Oral L-Carnitine for people with heart failure
Oral L-Carnitine Supplementation in Cardiorenal Heart Failure Patients
EARLY_PHASE1 · London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's · NCT07201714
This study will test whether taking oral L-carnitine can help adults with heart failure (including those with stage 1–4 chronic kidney disease) feel less tired, breathe easier, and improve heart function.
Quick facts
| Phase | EARLY_PHASE1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (London, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT07201714 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is an early-phase interventional study giving oral L-carnitine to adults with heart failure and some degree of cardiorenal syndrome to see if supplementing a nutrient involved in fat metabolism improves clinical status. The trial is based on the idea that carnitine levels and fatty acid oxidation are reduced in heart failure and that restoring carnitine could improve cardiac energy use. Outcomes include symptom measures, objective measures of heart function, and quality of life. The study enrolls adults able to consent at a single center in London, Ontario, and excludes people with end-stage kidney disease, ongoing dialysis, pregnancy, or a history of seizures or allergy to the study drug.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (≥18 years) with a clinical diagnosis of heart failure and mild-to-moderate chronic kidney disease (stage 1–4), who can provide informed consent and attend visits at the London, Ontario site.
Not a fit: People with end-stage kidney disease (eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m2), those on renal replacement therapy, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, people with a history of seizures, or those allergic to levocarnitine are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, oral L-carnitine could reduce fatigue and shortness of breath, improve heart function, and enhance quality of life for some people with heart failure.
How similar studies have performed: Prior small trials and observational studies have suggested possible benefits of carnitine supplementation in heart failure, but larger controlled trials are limited and results remain inconclusive.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical-pathological diagnosis of heart failure with some degree of cardiorenal syndrome * Stage 1, 2, 3a, 3b, or 4 chronic kidney disease * Age ≥ 18 years * Able to speak and read English * Willing and able to provide consent Exclusion Criteria: * Estimated GFR \<15 mL/min/1.73m2 or Stage 5 chronic kidney disease * Currently undergoing renal replacement therapy of any kind * Pregnant, breastfeeding or intending pregnancy * History of seizures of any type * Known allergy to levocarnitine, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose or povidone * Unable to provide consent
Where this trial is running
London, Ontario
- London Health Sciences Centre — London, Ontario, Canada (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Chris McIntyre, MBBS DM — London Health Sciences Centre
- Study coordinator: Kathy Koyle
- Email: kathleen.koyle@lhsc.on.ca
- Phone: 519-685-8500
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Heart Failure, Carnitine Deficiency