Effect of L-Carnitine Supplementation on Liver Enzymes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Publisher Pubmed



Askarpour M¹ ; Djafarian K² ; Ghaedi E¹ ; Sadeghi O¹ ; Sheikhi A¹ ; Shabbidar S¹
Source: Archives of Medical Research Published:2020

Abstract

Background and aim: Possible Hepato-protective effects of L-carnitine have been reported in previous studies. Present study was conducted to systematically review the efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation on liver enzymes. Methods: The following databases were searched up to December 2018: PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane library. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on liver enzymes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were included. Pooled effect size measured using random effect model (Dersimonian-Liard). Results: A total of 16 studies (including 1025 participants) were included in the present meta-analysis. Pooled analysis indicated that L-carnitine supplementation significantly decreased ALT (weighted mean difference (WMD): −10.729 IU/L, 95% CI: −13.787, −7.672, p <0.001; I2 = 95.9%), AST (WMD: −7.149 IU/L, 95% CI: −9.202, −5.096, p <0.001; I2 = 93.5%) and GGT (WMD: −7.395: IU/L, 95% CI: −9.171, −5.619, p <0.001; I2 = 80.1%). Subgroup analysis revealed that effect of L-carnitine supplementation on liver enzymes was not significant in normal weight and healthy subjects. Baseline BMI and health status were the potential source of heterogeneity. Conclusion: L-carnitine supplementation showed beneficial hepato-protective effects on circulating liver enzymes. © 2019 IMSS