L-carnitine is a molecule synthesised in humans and required for energy production. L-carnitine is used by the cells to transport fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane in order to allow oxidation and energy release. Around 25 % of the L-carnitine used for metabolic regulation is synthesised endogenously, with around 75 % being derived from the diet. Endogenous synthesis of L-carnitine occurs through a pathway starting with methionine and lysine. The high concentrations of these substrates in testes, heart, striated muscle and the brain give a clue as to the importance of L-carnitine in these tissues. All of these tissues are known to have high energy requirements. In males with infertility, L-carnitine supplementation is able to significantly improve sperm count and concentration. In addition, L-carnitine has been evidenced to raise levels of testosterone in infertile males. Supplements of L-carnitine may therefore provide significant improvements in fertility in infertile men, and this may relate to the ability of supplemental L-carnitine to increase pools of L-carnitine in tissues
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Hadi, A. M., Abbass, Y. I. and Yadgar, M. A. 2020. The impact of L-carnitine supplement on semen variables and the levels of sexual hormones (serum LH, FSH, testosterone, and inhibin) in males with infertility. Medico-Legal Update. 20: 772-776
