Studies concerning chronic and acute effects of L-carnitina in elite athletes

Physiologie. 1989 Apr-Jun;26(2):111-29.

Abstract

Chronic and acute effects of L-Carnitina (vials of 1 g L-Carnitina endovenous; per orally administered vials of 1 g L-Carnitina; tablets of 1 g L-Carnitina) were recorded in 110 top athletes (rowing, kayak-canoe, swimming, weightlifting medium and long-distance runners), 47 girls and 63 boys, by six double blind placebo trials and cross over. Significant changes were registered after L-Carnitina treatment (both for a single dose or after 3 weeks of treatment) compared to placebo, for FFA, triglycenides, lactic acid after exercise, evoked muscular potential, plasma carnitine (free and acetyl-carnitine), urine carnitine (free carnitine) and others. The authors explain these changes by the increase of free carnitine, which permits a larger quantity of FFA to enter the mitochondria and to be more extensively used as energy source in endurance and strength efforts. Based on these results the authors recommend L-Carnitina as an ergogenic aid in elite athletes, especially in endurance and strength sports.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Carnitine / blood
  • Carnitine / pharmacology*
  • Carnitine / urine
  • Evoked Potentials / physiology
  • Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / blood
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Lactates / blood
  • Lactic Acid
  • Male
  • Mucoproteins / urine
  • Muscles / physiology
  • Physical Exertion / physiology
  • Sports*
  • Triglycerides / blood

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Nonesterified
  • Lactates
  • Mucoproteins
  • Triglycerides
  • Lactic Acid
  • Carnitine