The Effect of L-Carnitine Supplementation on Weight and Body Composition in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), one of the most common causes of endocrine disorders with irregular menstruation, is accompanied by an increase in androgen and polycystic ovarian. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of weight loss regimen with and without supplementation. L-carnitine affects lipid profile, insulin, and hormone resistance indices. Methods: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted over women within the age range of 18 to 45 years, who referred to Yazd Diabetes Center in 2019. The participants were divided into the experimental and control groups. The intervention group received 1000 mg L-carnitine (LG = 28) and the placebo group (PG = 28) received the placebo daily. All people followed a low celery diet for 12 weeks. Anthropometric indices and body composition (weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, fat mass, and free fat mass) were measured prior to and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 22. The independent sample t-test was used to compare the mean changes between the LG and PG. Results: At the end of the study period, patients treated with L-carnitine showed a significant decrease in waist circumference compared to the PG (change: -1 ± 3.15, P = 0.001) and no significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of other anthropometrics indices and body composition including fat mass, body mass index, and hip circumference (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The present study showed that 1000 mg oral L-carnitine had no significant effect on body weight, body mass index, body composition, and hip circumference, but had a significant effect on waist circumference size.