L-Carnitine Tartrate Supplementation for 5 Weeks Improves Exercise Recovery in Men and Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

L-carnitine tartrate has been shown to improve relatively short-term recovery among athletes. However, there is a lack of research on the longer-term effects in the general population. Objective: The primary objectives of this randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial were to evaluate the effects of daily L-carnitine tartrate supplementation for 5 weeks on recovery and fatigue. Method: In this study, eighty participants, 21- to 65-years-old, were recruited. Participants were split into two groups of forty participants each, a placebo, and a L-carnitine Tartrate group. Seventy-three participants completed a maintenance exercise training program that culminated in a high-volume exercise challenge. Results: Compared to placebo, L-carnitine tartrate supplementation was able to improve perceived recovery and soreness (p = 0.021), and lower serum creatine kinase (p = 0.016). In addition, L-carnitine tartrate supplementation was able to blunt declines in strength and power compared to placebo following an exercise challenge. Two sub-analyses indicated that these results were independent of gender and age. Interestingly, serum superoxide dismutase levels increased significantly among those supplementing with L-carnitine tartrate. Conclusions: These findings agree with previous observations among healthy adult subjects and demonstrate that L-carnitine tartrate supplementation beyond 35 days is beneficial for improving recovery and reducing fatigue following exercise across gender and age.