Carnitine – (L-carnitine)
Carnitine is an amino acid the body uses to turn fat into energy. Specifically, carnitine is required for transporting long chain fatty acids in the cells, which is essential to the conversion of fatty acids into energy for the cells, especially heart muscle cells.
It is not normally considered an essential nutrient, because the body can manufacture all it needs in the liver from lysine, methionine, and vitamins C, B1, and B6. However, supplemental carnitine may improve the ability of certain tissues to produce energy.
Why would I be recommended to administer carnitine to my pet?
The main indication for carnitine supplementation is for the pet with heart disease, specifically dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs.
How much experience is there with the use of carnitine in pets?
Carnitine has been used successfully to help some dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy. Current benefits and recommendations regarding carnitine supplementation for dogs with heart disease include:
1. Since true carntitine deficiency may exist in a small number of dogs such as boxers with dilated cardiomyopathy, supplementation with L-carnitine may be of benefit in these pets.
2. In some dogs with dilated cardiomypathy (approximately the 40% that have myocardial carnitine deficiency,) supplementation may improve clinical signs and cause some improvement in the echocardiograms of these patients.
3. Supplementation with L-carnitine may improve survival in some dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy, especially those that have myocardial carnitine deficiency.
