Effect of L-carnitine on behavioral disorder in autistic children

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: 1) To Study the effect of L-carnitine supplementation on behavioral symptoms in autistic children; 2) Study the effect of l-Carnitine supplementation on Acyl-Carnitine profile of Autistic children; 3) Detect possible correlation between the blood Carnitine status and Autistic behavior; and 4) Tolerability assessment of l-carnitine supplementation. METHOD(S): Thirty children diagnosed with autism were randomly assigned to receive (100 mg/kg bodyweight/day) of liquid l-carnitine (n=16) or placebo (n=14) for 6 months. Measurements included changes in childhood autism rating scale (CARS) form and free and total carnitine levels using tandem mass spectrometry. RESULT(S): Results showed significant improvement in CARS scores (P-groups 0.5 , P> 0.05) and generally L-carnitine therapy was well tolerated. In conclusion, L-carnitine therapy (100 mg/kg-bodyweight/day) administered for 6 months significantly improved the autism severity, but subsequent studies are recommended. CONCLUSION(S): 1) Significant differences were found in free and total carnitine levels after therapy; 2) Clinically, Lcarnitine supplementation improves autism severity; 3) L-carnitine therapy was well tolerated; and 4) L-carnitine supplements may be given as part of autism treatment regimen.