L‐carnitine supplementation versus cycle ergometer exercise for physical activity and muscle status in hemodialysis patients: A randomized clinical trial

Serum carnitine is decreased in hemodialysis patients, which induces muscle atrophy. Thus, we examined the different effects of l-carnitine and exercise on exercise activity and muscle status in hemodialysis patients. Twenty patients were divided into l-carnitine and cycle ergometer groups and were followed for 3 months. Muscle and fat mass, physical activities, and muscle status were evaluated by an impedance, physical function test, and magnetic resonance imaging, respectively. The l-carnitine significantly increased muscle mass (P = .023) and thigh circumference (P = .027), decreased fat mass (P = .007), and shortened chair stand-up time (P = .002) and 10-m walk test (P = .037). The fat fraction was improved by the l-carnitine (P = .047). Compared with the exercise group, l-carnitine improved the changes in 10-m walk test (P = .026), chair stand-up time (P = .014), and thigh circumference (P = .022). Baseline fibroblast growth factor-21 and myostatin levels predicted the l-carnitine-associated changes in exercise activities. l-carnitine, rather than exercise, improved physical activity and muscle status in hemodialysis patients.