Effects of L-carnitine supplementation on body composition in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

Fat deposition and obesity are the primary events in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). L-carnitine with function of fatty acid transporting to mitochondria and fat degradation may influence body composition in NASH. This study conducted to investigate the beneficial effect of L-carnitine supplement on body composition in NASH patients following calorie-restriction (CR) program. This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed among 67 patients with NASH and 34 control subjects. Subjects were randomly divided into three groups: L-carnitine group (receive 2000 mg L-carnitine supplements daily plus CR) (n=36), placebo group (receive placebo plus CR) (n=31) and control group (under calorie restricted regimen) (n=34) for 12 weeks. Body composition analysis including Body Fat Mass (BFM), Total Body Water (TBW), and Lean Body Mass (LBM) was done by bioelectric impedance analysis. Significant decrease of weight, WC (Waist Circumference), BMI and fat mass (kg) were found within control, placebo and L-carnitine groups. After adjusting for covariates, L-carnitine supplement decreased weight (P=0.03), BMI (P=0.02) and fat mass (kg) (P=0.018) compared to placebo group. L-carnitine supplement for 12 week along with a calorie restricted diet decreased body weight, BMI and weight of body fat (kg) but does not affect WC, total body water, lean body mass and percent of body fat.