Role of L-Carnitine in Alleviating Constipation in Children with Cerebral Palsy: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Background: Constipation is common in children with cerebral palsy (CP), and additional treatment options warrant investigation. This exploratory study assessed L-carnitine as an adjunct to standard care for improving bowel movement frequency, stool consistency and associated gastrointestinal symptoms.
Objective: This exploratory study aimed to assess the effect of L-carnitine supplementation, added to standard care, on constipation in children with CP, particularly bowel movement frequency and stool consistency.
Methods: In this prospective, controlled study, the reported baseline analysis included 45 children with CP and constipation (25 receiving standard care plus oral L-carnitine for 3 months and 20 receiving standard care only). Bowel movement frequency, Bristol stool score, gastrointestinal symptoms and serum L-carnitine were assessed. Follow-up results were available for 25 intervention and 16 control participants.
Results: Within the intervention group, mean bowel movement frequency increased from 2.2 ± 0.5 to 5.2 ± 1.6 per week and mean Bristol score from 1.4 ± 0.5 to 2.5 ± 0.7 (P < 0.001 for both). At follow-up, bowel movement frequency was significantly higher in the intervention group than in controls (5.2 ± 1.6 versus 4.1 ± 2.2 per week; P = 0.039). Lower serum L-carnitine was reported in participants with severe constipation. L carnitine had statistically significant positive correlations with frequency of bowel movement, and stool consistency. Grade V GMFCS had statistically significant lower frequency of bowel movement.
Conclusion: L-carnitine supplementation is essential in children with CP as it improves stool consistency and increases the frequency of defecation.