Effects of Oral L-carnitine Supplementation on Lipid Profiles and Anemia in Patients under Hemodialysis in Gonbadkavoos, Iran

Aims: L-carnitine is an amino acid derivative, produced endogenously in the kidneys and liver or derived from meat and dairy products in the diet. Impaired L-carnitine synthesis by the kidneys contributes to the L-carnitine deficiency in dialysis patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral L-carnitine supplementation on lipid profiles and anemia in hemodialysis patients.
Study Design: Thirty and four eligible patients were assigned to either L-carnitine or placebo groups based on the random. The patients in the L-carnitine group received 1 vial 1g (10 ml) of L-carnitine oral supplement 3 day a week after dialysis, for 16 weeks and the patients in the placebo group received 10 ml distilled water as in the same manner and duration. Blood sample was collected at the onset and after 16 weeks intervention for laboratory evaluations of biochemical and hematological parameters.
Place and Duration of Study: Hemodialysis patients were chosen in Motahary Hospital in Gonbadkavoos, Iran, between September 2012 and March 2013.
Results: The concentration of very low density lipoprotein and triglyceride were significantly decreased in L-carnitine group, whereas, none of these differences were statistically significant in placebo group whereas other measured biochemical parameters were not shown significant changes in both group.
Conclusion: It seems that further experimental investigations are needed to clarify the effects of LC on lipid profiles, anemia and other factors in hemodialysis patients.