Physiological Role of Carnitine in Energy Metabolism, Possible Interplay With Inflammation and Potential Benefits for Dairy Cows

摘要

Carnitine is a naturally occurring substance. It was detected in 1905 as an ingredient in muscle. In contrast to the D-isomer, the L-form plays an essential and crucial role in energy metabolism of human and animal organisms. The function of shuttlinglong chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for beta-oxidation and finally driving the citric acid cycle is well known and published in literature. However, the crucial role of carnitine in regulating carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism by modulating the acetyl-CoA/CoA ratio in the mitochondria and the consequences for energy metabolism, as well as the link to inflammation, is rarely considered. Carnitine is defined by many scientists as conditionally essential. The aim of this chapter is to elucidate the physiological role of carnitine, the possible interplay with inflammation, and potential benefits for dairy cows.