Acute Effect of L-Carnitine Supplements on Lactate, Glucose, Saturated Oxygen and VO2max Variations in Young Males

Abstract

Introduction: L-carnitine may improve athlete’s performance by increasing lipids oxidation. The goal of the present study was to assess the acute impact of L-carnitine supplements on lactate, glucose, saturated oxygen and VO2max levels in young men. Methods: Ten young males completed 2 sessions of exhausting exercise (Bruce test). In the first session, the participants consumed placebo and in the second session, they consumed 3 g of L-carnitine 90 minutes before the test. The 2 sessions were 1-week apart. Then dependent parameters were measured. Results: A significant difference was detected in VO2max and lactate between the placebo and supplement groups (P < 0.05) but the difference between glucose, saturated oxygen and heart rate was not statistically significant (P > 0.05) between the 2 groups. Conclusion: The present study showed that L-carnitine supplementation before exercise decreases lactate and increases VO2max in young men.