The effect of oral L-carnitine supplementation on the muscle and plasma concentrations in the Thoroughbred horse.
1. L-carnitine was administered orally to thoroughbred horses for 58 days. 2. Acceptability and effects on plasma, muscle and urine concentration were studied. 3. Ten-60 g/day (as 2-3 doses) was acceptable with no deleterious effects. 4. One x 10 g L-carnitine significantly raised the plasma-free carnitine concentration (7 hr post) from 21.2 to 31.8 mumol/l; 2 x 30 g increased the mean to 36.5 mumol/l. 5. Plasma acetylcarnitine increased from approximately 1 to 5.5 mumol/l (7 hr post) on 2 x 30 g/day. 6. Muscle total carnitine was unchanged over 58 days. 7. Urinary output accounted for 3.5-7.5% of added carnitine, indicating low intestinal absorption.
Foster
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CV
Physiology Unit, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk, U.K.
Harris
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RC
Snow
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DH
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D002331:Carnitine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D004032:Diet; D006736:Horses / Q000378:metabolism*; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000378:metabolism*; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal
D002331:Carnitine