| Summary: | The effects of 12 weeks of combined L-carnitine supplementation and moderateintensity
exercise on body composition, metabolic and oxidative stress markers, bone
parameters and muscular performance in overweight and obese individuals were
determined. Sixty-eight participants aged 29.03 ± 6.02 years old were divided into
control (C), L-carnitine supplement (S), exercise (E), combined L-carnitine and
exercise (SE) groups. Participants in supplement groups consumed 1 tablet of 1000mg
L-carnitine daily. Participants in exercise groups performed 30 minutes of brisk
walking (50% HRmax) and continued with 10 to 20 minutes of interval training per
session, 3 times per week. Mean energy intake was higher than their mean energy
expenditure. The percentages of carbohydrate, protein and fat intakes were
significantly higher than recommended nutrient intake (RNI) values. After 12 weeks
of intervention, there were significant reduction (p< 0.05) in body weight, body mass
index, fat percentage, fat mass, and increase (p< 0.05) in fat free mass (FFM) in S, E
and SE groups. Regarding metabolic markers, waist to hip ratio, blood glucose,
triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol, SE group expressed the
highest reduction (p< 0.05) compared to C group. All groups showed enhancement
(p< 0.05) in both radial and tibial speed of sound of dominant and non-dominant arms
and legs within the groups except for C group. There were significant greater (p< 0.05)
extension and flexion peak torque and average power in both legs and arms at 60o.s-1 and 300o.s-1 in S, E and SE groups compared to C group and SE group was expressed
the greatest value. In comparison with C groups, all groups showed greater values of
serum ALP (p< 0.05) and total calcium (p < 0.05), but significantly lower value of
serum 1CTP (p< 0.05). Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS)
values significantly reduced in all groups (p< 0.05) except for C group. Meanwhile for
antioxidant markers, serum catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), all
groups displayed greater increment (p< 0.05) compared to C group, and SE group
demonstrated the highest increment. In terms of interleukin-6, S and SE groups also
showed higher decrement (p< 0.05), meanwhile E group showed higher increment
compared to C group, and the greatest decrement (p< 0.05) was observed in SE group.
The toxicity test explained that L-carnitine supplement are safe to be consumed in 12
weeks. Generally, combinations of L-carnitine supplement with brisk walking and
interval exercise for 12 weeks elicit beneficial effects to improve overall parameters
in overweight and obese individuals.
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