Carnitine improves performance in centenarians

People in developed countries are living longer than ever before and very old athletes (90 and older) are increasingly participating in Masters sports competitions. While a long life is desirable, quality of life in old age is even more important.
An Italian study came to the conclusion that L-carnitine supplements (2 grams per day for six months) reduced fatigue and improved mental function in 66 men and women over the age of 100. The results were compared with a control group of the same age group who took a placebo. Members of the carnitine group gained 8.4 pounds of lean body mass, lost 4 pounds of fat, ran 4 meters further in a 6-minute walk test and reduced their cholesterol levels by 15 percent. The subjects taking supplements also showed improved mental function and increased physical activity. The supplement was well tolerated and none of the study participants reported any side effects. Other studies have not shown these beneficial effects in younger subjects.
(American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 86: 1738-1744, 2007)