Lipid-lowering effect of carnitine in patients with type-IV hyperlipoproteinaemia.

Serum-lipid concentrations were determined in patients with type-IV hyperlipoproteinaemia treated with 900 mg/day oral DL-carnitine chloride. Serum-triglyceride was significantly reduced and concentrations continued to decline as carnitine administration continued. Total and esterified cholesterol concentrations did not change. Intravenous infusion of carnitine produced the same effects. The results suggest that carnitine is of value in the therapy of type-IV hyperliproteinaemia. Increased oxidation of free fatty acids in the tissues seems to account for the effects of carnitine on serum-lipid concentrations.