Effect of L-carnitine supplementation with or without moderate aerobic training on serum lipid profile and body fat percentage in obese women

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity, a serious risk factor for chronic diseases, especially among women, is an important worldwide public health problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of L-carnitine supplementation with or without moderate aerobic training on serum lipid profiles and body fat percentage in obese women. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 44 obese women were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=11 each) as follows: 1: L-carnitine supplementation (2 g/day), 2: aerobic training+placebo group, 3: L-carnitine supplementation + aerobic training and 4: placebo. All interventions had an 8 week period and subjects of aerobic training groups underwent 8-week aerobic training protocol (3 sessions a week [24 sessions]). Body mass index, body fat percentage, daily dietary intake and serum fasting free L-carnitine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and HDL cholesterol levels of each subjects were measured before and after interventions. Analysis of covariance was used for comparing of variables means between groups. Results: Body fat percentage decreased significantly in the aerobic training+placebo and in L-carnitine supplementation+aerobic training groups. In the L-carnitine supplementation group, aerobic training+placebo and the L-carnitine supplementation+aerobic training groups, significant reductions were observed in serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. LDL-C levels decreased significantly in the L-carnitine+aerobic training group. Conclusion: Results indicated beneficial effects of L-carnitine supplementation alone or combined with aerobic training on serum lipid profiles and effects of aerobic training in lowering of body fat percentage in obese women. L-carnitine supplementation and aerobic training may be effective in delaying onset of chronic diseases in obese subjects.