Effect of L-carnitine on Bone Strength: An Experimental Study

Abstract

Objective: Decreased bone density and strength increase the risk of fracture and thus the rates of morbidity and mortality. L-carnitine (LC) is a supplement commonly used by individuals who participate in sports, especially to increase muscle mass. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of LC on bone strength. Materials and Methods: In our main study 10 male Wistar rats per group, a tendon injury model was applied by clamping the left Achilles tendons of rats except the control group. LC (100 mg/kg/day) was administered intraperitoneally every day for 5 weeks in the pre-LC group and for 4 weeks in the post-LC group. LC was not given to the control group. Apart from to our main study, remaining right os femurs of rats were extracted at the end of the experiment to test bone strength to reduce the number of animals used in scientific research. 3-D bending test was performed on the extracted bones using a Zwick Roell Z0.5 mechanical testing machine. Results: There were no significant differences among the groups in the parameters and measurements used to evaluate bone strength (p>0.05). Conclusion: LC supplementation had no beneficial or detrimental effects on bone strength in healthy subjects.

Keywords

• femur biomechanics
• bone strength
• l-carnitine
• rat
• 3-d bending test