Effects of l-carnitine supplementation on body weight losses and metabolic profile in obese and insulin-resistant ponies during a 14-week body weight reduction programme

ECEIM consensus statement on equine metabolic syndrome

“…Safe rates of BM loss are not well defined. Although abrupt feed restriction resulting in loss of approximately 1% BM weekly was not associated with hypertriglyceridemia in a study of Welsh ponies, more rapid BM losses have been associated with increases in serum triglycerides and non‐esterified fatty acid concentrations, reflecting increased lipolysis . Furthermore, quite considerable variation in individual sensitivity or resistance to weight loss can occur, in addition to effects of variation in hay quality .…”

“…Supplements including magnesium, chromium, and short‐chain fructo‐oligosaccharides have received support based on some evidence of improved insulin regulation, although other studies have not confirmed these positive effects . Little benefit has been shown for other supplements including cinnamon, l ‐carnitine, and Psyllium, although some promising effects are reported for a feed enriched with Spirulina platensis algae and the wheat bran protein aleurone…”

“…Body condition scoring to monitor success has some limitations because of the nonlinear relationship of total body fat with BCS when BCS is greater than 7/9, and variable reported changes in BCS after 6‐12 weeks of energy restriction . In the first week of energy restriction, higher BM losses are expected because of reduced gut fill after transition to restricted DMI and beyond the first 12 weeks of dietary restriction, the same level of restriction, even if adjusted for BM, might not have the same effect because of adaptive suppression of resting metabolic rate . Where this is the case, the level of dietary restriction may need to be increased or metabolic rate increased, for example, by implementing an exercise program.…”

Chromium or l-carnitine supplementation during an aerobic conditioning program mildly modified the energy metabolism biomarker response in Mangalarga Marchador fillies

“…Chrobok (2000) reported lower free fatty acid levels before and during exercise for animals supplemented with LC. On the other hand, Schmengler et al (2013) and Van Weyenberg et al (2009) assessed LC supplementation in horses and reported no effect on blood triglyceride levels. The reduction in blood free fatty acid or triglyceride levels when supplemented animals are exercised may be explained by the increase in the uptake of free fatty acids for LC-mediated β-oxidation (Chrobok, 2000).…”

Effects of L-Carnitine Supplementation on Metabolic Utilization of Oxygen and Lipid Profile among Trained and Untrained Humans

“…Carnitine might not only impact energy metabolism but may also have an effect on lipoprotein metabolism such as triglyceride, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lipoprotein (HDL). Previous study showed that 14 weeks of carnitine supplementation decreased serum free fatty acid and triglyceride in obese and insulin-resistant ponies (21). Furthermore, some reports in animal studies indicated that supra-physiological carnitine levels in the liver would be reduced to a lower rate of secretion in VLDL, triglyceride, and cholesterol.…”