Home > Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine > Carnitine

Description

Carnitine is an amino acid that is essential for babies and nonessential for others. In this context, essential means it must be obtained in the diet. Nonessential types of amino acids can be synthesized to some extent within the body. The kidney is able to form carnitine from the amino acids lysine and methionine, in addition to iron and vitamins B₆, niacin, and C. The function of carnitine is to mobilize long-chain fatty acids into the powerhouse of the cell, where they are used for energy. Carnitine is necessary for...