Carnitine has a fundamental biological role as a long-chain fatty acid carrier across the mitochondrial membrane and in ketone body formation. Although the body normally synthesizes carnitine, in certain circumstances such as total parenteral nutrition and haemodialysis a dietary supplement may be needed to maintain adequate levels. Several considerations suggest that carnitine is a truly essential nutrient in infancy and in other situations where the energy requirement is particularly high, e.g. pregnancy and breast feeding. There are, for example, congenital deficit syndromes due to enzymatic inadequacies. There is also the possible role of carnitine in serious metabolic disorders such as organic acidaemias and, above all, it has multiple physiological functions in major metabolic pathways which are essential for development and growth.

Is carnitine essential in children? / M. Giovannini, C. Agostoni, P.C. Salari. - In: JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL RESEARCH. - ISSN 0300-0605. - 19:2(1991), pp. 88-102. [10.1177/030006059101900202]

Is carnitine essential in children?

M. Giovannini
Primo
;
C. Agostoni
Secondo
;
1991

Abstract

Carnitine has a fundamental biological role as a long-chain fatty acid carrier across the mitochondrial membrane and in ketone body formation. Although the body normally synthesizes carnitine, in certain circumstances such as total parenteral nutrition and haemodialysis a dietary supplement may be needed to maintain adequate levels. Several considerations suggest that carnitine is a truly essential nutrient in infancy and in other situations where the energy requirement is particularly high, e.g. pregnancy and breast feeding. There are, for example, congenital deficit syndromes due to enzymatic inadequacies. There is also the possible role of carnitine in serious metabolic disorders such as organic acidaemias and, above all, it has multiple physiological functions in major metabolic pathways which are essential for development and growth.
Settore MED/38 - Pediatria Generale e Specialistica
1991
Article (author)
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/190937
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