L-Carnitine Studied in Childhood Development and Cognition

A recent study reports that L-carnitine enhances function in subjects with suboptimal developmental and cognitive function. L-carnitine is an amino acid synthesized in the body from lysine and methionine. L-carnitine plays a role in fat metabolism and functions by carrying fatty acids to the mitochondria in the cells to be utilized in energy production.

This clinical trial investigated the effect of L-carnitine supplementation in 30 subjects with suboptimal developmental, social, behavioral and communication abilities. The subjects received either 50 mg L-carnitine per kg bodyweight per day or placebo for 3 months. Serum free-carnitine levels were measured and the subjects were evaluated using several methods, including a rating scale measuring social, cognitive and behavioral parameters, hand muscle testing, modified clinical global impression forms, treatment adherence measurements, and frequency and intensity of side effect forms.

The results of the study showed that in the subjects that received the L-carnitine supplementation, there were improved cognitive function scores and improved modified clinical global impression forms. The study also revealed that increased serum levels of free L-carnitine correlated to positive clinical changes such as hand muscle strength and cognition scores.

The researchers stated that L-carnitine therapy at a dose of 50 mg per kilogram-bodyweight per day administered for 3 months significantly improved several clinical measurements in these subjects with suboptimal developmental, social, behavioral and communication abilities.

Reference:

Geier DA, Kern JK, Davis G, King PG, Adams JB, Young JL, Geier MR. A prospective double-blind, randomized clinical trial of levocarnitine to treat autism spectrum disorders. Med Sci Monit. 2011 Jun 1;17(6):PI15-23.