Volume 17, Issue 4 (Winter 2026)
2026, 17(4): 21-28 |
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Yaghoubi F, Pasban A, Shokri A, Sangsefidi Z S. The Effect of L-Carnitine on Female Reproductive Health: A Narrative Review. North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences 2026; 17 (4) :21-28
URL: http://journal.nkums.ac.ir/article-1-3314-en.html
URL: http://journal.nkums.ac.ir/article-1-3314-en.html
1- Department of Nursing, Shirvan School of Nursing, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
2- Department of Nutrition, School of Health, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
3- Student Research Committee, Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
4- Department of Nutrition, School of Health, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran ,sangsefidi.zsadat@gmail.com
2- Department of Nutrition, School of Health, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
3- Student Research Committee, Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
4- Department of Nutrition, School of Health, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran ,
Abstract: (27 Views)
Introduction: Infertility is a prevalent global concern, affecting approximately 15% of couples of reproductive age. Metabolic imbalance, oxidative stress, and hormonal dysregulation are key contributors to impaired female fertility. L-carnitine, a naturally occurring compound involved in fatty acid metabolism and mitochondrial function, has attracted attention for its potential to improve reproductive outcomes.
Methods: Searching was performed in various scientific databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and SID using various keywords including “L-carnitine” “fertility", “reproductive health", “infertility”, and "female" with no restrictions on language or publication date. In first, studies were screened according to their titles and abstracts. Then, the full text of relevant articles was further evaluated and the included studies were selected. Finally, the included studies were summarized and discussed.
Results: L-carnitine has demonstrated multiple beneficial effects on female reproduction, including enhanced mitochondrial function, improved oocyte quality, reduced oxidative stress, and modulation of metabolic pathways. Studies indicated that L-carnitine supplementation improves ovulatory function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, increases implantation success rates in ART, and enhances endometrial receptivity. Additionally, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties play a crucial role in counteracting reproductive aging and reducing the adverse effects of endometriosis.
Conclusion: L-carnitine is a promising supplement in the management of female infertility, particularly in metabolic and oxidative stress-related disorders. While clinical evidence supports its potential to improve fertility outcomes, further large-scale, randomized controlled trials are necessary to establish optimal dosage recommendations, long-term safety, and personalized treatment approaches. Integrating L-carnitine into reproductive medicine may enhance fertility success rates and provide a novel strategy for treating female infertility.
Methods: Searching was performed in various scientific databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and SID using various keywords including “L-carnitine” “fertility", “reproductive health", “infertility”, and "female" with no restrictions on language or publication date. In first, studies were screened according to their titles and abstracts. Then, the full text of relevant articles was further evaluated and the included studies were selected. Finally, the included studies were summarized and discussed.
Results: L-carnitine has demonstrated multiple beneficial effects on female reproduction, including enhanced mitochondrial function, improved oocyte quality, reduced oxidative stress, and modulation of metabolic pathways. Studies indicated that L-carnitine supplementation improves ovulatory function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, increases implantation success rates in ART, and enhances endometrial receptivity. Additionally, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties play a crucial role in counteracting reproductive aging and reducing the adverse effects of endometriosis.
Conclusion: L-carnitine is a promising supplement in the management of female infertility, particularly in metabolic and oxidative stress-related disorders. While clinical evidence supports its potential to improve fertility outcomes, further large-scale, randomized controlled trials are necessary to establish optimal dosage recommendations, long-term safety, and personalized treatment approaches. Integrating L-carnitine into reproductive medicine may enhance fertility success rates and provide a novel strategy for treating female infertility.
Type of Study: Review Article |
Subject:
Basic Sciences
Received: 2024/12/18 | Accepted: 2025/07/20 | Published: 2026/01/1
Received: 2024/12/18 | Accepted: 2025/07/20 | Published: 2026/01/1
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