What is Carnitine?
derived from amino acid carnitineIt is found in almost all cells of the body. This concept is a general term used for a number of compounds including L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine.
This compound plays a critical role in energy production. It carries long-chain fatty acids to the mitochondria, so they can be oxidized, that is, burned, to produce energy. It is also important to prevent the accumulation of toxic compounds produced by this cellular organelle. This compound, which has such basic functions, is found in high amounts in tissues such as heart muscle that use fatty acids.
The body produces sufficient amounts of this compound to meet human needs. For genetic or medical reasons, some individuals (such as premature babies) cannot produce enough, so it is necessary for them to take it as a supplement.
Should it be taken as a supplement?
Liver and kidneys lysine And methionine Since it produces sufficient amounts of this compound to meet the daily need for amino acids, children and adults do not need to consume extra supplements. The Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academies (formerly the National Academy of Sciences) reviewed studies on the functions of this compound in 1989 and concluded that it was not an essential nutrient.
In Which Foods Is It Found?
Animal foods such as meat, fish, poultry and milk are the best foods in this regard. The redder the meat, the higher its carnitine content. Dairy products, mainly whey, also contain this compound.
Absorption
Adults eating food groups containing red meat and other animal products should consume approximately 60-180 milligrams per day. from this compound alırlar. Veganlar, hayvansal kaynaklı gıdalardan kaçındıkları için daha az (yaklaşık 10-12 miligram) tüketir. Bu şekilde alınan besinlerin çoğu (%54-86) ince bağırsakta emilir ve kan dolaşımına girer.
The kidney produces this compound It preserves it efficiently, therefore even those who eat low in carnitine have a certain amount of this compound in their bodies. When consumed in excess, instead of being digested, it is excreted through the kidneys when needed in order to maintain stable blood concentrations.
When Does Deficiency Occur?
There are two types of nutrient deficiency conditions. Primary deficiency is a genetic disorder of the cellular carrier system that usually manifests itself by age five. Secondary deficiencies may occur due to certain disorders (such as chronic renal failure) or certain conditions that reduce the absorption or increase the excretion of carnitine (for example, the use of certain antibiotics). Prescription products can be used to treat such deficiencies.
Athletic Performance
Some athletes take it as a supplement to improve performance. However, an older study found no consistent evidence that carnitine supplements could improve exercise or physical performance in healthy subjects.
When supplemented with doses ranging from 2-6 grams/day for 1 to 28 days, the carnitine rate in a man weighing 80 kilos reaches 20 grams, almost all of which is in the skeletal muscle. carnitine We can say that supplements do not increase the body's use of oxygen or improve metabolic status. While exercising, it does not have the effect of increasing the amount in muscle.
Aging
The decline in mitochondrial function is thought to contribute to the aging process. Since the concentration of this compound in tissues decreases with age, it may be useful to use it as a supplement during the aging process.
Studies in aged rats show that supplementation may improve mitochondrial alpha-lipoic acid (an antioxidant). However, it is worth noting that there is currently no equivalent study of this type in humans.
However, placebo-controlled studies have shown that these supplements may improve mental function and reduce impairment in older adults with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. In these studies, subjects took 1.5-3.0 grams/day of acetyl-L-carnitine supplements for 3-12 months.
Cancer
Fatigue caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and malnutrition is common in cancer patients. One study found that most subjects taking this compound supplement (4 grams/day for one week) experienced reduced fatigue and a return to normal blood levels.
In another study, terminal cancer patients supplemented with supplements (doses ranging from 250 milligrams to 3 grams per day) reported less fatigue and improved mood and sleep quality. Today, these supplements are used effectively in the treatment of cancer patients.
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