Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative that plays a central role in the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for β-oxidation, a process crucial for energy production, especially in tissues with high energy demands such as the liver. In the context of the hepatic system, L-carnitine has been investigated for its potential benefits in various liver conditions, particularly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatic encephalopathy, and liver cirrhosis.

Several clinical studies and meta-analyses have suggested that carnitine supplementation can lead to improvements in liver function markers (such as ALT and AST), reductions in hepatic fat accumulation, and improvements in insulin resistance in patients with NAFLD. For example, a 2017 meta-analysis (Zhang et al., Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology) found that L-carnitine supplementation significantly reduced liver enzymes and improved lipid profiles in patients with NAFLD. Additionally, carnitine has shown potential in reducing ammonia levels and improving mental status in hepatic encephalopathy, as documented in some randomized trials.

Despite these findings, the overall quality of evidence is moderate, with some studies showing more pronounced benefits than others and some limitations in sample sizes and study design. Carnitine is not universally recommended as standard therapy for liver diseases, but there is enough scientific interest and preliminary evidence to justify its use as a supportive supplement in selected hepatic conditions. Further large-scale, well-controlled trials are needed to establish definitive efficacy and guidelines.

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