Effects of Oral L-Carnitine Supplementation on Leptin and Adiponectin Levels and Body Weight of Hemodialysis Patients: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Introduction. Carnitine supplementation may improve the general health and quality of life of hemodialysis patients by improving adipokines levels. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on leptin levels, adiponectin levels, and body weight of hemodialysis patients.

Materials and Methods. Fifty hemodialysis patients were randomly divided into the carnitine group, who received oral L-carnitine, 1 g/L for 3 months, and the control group. Anthropometric measurements and serum levels of adipokines were measured at baseline and at the end of the intervention.

Results. Forty-two participants completed the study. Serum leptin concentrations decreased after 12 weeks of the intervention in both groups, but these changes were not significant. The mean change of leptin concentration were, -1.7 ± 19.0 µg/mL and -7.1 ± 20.0 µg/mL in the carnitine group and the control group, respectively (P = .39). The mean adiponectin levels at baseline and after the intervention were 8.6 ± 11.19 µg/mL and 9.8 ± 4.1 µg/mL in the carnitine group (P = .67) and 5.0 ± 2.5 µg/mL and 11.2 ± 5.4 µg/mL in the control group, respectively (P  < .001). Serum adiponectin levels increased significantly in the control group only. The decrease in body mass index was not significant.

Conclusions. This study showed that a daily supplementation of 1000 mg oral syrup of L-carnitine for 12 weeks did not affect leptin and adiponectin levels or the body weight or body mass index of hemodialysis patients.