It is a molecule known above all for its role as a transporter of long-chain fatty acids within the mitochondrial matrix, where they are oxidized to produce energy.
In addition to being produced endogenously by the same organism, carnitine is taken through the diet (foods of animal origin such as meat and dairy products are rich in it, although some foods of plant origin also boast a fairly significant content).
After the discovery of this molecule and after the identification of the important biological roles it plays, various studies and researches have been conducted. Hence the birth of food supplements, but also of real carnitine-based medicines.
The use of carnitine is proposed and carried out both in the clinical setting and in the sports field. In any case, before analyzing in more detail when and how to take this amino acid derivative, it is useful to say a few words about what this molecule is and what it is. roles covered by it within the body.
- lysine and methionine - in the presence of B vitamins (niacin and vitamin B6), vitamin C and iron.
Under normal conditions, the human body is able to produce about 25% of the carnitine it needs; while the remaining 75% should be introduced with the diet. In some cases, however, the intake of endogenous carnitine (produced from our body) and exogenous coming from the diet is not sufficient to satisfy the needs of the organism. The causes of such an insufficiency can be many, from the less severe (for example, unbalanced diet), up to real diseases that require the intervention of the doctor. In such situations, therefore, it could be useful to resort to " integration of this molecule (by administering supplements or drugs, as appropriate).
and enzymes - in the beta-oxidation of fatty acids, a highly energetic metabolic process. More specifically, carnitine is essential in:
- Transport of long-chain fatty acids within the mitochondrial matrix where they are oxidized (beta-oxidation) to produce energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) molecules.
- Constant maintenance of the AcetylCoA / CoA ratio (acetyl-coenzyme A / coenzyme A); other important factors involved in the production of energy at the mitochondrial level.
It is however necessary to specify that - in order for carnitine to perform the above activities, which are of fundamental importance for the production of energy in the cell - it is also necessary that all the enzymes, proteins and other factors involved in these processes are present and perfectly functioning. The same goes for the transporters responsible for the transport of carnitine inside the tissues of the body. A malfunction in any of the steps that lead to the synthesis of ATP can, in fact, determine a lack or insufficient production of energy.
