L-Carnitine and Heart Disease

by | May 9, 2013 | 2013, Cardiovascular Health, Carnitine

Written by Jessica Patella, ND. In a review of 13 studies with 3629 subjects a 27% reduction in deaths was found in the group using carnitine, irregular heartbeat by 65%, and angina by 40%.

Heart disease affects 26.5 million adults in the United States (5). Recent research has shown that L-Carnitine reduces the risk of death and symptoms of heart disease, compared to placebo (1). L-carnitine has become a popular supplement for improving heart health because it plays an important role in energy production in the heart muscle (2).  L-carnitine has also been shown to reduce the size of tissue death that occurs during a heart attack (3,4).

Researchers recently reviewed 13 studies (n=3629) comparing L-carnitine to placebo (1). Each study had an average of 96 participants, with an average follow-up of 2 months (0.7-12 mo). The studies showed that:

  • In regards to the cause of death for any reason, there was a significant 27% reduction with L-carnitine compared with placebo or control (OR 0.73; 95%CI 0.54-0.99; p=0.05; 11 of 13 studies) (1).
  • Irregular heart beat from a ventricular arrhythmia was significantly reduced by 65% in the L-carnitine groups compared to placebo or control (RR 0.35; 95% CI 0.21-0.58; p<0.0001; 5 of 13 studies) (1).
  • Chest pain, also known as angina, was associated with a significant 40% reducing in the L-carnitine groups compared to placebo or control (RR 0.60; 95% CI 0.50-0.72; p<00001; 2 of 13 studies) (1).

When reporting on L-carnitine reducing the risk of a second heart attack, there was no significant difference, possibly due to the shorter follow-up periods (max 1 year) (1). There was also no significant difference in L-carnitine reducing the development of heart failure (1).

A large, randomized trial is needed to confirm the results of the trial. However, the researchers reported that because L-carnitine is safe and has a low-cost, it should be considered in high-risk people or those who cannot tolerate pharmaceutical medicines for heart disease (1).

In conclusion, L-carnitine is safe and effective in reducing death, irregular heart beats due to ventricular arrhythmia and chest pain compared to placebo or control (1).

Source: DiNicolantonio, James J., et al. “L-carnitine in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: systematic review and meta-analysis.” Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Vol. 88. No. 6. Elsevier, 2013.

© 2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Mayo Clin Proc. 2013;88(6):544-551

Posted May 7, 2013.

Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health.  She earned her ND from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, and is a member of the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians.  Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com.

References:

  1. DiNicolantonio J, et al.  L-Carnitine in the Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.  2013.Mayolin Proc.doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2013.02.007.
  2. Opie LH. Role of carnitine in fatty acid metabolism of normal and ischemic myocardium. Am Heart J. 1979;97(3):375-388.
  3. Jacoba KGC, et al. Effect of L-carnitine on the limitation of infarct size in on-month postmyocardial infarction cases: a multicentre, randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled trial. Clin Drug Investig. 1996;11(2):90-96.
  4. Singh RB, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of L-carnitine in suspected acute myocardial infarction. Postgrad Med J. 1996;72(843):45-50.
  5. Heart Disease.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.