RecruitingEARLY_PHASE1INTERVENTIONAL

Oral Carnitine in Heart Failure Patients

This study wants to find out if a natural substance called L-Carnitine can help people who have heart failure. Heart failure is a condition where your heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should, which can make you feel very tired, short of breath, and cause swelling. L-Carnitine is found naturally in your body and helps turn fat into energy. Researchers believe that if people with heart failure take extra L-Carnitine, it might give their heart more energy. This could lead to fewer symptoms, better heart function, and a better quality of life. The study will give people L-Carnitine by mouth to see if these benefits occur, helping us understand more about this treatment option.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

EARLY_PHASE1

Sponsor

London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Enrolment target

Start

12 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Heart Failure Carnitine Deficiency

What is this study about?

Heart failure means your heart isn't pumping blood as effectively as it should. This can make everyday activities difficult, as you might feel very tired, short of breath, or notice swelling, particularly in your legs or ankles. Your heart needs energy to do its job, and a big part of that energy usually comes from burning fat.

Our bodies naturally produce a substance called carnitine, which is vital for turning fat into energy. However, in people with heart failure, the amount of carnitine in the body, especially in the heart, can be lower than it should be. Scientists think that this lack of carnitine might make it harder for the heart to get the energy it needs, possibly making heart failure worse.

This study aims to discover if taking extra L-Carnitine by mouth can help. We hope that by boosting carnitine levels, the heart will be able to get more energy, which could improve how well the heart works, reduce symptoms, and ultimately lead to a better quality of life for people living with heart failure. This is an early-stage study, which means we are carefully exploring these possibilities.

Key takeaways

Study examines oral L-Carnitine for heart failure.
Aims to improve symptoms, heart function, and quality of life.
L-Carnitine helps turn fat into energy for the heart.
Adults with heart failure and certain kidney conditions may be eligible.
Early phase research, so potential benefits are being explored.
Participation involves taking L-Carnitine and regular health checks.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) and have received a diagnosis of heart failure. You also need to have some level of kidney disease, from mild to quite severe, but not so severe that you need dialysis or have extremely serious kidney problems. You should be able to speak and read English well enough to understand the study information and give your permission to take part.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. You also can't join if you have a history of seizures or if you are allergic to L-Carnitine or certain ingredients found in the study medication, such as magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, or povidone. Also, if your kidney disease is extremely advanced (Stage 5) or you're already having dialysis, you won't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with heart failure?
Do you also have some level of kidney disease (but not extremely severe or requiring dialysis)?
Are you able to speak and read English?
Are you *not* pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant?
Do you *not* have a history of seizures or known allergies to L-Carnitine or study ingredients?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be given L-Carnitine to take by mouth. The study involves regular visits to the clinic where we will monitor your health, check your heart function, and ask about your symptoms and how you are feeling. These assessments might include blood tests, physical examinations, and questionnaires about your quality of life. We will explain the full schedule of visits and what each involves if you are interested. We don't have information about the total duration of the study or the exact frequency of visits, but these details would be fully explained before you agree to participate.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer some potential benefits, such as improvements in your heart failure symptoms, better heart function, and an overall improvement in your quality of life. However, as with any study, there's also a chance that you might not experience any benefits at all, or you could experience side effects from the L-Carnitine. All known side effects would be fully discussed with you by the study team. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

London Health Sciences Centre
Verified postcode
London, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is heart failure?

Heart failure means your heart isn't pumping blood around your body as well as it should. It can make you feel tired and short of breath.

What is L-Carnitine?

L-Carnitine is a natural substance in your body that helps turn fat into energy. Some people with heart failure have lower levels of it.

Will this study cure my heart failure?

This is an early study to see if L-Carnitine can help improve symptoms and heart function, but it's not expected to be a cure for heart failure.

What kind of kidney problems means I can't join?

You can't join if you have extremely severe kidney disease that requires dialysis or if your kidney function is very, very low.

What if I change my mind during the study?

You can stop being part of the study at any time, for any reason, and it won't affect your regular medical care.

How to find out more

Kathy Koyle

kathleen.koyle@lhsc.on.ca 519-685-8500 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.