Weight Management
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Carnitine
Carnitine is an amino acid derivative that transports long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria to allow oxidation and to produce energy, and thus is beneficial in weight management. Although it is produced endogenously with adequate protein intake, food and calorie restriction can lead to reduced protein intake and may compromise carnitine biosynthesis.
Studies have shown that carnitine supplementation may help dogs preserve more lean body mass during weight loss,1 and may enhance metabolism and weight loss in cats.2,3 The role of protein as a source of carnitine versus carnitine supplementation for this benefit has not been explored.
Key thing to remember
- Carnitine plays a key role in fat metabolism which makes it beneficial in weight management.
Explore areas of managing a healthy weight
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Find out more
- Sunvold, G. D., Vickers, R. J., Kelley, R. L., Tetrick, M. A., Davenport, G. M., & Bouchard, G. F. (1999). Effect of dietary carnitine during energy restriction in the canine. Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal, 13, A268.
- Center, S. A., Warner, K. L., Randolph, J. F., Sunvold, G. D., & Vickers, J. R. (2012). Influence of dietary supplementation with (L)-carnitine on metabolic rate, fatty acid oxidation, body condition, and weight loss in overweight cats. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 73(7), 1002–1015.
- Center, S. A., Harte, J., Watrous, D., Reynolds, A., Watson, T. D. G., Markwell, P. J., Millington, D. S., Wood, P. A., Yeager, A. E., & Erb, H. N. (2000). The clinical and metabolic effects of rapid weight loss in obese pet cats and the influence of supplemental oral l-carnitine. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 14, 598–608.