Cyclists showed no clear performance advantage from a supplement combination
Compared with placebo, the supplement did not demonstrate better exercise performance. A reported blood lactate reduction did not translate into a performance advantage.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
In trained male cyclists, the supplement combination did not show a statistically significant performance advantage over placebo after the study period. Aerobic power improved across testing sessions, without evidence that supplementation explained the improvement. The supplement group also had a reported reduction in blood lactate, but this blood measurement did not establish improved exercise performance.
The abstract does not clearly identify the comparator for the lactate reduction. Its performance findings apply to trained men over a short study period, and nonsignificant differences do not establish equivalence.
What researchers found
Supplement combination versus placebo
After 4 weeks, comparisons did not show statistically significant advantages in maximal aerobic power, sprint power, jumping or fatigue measures.
Improvement across sessions
Maximal aerobic power means the highest power reached during the graded exercise test. It increased across sessions, but the analysis did not show a different pattern of improvement between the supplement and placebo groups.
Blood results and performance
Blood lactate was measured after intense cycling tests. The reported decrease is a separate result from cycling performance. Because the supplement also contained vitamins, the trial cannot isolate the contribution of either named ingredient.
The original publication
l-Carnitine and Alpha-Lipoic Acid Fail to Improve Anaerobic and Aerobic Performance in Trained Cyclists Despite a Reduction in Blood Lactate Concentration.
de Rozas A, Pérez-Díaz JJ, Muros JJ et al.
Nutrients · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40647331
- Record checked
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