L-carnitine effectively counteracts muscle wasting, reduces weight and anthropometric declines, improves serum albumin levels, and lowers malnutrition risk in acute ischemic stroke patients.
A new study issued in "BMC Nutrition" suggests that early L-carnitine supplementation could help prevent malnutrition and muscle wasting in patients recovering from acute ischemic stroke. Malnutrition is a major concern in stroke rehabilitation, often leading to poor recovery outcomes and reduced independence. Researchers conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial to examine whether L-carnitine could mitigate the catabolic effects of stroke.
In this study, 82 patients experiencing their first ischemic stroke were randomly allocated to get either 1000 mg L-carnitine (3 times daily for 7 days) or a placebo. Using an intention-to-treat approach, the study monitored alteration in weight, body mass index, triceps skinfold thickness, mid-arm circumference, mid-arm muscle circumference, arm muscle area, calf circumference, serum albumin levels, and malnutrition status throughout the intervention period. Based on serum albumin concentration, triceps skinfold thickness, and mid-arm muscle circumference, malnutrition was assessed.
Between-group differences were analyzed via analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), adjusting for baseline mean values. As found, those receiving L-carnitine experienced markedly less weight loss and muscle deterioration as opposed to the placebo group. The supplementation helped maintain mid-arm circumference, body mass index, calf circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness, indicating better nutritional status. Notably, the L-carnitine group exhibited a higher serum albumin concentration, suggesting improved protein metabolism and reduced malnutrition risk.
By the end of the study, 41.5% of L-carnitine patients remained malnourished, compared to 73.2% in the placebo group. Additionally, recovery rates were substantially higher in the L-carnitine group, with 43.9% showing improvement versus just 7.3% in the placebo group. These findings highlight L-carnitine’s potential as a supportive nutritional therapy for stroke sufferers, particularly in the early stages of recovery. By minimizing muscle loss and stabilizing nutritional markers, L-carnitine may boost rehabilitation outcomes, offering a simple yet efficient intervention for stroke patients at risk of malnutrition.
BMC Nutrition
The effect of L-carnitine supplementation on anthropometric and malnutrition status in acute ischemic stroke patients: a triple-blinded randomized clinical trial
Samaneh Hajjarzadeh et al.
Comments (0)