What is Carnitine?

Carnitine is a small, water soluble amino acid derivative used to transport long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria.

The Role of Carnitine in Cellular Metabolism

Carnitine has two essential functions in the metabolism of fatty acids:

• To shuttle long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria where they can be broken down and used as energy
• To remove toxic acyl compounds from the mitochondria so they can be excreted from the body

Carnitine plays an integral role in the Krebs Cycle by assisting with beta oxidation.

Energy production for cardiac and skeletal muscle function is critically dependent on an adequate supply of carnitine.

Seventy-five percent of carnitine needs are met through diet. Carnitine comes from meat, dairy products and breast milk. The rest is produced in the liver and kidneys. However, the ability of the body to produce and utilize carnitine is dependent upon a person's health.