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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2015; 123(02): 95-100
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1390481
Mini-Review
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Risks and Benefits of Carnitine Supplementation in Diabetes

M. Dambrova
1   Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia
,
E. Liepinsh
1   Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia
› Institutsangaben
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Publikationsverlauf

received 08. September 2014
first decision 12. September 2014

accepted 15. September 2014

Publikationsdatum:
24. Oktober 2014 (online)

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Abstract

L-carnitine is a very popular food supplement due to its safety profile, antioxidant-type activity and suggested effects on energy metabolism pathways. L-carnitine participates in both fatty acid transport pathways and the export of acetyl groups out of the mitochondria. However, contradictory data exist concerning the pharmacological outcomes of L-carnitine treatment in diabetes mellitus, which is a highly prevalent metabolic disease characterised by hyperglycemia and associated with severe complications, including cardiovascular disease and dyslipidemia. Recently, the L-carnitine-derived metabolites, acylcarnitines and trimethylamine-N-oxide, have been associated with increased cardio-metabolic risks. This review aims to highlight the possible risks and benefits of L-carnitine supplementation.

Key words

L-carnitine - diabetes - food supplement
 

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