Effects of Reducing L-Carnitine Supplementation on Carnitine Kinetics and Cardiac Function in Hemodialysis Patients: A Multicenter, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial

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#aged #carnitine #dietary-supplements #dose-response-relationship-drug #female

Effects of Reducing L-Carnitine Supplementation on Carnitine Kinetics and Cardiac Function in Hemodialysis Patients: A Multicenter, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial

Sugiyama et al., 2021 | Nutrients | Rct

Citation

Sugiyama Miki, Hazama Takuma, ... Fukami Kei. Effects of Reducing L-Carnitine Supplementation on Carnitine Kinetics and Cardiac Function in Hemodialysis Patients: A Multicenter, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2021-May-31;13(6). doi:10.3390/nu13061900

Abstract

L-carnitine (LC) supplementation improves cardiac function in hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, whether reducing LC supplementation affects carnitine kinetics and cardiac function in HD patients treated with LC remains unclear. Fifty-nine HD patients previously treated with intravenous LC 1000 mg per HD session (three times weekly) were allocated to three groups: LC injection three times weekly, once weekly, and placebo, and prospectively followed up for six months. Carnitine fractions were assessed by enzyme cycling methods. Plasma and red blood cell (RBC) acylcarnitines were profiled using tandem mass spectrometry. Cardiac function was evaluated using echocardiography and plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. Reducing LC administration to once weekly significantly decreased plasma carnitine fractions and RBC-free carnitine levels during the study period, which were further decreased in the placebo group (p < 0.001). Plasma BNP levels were significantly elevated in the placebo group (p = 0.03). Furthermore, changes in RBC (C16 + C18:1)/C2 acylcarnitine ratio were positively correlated with changes in plasma BNP levels (β = 0.389, p = 0.005). Reducing LC administration for six months significantly decreased both plasma and RBC carnitine levels, while the full termination of LC increased plasma BNP levels; however, it did not influence cardiac function in HD patients.

Key Findings

Reducing LC administration for six months significantly decreased both plasma and RBC carnitine levels, while the full termination of LC increased plasma BNP levels; however, it did not influence cardiac function in HD patients.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Aged
  • Carnitine
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart
  • Heart Failure
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Single-Blind Method

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: carnitine-cardiovascular

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09