Effects of carnitine supplementation on glycemic markers in women with overweight and obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors' conclusion
Carnitine supplementation yields modest but clinically meaningful improvements in fasting glucose, insulin levels, and insulin resistance among overweight and obese women, particularly with higher dosages and longer interventions.
Study context
- Population
- Women with overweight or obesity; Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) searched through October 20258 studies · 9 randomized controlled trial (RCT) arms
- Comparison
- Carnitine supplementation vs placebo
- Outcome
- Glycemic markers (fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, QUICKI)
Methodological detailsrandom-effects models, predefined subgroup analyses
- Random-effects models
- Predefined subgroup analyses
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Glycemic markers
Each group vs placeboWMD (FBS), mg/dL (95 % CI)
Carnitine
−2.93(−5.20 to −0.65)
Each group vs placeboWMD (fasting insulin), μU/mL (95 % CI)
Carnitine
−3.54(−7.00 to −0.07)
Each group vs placeboWMD (HOMA-IR) (95 % CI)
Carnitine
−0.69(−1.26 to −0.13)
Further pooled results
Subgroups by dose and duration
- Stronger effects at higher doses (≥2000 mg/day) and longer durations (≥12 weeks)
Sensitivity analyses and publication bias
- Findings robust; no evidence of publication bias
Original publication
Effects of carnitine supplementation on glycemic markers in women with overweight and obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. Published 31 October 2025. doi:10.
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