Support
Designs For Health
Carnitine Synergy™
Pure Encapsulations
CoQ10 l-Carnitine Fumarate
Integrative Therapeutics
Detoxication Factors
Designs For Health
EndoTrim™
Pure Encapsulations
Energize Plus™ Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations
l-Carnitine
Pure Encapsulations
l-Carnitine
Metagenics
L-Carnitine
Pure Encapsulations
l-Carnitine Fumarate
Designs For Health
Mitochondrial NRG™
Metagenics
MitoVive
Designs For Health
PaleoCleanse Plus™
Designs For Health
PaleoCleanse Plus™
Designs For Health
PaleoCleanse Plus™ Detox Program
Designs For Health
PaleoCleanse Plus™Chocolate Detox Kit
Designs For Health
Plant Protein Cleanse Plus™ 570g
Metagenics
PlusOne® Daily Prenatal Packs
Vitabase
Super Fat Burner
Designs For Health
Weight Loss Support Packets