Effects of Combined L-Carnitine Supplementation and Moderate-Intensity Exercises on Oxidative Stress, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Responses in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Obesity has been associated to persistent oxidative stress and inflammation that could lead to chronic diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-eight overweight and obese participants aged 29.03±6.02 years old were randomly assigned, with 17 participants per group, into sedentary control (C), L-carnitine supplement alone (S), exercise alone (E), and combined L-carnitine supplementation and exercise (SE) groups. The participants in S and SE groups took one tablet of 1000 mg of L-carnitine every day. The E and SE groups performed brisk walking exercise for 30 minutes at 50% HRmax followed by Tabata exercise for 10 to 20 minutes per session, 3 sessions per week. During pre and post-tests, blood markers of participants were assessed to determine their reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. All the observed parameters were analysed using two-way mixed ANOVA for repeated measures to determine significant differences within and between the groups and comparisons of mean differences were performed using one way ANOVA. RESULTS: Results showed that there were significant decreases in ROS and MDA in the S, E, and SE groups at post-test after 12 weeks of intervention. The greatest reduction of these parameters were observed in SE group among all groups. At the post-test, both CAT and SOD levels increased in the S, E, and SE groups. Regarding IL-6, it was found to be increased in C and E groups. In contrast, there were significant decreases in S and SE groups following the intervention. CONCLUSION: Twelve weeks of L-carnitine supplementation and engagement in brisk walking and Tabata exercise had significant improvement on oxidative stress, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory responses in overweight and obese individuals.