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Sawicka AK, Renzi G, Olek RA. The bright and the dark sides of L-carnitine supplementation: a systematic review. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2020; 17:49. [PMID: 32958033 PMCID: PMC7507632 DOI: 10.1186/s12970-020-00377-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background L-carnitine (LC) is used as a supplement by recreationally-active, competitive and highly trained athletes. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effect of prolonged LC supplementation on metabolism and metabolic modifications. Methods A literature search was conducted in the MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Web of Science databases from the inception up February 2020. Eligibility criteria included studies on healthy human subjects, treated for at least 12 weeks with LC administered orally, with no drugs or any other multi-ingredient supplements co-ingestion. Results The initial search retrieved 1024 articles, and a total of 11 studies were finally included after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the selected studies were conducted with healthy human subjects, with supplemented dose ranging from 1 g to 4 g per day for either 12 or 24 weeks. LC supplementation, in combination with carbohydrates (CHO) effectively elevated total carnitine content in skeletal muscle. Twenty-four-weeks of LC supplementation did not affect muscle strength in healthy aged women, but significantly increased muscle mass, improved physical effort tolerance and cognitive function in centenarians. LC supplementation was also noted to induce an increase of fasting plasma trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) levels, which was not associated with modification of determined inflammatory nor oxidative stress markers. Conclusion Prolonged LC supplementation in specific conditions may affect physical performance. On the other hand, LC supplementation elevates fasting plasma TMAO, compound supposed to be pro-atherogenic. Therefore, additional studies focusing on long-term supplementation and its longitudinal effect on the cardiovascular system are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika K Sawicka
- Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210, Gdansk, Poland
| | | | - Robert A Olek
- Department of Athletics, Strength and Conditioning, Poznan University of Physical Education, Krolowej Jadwigi 27/39, 61-871, Poznan, Poland.
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Cruz-Jentoft AJ, Dawson Hughes B, Scott D, Sanders KM, Rizzoli R. Nutritional strategies for maintaining muscle mass and strength from middle age to later life: A narrative review. Maturitas 2019; 132:57-64. [PMID: 31883664 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2019.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Progressive age-related reductions in muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia) can cause substantial morbidity. This narrative review summarizes evidence of nutritional interventions for maintaining muscle mass and strength from midlife through old age. PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched to identify studies of dietary intake and nutritional interventions for sustaining muscle mass and strength. The benefits of progressive resistance training with and without dietary interventions are well documented. Protein and amino acid (particularly leucine) intake should be considered, and supplementation may be warranted for those not meeting recommended intakes. Vitamin D receptors are expressed in muscle tissue; meta-analyses have shown that vitamin D benefits muscle strength. Data suggest that milk and other dairy products containing different bioactive compounds (i.e. protein, leucine) can enhance muscle protein synthesis, particularly when combined with resistance exercise. Omega-3 s can improve muscle mass and strength by mediating cell signaling and inflammation-related oxidative damage; no studies were specifically conducted in sarcopenia. Low-dose antioxidants (e.g. vitamins C and E) can protect muscle tissue from oxidative damage, but relevant studies are limited. Magnesium is involved with muscle contraction processes, and data have shown benefits to muscle strength. Acidogenic diets increase muscle protein breakdown, which is exacerbated by aging. Alkalizing compounds (e.g. bicarbonates) can promote muscle strength. Small studies of probiotics and plant extracts have generated interest, but few large studies have been conducted. Based on available data, dietary and supplemental interventions may add to the benefits of exercise on muscle mass and strength; effects independent of exercise have not been consistently shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso J Cruz-Jentoft
- Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal (IRYCIS), Ctra. Colmenar Viejo, km. 9,11 28034 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Bess Dawson Hughes
- Bone Metabolism Laboratory at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, 711 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111 USA.
| | - David Scott
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
| | - Kerrie M Sanders
- Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Sunshine Hospital, 176 Furlong Road, St Albans, Victoria 3021, Australia.
| | - Rene Rizzoli
- University Hospital of Geneva, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205 Genève, Switzerland.
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Fathizadeh H, Milajerdi A, Reiner Ž, Kolahdooz F, Chamani M, Amirani E, Asemi Z. The Effects of L-Carnitine Supplementation on Serum Lipids: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 25:3266-3281. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190830154336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background:
The findings of trials investigating the effects of L-carnitine administration on serum
lipids are inconsistent. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to summarize
the effects of L-carnitine intake on serum lipids in patients and healthy individuals.
Methods:
Two authors independently searched electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane
Library, Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar from 1990 until August 1, 2019, in order to find relevant
RCTs. The quality of selected RCTs was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Cochrane’s
Q test and I-square (I2) statistic were used to determine the heterogeneity across included trials. Weight mean
difference (SMD) and 95% CI between the two intervention groups were used to determine pooled effect sizes.
Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the source of heterogeneity based on suspected variables such as,
participant’s health conditions, age, dosage of L-carnitine, duration of study, sample size, and study location
between primary RCTs.
Results:
Out of 3460 potential papers selected based on keywords search, 67 studies met the inclusion criteria and
were eligible for the meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that L-carnitine administration led to a significant
decrease in triglycerides (WMD: -10.35; 95% CI: -16.43, -4.27), total cholesterol (WMD: -9.47; 95% CI: -
13.23, -5.70) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations (WMD: -6.25; 95% CI: -9.30, -3.21), and a significant
increase in HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (WMD: 1.39; 95% CI: 0.21, 2.57). L-carnitine supplementation did
not influence VLDL-cholesterol concentrations. When we stratified studies for the predefined factors such as
dosage, and age, no significant effects of the intervention on triglycerides, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels were found.
Conclusion:
This meta-analysis demonstrated that L-carnitine administration significantly reduced triglycerides,
total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels, and significantly increased HDL-cholesterol levels in the pooled
analyses, but did not affect VLDL-cholesterol levels; however, these findings were not confirmed in our subgroup
analyses by participant’s health conditions, age, dosage of L-carnitine, duration of study, sample size, and study
location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadis Fathizadeh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Alireza Milajerdi
- Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Željko Reiner
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Fariba Kolahdooz
- Indigenous and Global Health Research, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Maryam Chamani
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elaheh Amirani
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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Kaup D, Keller J, Most E, Geyer J, Eder K, Ringseis R. The carnitine status does not affect the contractile and metabolic phenotype of skeletal muscle in pigs. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2018; 15:2. [PMID: 29344054 PMCID: PMC5764002 DOI: 10.1186/s12986-017-0238-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recently, supplementation of L-carnitine to obese rats was found to improve the carnitine status and to counteract an obesity-induced muscle fiber transition from type I to type II. However, it has not been resolved if the change of muscle fiber distribution induced in obese rats and the restoration of the "normal" muscle fiber distribution, which is found in lean rats, in obese rats by supplemental L-carnitine is causally linked with the carnitine status. In the present study we hypothesized that fiber type distribution in skeletal muscle is dependent on carnitine status. Methods To test this, an experiment with 48 piglets which were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 12) was performed. All piglets were given orally either 60 mg sodium bicarbonate/kg body weight (group CON), 20 mg L-carnitine and 60 mg sodium bicarbonate/kg body weight (group CARN), 30 mg pivalate (dissolved in sodium bicarbonate)/kg body weight (group PIV) or 20 mg L-carnitine and 30 mg pivalate/kg body weight (group CARN + PIV) each day for a period of 4 weeks. Results Concentrations of total carnitine in plasma, liver and longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris muscles were 2.0-2.7 fold higher in group CARN than in group CON, whereas these concentrations were 1.9-2.5-fold lower in group PIV than in group CON. The concentrations of total carnitine in these tissues did not statistically differ between group CARN + PIV and group CON. Fiber type distribution of longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris muscles, mRNA and protein levels of molecular regulators of fiber distribution in longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris muscles and mRNA levels of genes reflecting the metabolic phenotype of longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris muscles did not differ between groups. Conclusion Changes in the systemic carnitine status and the muscle carnitine concentration induced by either supplementing L-carnitine or administering pivalate have no impact on the contractile and metabolic phenotype of skeletal muscles in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kaup
- 1Institute of Animal Nutrition and Nutrition Physiology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Janine Keller
- 1Institute of Animal Nutrition and Nutrition Physiology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Erika Most
- 1Institute of Animal Nutrition and Nutrition Physiology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Joachim Geyer
- 2Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Schubertstr 81, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Klaus Eder
- 1Institute of Animal Nutrition and Nutrition Physiology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Robert Ringseis
- 1Institute of Animal Nutrition and Nutrition Physiology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany
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Kim J, Park J, Lim K. Nutrition Supplements to Stimulate Lipolysis: A Review in Relation to Endurance Exercise Capacity. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 2017; 62:141-61. [PMID: 27465721 DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.62.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Athletes make great efforts to increase their endurance capacity in many ways. Using nutrition supplements for stimulating lipolysis is one such strategy to improve endurance performance. These supplements contain certain ingredients that affect fat metabolism; furthermore, in combination with endurance training, they tend to have additive effects. A large body of scientific evidence shows that nutrition supplements increase fat metabolism; however, the usefulness of lipolytic supplements as ergogenic functional foods remains controversial. The present review will describe the effectiveness of lipolytic supplements in fat metabolism and as an ergogenic aid for increasing endurance exercise capacity. There are a number of lipolytic supplements available on the market, but this review focuses on natural ingredients such as caffeine, green tea extract, L-carnitine, Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid), capsaicin, ginseng, taurine, silk peptides and octacosanol, all of which have shown scientific evidence of enhancing fat metabolism associated with improving endurance performance. We excluded some other supplements owing to lack of data on fat metabolism or endurance capacity. Based on the data in this review, we suggest that a caffeine and green tea extract improves endurance performance and enhances fat oxidation. Regarding other supplements, the data on their practical implications needs to be gathered, especially for athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisu Kim
- Department of Physical Education, Konkuk University
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Zhang Y, Carter T, Eyster K, Swanson DL. Acute cold and exercise training up-regulate similar aspects of fatty acid transport and catabolism in house sparrows (Passer domesticus). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 218:3885-93. [PMID: 26486368 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.126128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Summit maximum thermoregulatory metabolic rate (Msum) and maximum exercise metabolic rate (MMR) both increase in response to acute cold or exercise training in birds. Because lipids are the main fuel supporting both thermogenesis and exercise in birds, adjustments to lipid transport and catabolic capacities may support elevated energy demands from cold and exercise training. To examine a potential mechanistic role for lipid transport and catabolism in organismal cross-training effects (exercise effects on both exercise and thermogenesis, and vice versa), we measured enzyme activities and mRNA and protein expression in pectoralis muscle for several key steps of lipid transport and catabolism pathways in house sparrows (Passer domesticus) during acute exercise and cold training. Both training protocols elevated pectoralis protein levels of fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36), cytosolic fatty acid-binding protein, and citrate synthase (CS) activity. However, mRNA expression of FAT/CD36 and both mRNA and protein expression of plasma membrane fatty acid-binding protein did not change for either training group. CS activities in supracoracoideus, leg and heart, and carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT) and β-hydroxyacyl CoA-dehydrogenase activities in all muscles did not vary significantly with either training protocol. Both Msum and MMR were significantly positively correlated with CPT and CS activities. These data suggest that up-regulation of trans-sarcolemmal and intramyocyte lipid transport capacities and cellular metabolic intensities, along with previously documented increases in body and pectoralis muscle masses and pectoralis myostatin (a muscle growth inhibitor) levels, are common mechanisms underlying the training effects of both exercise and shivering in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Zhang
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA
| | - Travis Carter
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA
| | - Kathleen Eyster
- Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57105, USA
| | - David L Swanson
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA
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Ringseis R, Mooren FC, Keller J, Couturier A, Wen G, Hirche F, Stangl GI, Eder K, Krüger K. Regular endurance exercise improves the diminished hepatic carnitine status in mice fed a high-fat diet. Mol Nutr Food Res 2011; 55 Suppl 2:S193-202. [DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201100040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2011] [Revised: 04/29/2011] [Accepted: 05/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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