THE EFFECT OF L-CARNITINE, ADMINISTERED THROUGH INTRAVENOUS-INFUSION OF GLUCOSE, ON BOTH GLUCOSE AND INSULIN LEVELS IN HEALTHY-SUBJECTS

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effect of L-carnitin e on plasma glucose and insulin levels. Two parallel studies were set- up, of 40 and 20 healthy volunteers, respectively. Each group received 500 cc of 10% glucose or 5% glucose, to which were randomly added 4g or 2g of L-carnitine and administered a week apart. Results showed tha t L-carnitine was able to reduce the increase in glucose plasma levels induced by infusion of the glucose solution. This finding was not dep endent on an insulin-dependent mechanism.