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What is
Carnitine?
Carnitine is a nutrient that is
derived from the amino acids lysine and Methionine. Its name
is derived from the fact that it was first isolated from
meat (carnus). Carnitine is not considered a dietary
essential because it is synthesized in the body. The body
produces carnitine in the liver and kidneys and stores it in
the skeletal muscles, heart, brain, and other tissues.
What Does
in the Body?
Carnitine is responsible for
the transport of fats (long-chain fatty acids) into the
energy-producing centers of the cells known as the
mitochondria. This is where fatty acids are oxidized to
produce vital biological energy that is essential to run all
cellular processes.
Carnitine is great nutrient for diabetes prevention since
poor fat metabolism is a causative factor for the
development of diabetes. It is also great for heart disease
prevention because it lowers triglycerides, improves organ
muscle strength and enhances the antioxidant effectiveness
of Vitamins C and E.
Where is it found?
Red meat and dairy products are the primary sources of
carnitine. Carnitine can also be found in fish, poultry,
wheat, asparagus, and avocados.
Symptoms of Deficiency/Side Effects
There are two types of carnitine deficiency, primary and
secondary. In both primary and secondary Carnitine
deficiencies, increased dietary intake and supplements of
carnitine can be beneficial. A person with
primary carnitine deficiency has very low levels of
carnitine in the blood due to a faulty carnitine transporter
which prevents carnitine from getting into the cells where
it is needed. The secondary form of carnitine deficiency can
arise secondary to metabolic disorders in the mitochondria.
Blockage of metabolic pathways in the mitochondria leads to
a build-up of acyl compounds.
L-carnitine supplementation
may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea,
vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Adverse effects may
include transient nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and
diarrhea. Less frequent reactions may include body odor or
gastrointestinal symptoms. Other rare side effects include
increased appetite, body odor, and rash. |
