Understanding how carnitine affects artery stiffness in teenagers

Causal mechanisms in adolescent arterial stiffness

NIH-funded research Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10675579

This study is looking at how taking carnitine supplements might affect blood vessel stiffness in teenagers, which can help us understand more about heart health and blood pressure.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBaylor College of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10675579 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between carnitine levels and arterial stiffness in adolescents, which can influence blood pressure and cardiovascular health. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial where participants will receive either carnitine supplements or a placebo for six months. Researchers will measure changes in arterial stiffness, insulin resistance, and other metabolic markers to understand how carnitine may impact vascular health. The goal is to identify potential mechanisms that contribute to arterial stiffness beyond just aging and obesity.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who are at risk for arterial stiffness, particularly those with high triglyceride levels.

Not a fit: Patients who are not adolescents or those without risk factors for arterial stiffness may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of carnitine on metabolic health, but this specific approach to arterial stiffness in adolescents is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Houston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.