Carnitine chemistry
Carnitine is an amino acid derivative, therefore a quaternary compound based on carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen, electrically neutral but having both positive and negative localized charges (in chemical language this condition is called zwitterion).
The pharmacologically active form is L-Carnitine, but its main derivatives Acetyl-L-carnitine and Propionyl-L-Carnitine are equally well known.
: lysine. Several enzymes and the availability of ascorbic acid or vitamin C and ferrous ion (Fe 2+) are required to complete the biosynthetic process.Biological role of carnitine
Carnitine is an amino acid derivative essential for the metabolism of most mammals, birds, bacteria and plants.
Carnitine is essential for the transport of fatty acids from the cytoplasm to the mitochondrial matrix, where they are oxidized for energy in the form of ATP (Adenosine triphosphate)
Furthermore, carnitine allows to "detoxify" the mitochondrion from the possible accumulation of acyl groups deriving from the metabolism of the various nutrients.
.The typical symptoms of carnitine insufficiency vary according to the severity; the most severe forms are linked to pathological states, primary genetic defects, secondary genetic defects or deficits secondary to pathologies, treatment with drugs.
The main symptoms of carnitine deficiency are:
- Tiredness, fatigue, lack of concentration
- Growth delays, loss of appetite
- In severe cases: cardiomyopathy, hepatic steatosis.
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