Dyslipidemia refers to abnormal blood lipid levels, typically involving elevated cholesterol and triglycerides. L-carnitine plays a role in fat metabolism by transporting fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production, which has led to interest in its effects on lipid profiles.
A study published in the Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation (2012;23(3):484–488) evaluated the effects of L-carnitine supplementation in dialysis patients, a group commonly affected by lipid abnormalities. Sixty patients were enrolled: 30 received 250 mg of L-carnitine daily for eight weeks, while 30 served as controls.
After supplementation, the L-carnitine group showed reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, while HDL cholesterol was unchanged. No such improvements were seen in the control group.
