May 16, 2010

A small study has proved that taking l-carnitine supplements while using a calorie-restricted diet improves insulin resistance in patients who were diagnosed with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or type 2 diabetes.

The study led by Molfino A and colleagues from Sapienza University in Rome, Italy involved 16 patients with newly diagnosed IFG or type 2 diabetes. The subjects were not receiving anti-diabetic therapy and modification of lifestyle during the previous four weeks.

For the study, eight patients were assigned a hypocaloric diet for 10 days and another eight patients oral L-carnitine in a dose of 2 grams twice a day in addition to the hypocaloric diet.

Oral glucose tolerance test results showed both groups improved their glucose tolerance.  But only the group receiving L-carnitine had their plasma insulin levels decreased signficantly.

The researchers concluded that oral L-carnitine supplements coupled with a hyopcaloric feeding regimen improves insulin resistance and may be used as an adjunctive treatment for IFG and type 2 diabetes.

The study was published in the May-June 2010 issue of JPEN. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.