However , carnitine supplementation at dosages of ≤ 1000 mg/day ( p = 0.035 ) or equal to 2000 mg/day ( p = 0.013 ) result ed in significant reduction in ALT level , while doses more than 2000 mg/day did not change ALT  significantly .
Carnitine exerts its reducing effect on serum ALT and AST levels only when these aminotransferases are raised or when the duration of supplementation lasts at least 3 months .
Results of the current meta- analysis showed that carnitine supplementation can decrease serum AST and ALT levels significantly , especially when supplementation lasts 3 months or more in patients with elevated serum aminotransferase levels
Acetyl-l-carnitine reduces depression and improves quality of life in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy
Abstract Background . Minimal hepatic encephalopathy ( MHE ) represents a common complication present in well-compensated cirrhotic patients that impairs patients ' daily functioning and health-related quality of life ( HRQL ) . Acetyl-l-carnitine ( ALC ) has been shown to be useful in improving blood ammonia and cognitive functions in cirrhotic patients with MHE . Objective . This study evaluated the effects of ALC treatment on HRQL and depression in patients with MHE . Study design . This was a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled study . Sixty-seven patients with MHE were recruited to the study . They were r and omly assigned to two groups and received either 2 g acetyl-l-carnitine twice a day ( n = 33 ) or placebo ( n = 34 ) for 90 days . The primary efficacy measures were changes in aspartate aminotransferase , alanine aminotransferase , γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase , albumin , alkaline phosphatase , prothrombin time , and ammonia . Clinical and laboratory assessment s , psychometric tests and automated electroencephalogram ( EEG ) analysis were performed for all patients . Results . At the end of the study period , between the two groups , we observed a significant difference in physical function ( p < 0.001 ) , role physical ( p < 0.001 ) , general health ( p < 0.001 ) , social function ( p < 0.05 ) , role emotional ( p < 0.05 ) , mental health ( p < 0.05 ) , Beck Depression Inventory ( p < 0.001 ) , TMT-B s ( p < 0.001 ) , State Trait Inventory ( p < 0.001 ) , urea ( p < 0.05 ) , NH4 + ( p < 0.001 ) , and bilirubin ( p < 0.001 ) . Conclusions . This study shows that ALC treatment is associated with significant improvement in patient energy levels , general functioning and well-being . The improvement of quality of life is associated with reduction of anxiety and depression
However , carnitine supplementation at dosages of ≤ 1000 mg/day ( p = 0.035 ) or equal to 2000 mg/day ( p = 0.013 ) result ed in significant reduction in ALT level , while doses more than 2000 mg/day did not change ALT  significantly .
Carnitine exerts its reducing effect on serum ALT and AST levels only when these aminotransferases are raised or when the duration of supplementation lasts at least 3 months .
Results of the current meta- analysis showed that carnitine supplementation can decrease serum AST and ALT levels significantly , especially when supplementation lasts 3 months or more in patients with elevated serum aminotransferase levels