The use of L-Carnitine in Male Reproductive Abnormalities: The Available Evidence

Abstract

Aamir Jalal Al-Mosawi

Dietary health supplements have been increasingly used in the prevention and treatment of chronic disorders. During the previous decades, L-carnitine has been reported to have beneficial effects on male reproductive functions. L-car- nitine, a non-protein amino acid produced endogenously in the human body from the essential amino acids lysine and methionine or obtained from exogenous dietary sources. The main natural forms of L-carnitine are Acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine. The aim of this paper is to review l-carnitine research findings relevant to its use in male reproductive abnormalities.

Treatment of reproductive male abnormalities caused by abnormalities of idiopathic semen quality including oligozo- ospermia, asthenospermia, and azoospermia include hormonal therapies (Clomiphene citrate, tamoxifen, recombi- nant FSH, and testosterone undecanoate).Non-hormonal therapies include pentoxifylline, and dietary health supple- ments including carnitine. Carnitine has the additional advantage of improving associated erectile dysfunction.

Conclusion: There is convincing research evidence suggesting that l-carnitine can improve male reproductive and can be useful in the treatment of some forms male infertility and erectile dysfunction.

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