Protective Effects of L-Carnitine Supplement Combined with Interval Training on Kidney and Liver Function among Overweight and Obese Individuals.

BACKGROUND: Although carnitine supplementation has been studied for its effects on serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in patients, research in physically inactive overweight and obese individuals remains limited. AIM: This study examined the effects of L-carnitine supplementation and moderate-intensity exercise (30 min of brisk walking and interval training) on kidney and liver functions in overweight and obese individuals. METHODS: Sixty-eight overweight and obese participants (29.03 ± 6.02 years) were randomly assigned to four groups: Control (C), L-carnitine supplementation alone (S), exercise alone (E), and combined L-carnitine supplement and exercise (SE). The S and SE groups consumed 1000 mg of L-carnitine daily for 12 weeks, while the E and SE groups performed 30 min of brisk walking and interval training. The control group maintained their usual routines. Kidney and liver function markers, including ALT, AST, creatinine, urea, and total bilirubin, were analyzed. Repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Bonferroni test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: No significant changes in kidney and liver function markers were observed among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: L-carnitine supplementation alone, exercise alone, and their combination do not adversely affect kidney and liver function in overweight and obese individuals, supporting their safety. Although no significant biomarker changes were detected, these findings encourage further research on long-term effects, varying exercise intensities and higher L-carnitine doses to explore potential metabolic benefits.