Oral L-Carnitine for people with heart failure
Official title: Oral L-Carnitine Supplementation in Cardiorenal Heart Failure Patients
Run by London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's · NCT07201714 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 12, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07201714 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Using Apple Watch data to predict heart failure outcomes
This study is testing if data from Apple Watches can help predict heart failure problems and the chances of needing to go back to the hospital for patients with heart failure.
-
Comparing Aortix Device to Diuretics for Acute Heart Failure
This study is testing whether the Aortix device can help people with acute heart failure who aren't responding to diuretics feel better compared to standard treatment.
-
Myocardial Energetics Across Cardiovascular Disease Spectrum Using 31P-MRS
Researchers are testing whether phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) can map heart energy metabolism across healthy people and patients with various heart conditions.
-
Tailored digital support to cut sedentary time in long-term cardiac rehab
In adults in a long-term cardiac rehabilitation program, this study tests whether a personalized behavioural program with digital tools can reduce daily sitting time.
-
NT-proBNP–guided heart failure screening for people 65+ in rural China
This study tests whether using NT-proBNP blood tests to guide heart failure screening in adults 65 and older in rural China can find unrecognized heart problems more effectively than symptom-based screening.
-
Voice-based detection of heart failure deterioration using Noah Labs Vox
This study tests whether a voice-analysis app can flag worsening heart failure in adults by comparing its alerts to standard weight-based monitoring.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.