Carnitine, or trans. carnitine, is an amino acid, a quaternary ammonium cationic complex, which can be biosynthesized from both lysine and methionine and is involved in the metabolism of fat into energy in the body. Carnitine has two stereoisomerism: L-Carnitine, which is biologically active, and D-carnitine, which is non-biologically active. L-carnitine (L-carnitine) is an amino acid widely distributed in the liver, especially in myocardium and skeletal muscle. Most of the carnitine required by the body comes from meat and dairy products in the diet. [1]
Carnitine is an amino acid widely distributed in the liver, especially in cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle. Most of the carnitine components required by the body come from meat and dairy products in the diet. In addition, the body itself can synthesize part of methionine as raw material, and the body needs vitamin C, iron, B6 and niacin as auxiliary factors of various enzymes in the reaction when biosynthesizing carnitine. L-carnitine is widely present in the body, especially in mitochondria. The concentration of L-carnitine was highest in the adrenal gland, followed by the heart, bone, muscle, adipose tissue and liver. Free L-carnitine is excreted in the urine. Plant-based foods contain less l-carnitine (in some cases none), as well as less lysine and methionine, the two essential amino acids that make carnitine. The l-carnitine content in animal food is high, especially in liver. Foods rich in L-carnitine include yeast, milk, liver, meat and other animal foods. Humans and most animals can also meet their physiological needs through synthesis within their bodies. L-carnitine is not deficient under normal conditions.
