Is L-carnitine an effective solution for reducing cellulite?

Often regarded as a mere aesthetic nuisance, cellulite results from a relatively complex biological process involving changes to the structure of subcutaneous connective tissue. It manifests as a localised accumulation of fats and/or water retention, potentially accompanied by microcirculation alterations. These changes create a “orange-peel” appearance on the thighs, hips or buttocks, particularly common in women. Contrary to certain widespread misconceptions, the cellulite is not necessarily linked to overweight or to poor lifestyle habits, even though these factors can indeed exacerbate it. It is rather difficult to eliminate completely the cellulite without resorting to surgery, some cosmetic actives appear to be helpful, among them L-carnitine.

The primary function of L-carnitine is to transport long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they are oxidised to produce energy.

When applied to the skin, L-carnitine is thought to promote lipid breakdown by stimulating the uptake of fatty acids into the mitochondria of adipocytes. The carnitine-palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) enzyme complex, located on the outer mitochondrial membrane, catalyses the formation of an acyl-carnitine complex, which then crosses the inner membrane via the carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase. Once inside the mitochondrion, acyl-carnitine is converted into acyl-CoA, which enters the β-oxidation cycle, leading to a reduction in adipocyte volume. This stimulation of lipid catabolism could theoretically help to reduce excess fat in areas affected by cellulite.

Moreover, L-carnitine is involved in the regulation of oxidative stress, often seen in the fibrotic and inflamed tissues that characterise cellulite. It can limit the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products such as malondialdehyde, and may protect connective structures, particularly collagen and elastin fibres, from free radical–induced degradation.

The efficacy of L-carnitine in reducing cellulite was tested in a clinical trial examining a product containing, among other ingredients, L-carnitine and caffeine. In conjunction with a hypocaloric diet and a weekly programme of 150 minutes of walking, seven participants, divided into two groups, applied the treatment or a placebo daily for 28 days. The researchers measured the thigh circumference and local fat mass via dual-photon absorptiometry scans. The results, presented in the table below, show greater reductions in the group that received the L-carnitine-based product.

This study suggests that the topical application of L-carnitine, in combination with other lipolytic molecules, can amplify the effects of a hypocaloric diet and moderate physical activity on the reduction of localized fat deposits.

These positive findings must, however, be interpreted with caution. The participant sample was very small, comprising only seven individuals, which makes the conclusions difficult to generalise to the wider population. Furthermore, the product formulation includes several ingredients known for their effects on fat, such as caffeine. It is therefore impossible to determine with certainty what proportion of the observed effects is attributable specifically to L-carnitine. Further studies, with larger cohorts and controlled formulations, would be necessary to precisely assess the efficacy of L-carnitine on cellulite.

Coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine for cellulite: a winning duo?

The combination of L-carnitine and coenzyme Q10 is frequently highlighted in products targeting cellulite. However, despite its popularity, this combination is not supported by any independent scientific study. As a reminder, coenzyme Q10, or ubiquinone, is a lipid-soluble molecule recognised for its antioxidant properties and its role in mitochondrial energy production via the Krebs cycle. In theory, it could protect skin tissues against oxidative stress, and thus, to some extent, prevent cellulite. However, in the absence of clinical data, it is impossible to assert that coenzyme Q10, with or without L-carnitine, can alleviate cellulite.

If the topical application of L-carnitine has shown some anti-cellulite potential, orally ingested L-carnitine might also act against this issue. It is, however, important to note that oral L-carnitine has been studied more in the context of weight management than specifically against cellulite. That said, in a mouse study, supplementation with L-carnitine (400 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks) was able to slow down weight gain induced by a shifted feeding schedule, a model mimicking certain effects of a disorganised lifestyle. Compared with control animals, mice receiving L-carnitine exhibited a significant reduction in adipose tissue weight, improved glucose tolerance and lower plasma levels of triglycerides and cholesterol.

An intake of L-carnitine could limit fat accumulation by supporting lipid oxidation and inhibiting certain storage pathways in an unfavourable nutritional context.

Although these findings are promising, they concern subcutaneous fat but do not specifically target cellulite. Moreover, there is currently no clinical study in humans demonstrating that L-carnitine supplementation reduces cellulite. Furthermore, depending on its type (adipose, aqueous or fibrous cellulite), the latter may result from various factors: simply mobilising fat alone is unlikely to visibly correct this condition.

Thus, although oral L-carnitine may hold potential in the prevention of the cellulite adipose, its efficacy still needs to be demonstrated in clinical studies. Furthermore, before you begin any supplementation, we recommend that you discuss it with your physician.

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