Carnitine

Carnitine is a substance associated with the B-vitamin group that plays an important role in the body’s energy metabolism. It is necessary for transporting fatty acids across mitochondrial membranes, which promotes their subsequent oxidation and energy production.

Functions of carnitine in the body:

• Transportation of fatty acids into the mitochondria.
• Assistance in energy metabolism processes.
• Detoxification of harmful compounds from cells.
• Maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels.

Carnitine and the Keto Diet

Carnitine becomes particularly significant when following the keto diet.

The keto diet stimulates increased fat consumption, and carnitine directly participates in processes that metabolize fats, facilitating the conversion of fatty acids into energy.

Adequate carnitine levels in the body may enhance efficient fat burning, which is especially crucial for the ketogenic diet.

However, it is worth noting that additional carnitine supplementation may not always be justified, as a healthy body can synthesize it in the necessary amounts on its own.

Carnitine Requirements and Sources

The normal carnitine requirement for an adult is around 300 mg per day, but this can increase depending on lifestyle, physical activity levels, and health status. Monitoring carnitine levels is particularly important during sports and active physical activities.

Carnitine is found in abundance in meat and dairy products, as well as in some plant sources, although in smaller quantities.

For individuals on the keto diet, obtaining carnitine from food is not difficult, as the diet includes a high amount of animal fats.

Possible Consequences of Carnitine Deficiency

A deficiency of carnitine in the body can lead to fatigue, muscle pains, slowed metabolism, and even accumulation of body fat.

For those following the keto diet, maintaining an adequate level of carnitine is particularly important to sustain a high degree of ketosis and provide energy from fats.