title: The effect of (L-)carnitine on weight loss in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
abstract: This study provides a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, which have examined the effect of the carnitine on adult weight loss. Relevant studies were identified by systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and reference lists of relevant marker studies. Nine studies (total n = 911) of adequate methodological quality were included in the review. Trials with mean difference (MD) of 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled using random effect model. Results from meta-analysis of eligible trials revealed that subjects who received carnitine lost significantly more weight (MD: -1.33 kg; 95% CI: -2.09 to -0.57) and showed a decrease in body mass index (MD: -0.47 kg m(-2) ; 95% CI: -0.88 to -0.05) compared with the control group. The results of meta-regression analysis of duration of consumption revealed that the magnitude of weight loss resulted by carnitine supplementation significantly decreased over time (p = 0.002). We conclude that receiving the carnitine resulted in weight loss. Using multiple-treatments meta-analysis of the drugs and non-pharmacotherapy options seem to be insightful areas for research. © 2016 World Obesity.
authors.affiliation: School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pooyandjoo
authors.affiliation: Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nouhi
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shab-Bidar
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. kdjafarian@tums.ac.ir.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Djafarian
authors.affiliation: National institute of health research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Olyaeemanesh
mesh_terms: D002331:Carnitine / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D005227:Fatty Acids; D002331:Carnitine
keywords: (L-)carnitine; BMI; meta-analysis; weight change