Description

L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring water-soluble, vitamin-like quaternary amine, which is found as a component of all animal cells. Only very small amounts are found in plants except for avocado and some fermented soy products.

In the body L-Carnitine is synthesised mainly in the kidneys and liver and the following nutrients are involved in it’s biosynthesis :

• Essential amino acids : L-lysine, L-methionine
• Vitamins : Niacin, Vitamin B₆ , Vitamin C
• Minerals : Iron

One of its main roles in the body is to facilitate the movement of long-chain fatty acids across the inner membranes of mitochondria for beta-oxidation to produce the high energy compound adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It is also responsible for the removal of short-chain fatty acids from mitochondria to maintain coenzyme A concentrations.

In the body the highest concentrations of carnitine are found in skeletal and cardiac muscle.

It was formerly called Vitamin BT.

Recommended Feeding Rates

The minimum daily dietary requirement of L-carnitine for dogs and cats is not known. (1,2)

Cats:

Precautions

Store in a cool dry place