Carnitine enhances the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in infant formula at 7 degrees C.
Carnitine has beneficial vitamin-like qualities and functions as a compatible solute. The presence of L-carnitine in infant formula significantly promoted the growth of Listeria monocytogenes at 7 degrees C, whereas disruption of the genes for carnitine and glycine betaine uptake compromised growth of the L. monocytogenes mutant in formula containing carnitine that was stored at 7 degrees C. Thus, addition of carnitine to baby formula may pose a potential food safety risk.
Sleator
Roy D
RD
Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, College Road, Cork, Ireland. r.sleator@ucc.ie
Banville
Nessa
N
Hill
Colin
C
D002331:Carnitine / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food / Q000382:microbiology*; D041943:Infant Formula; D007700:Kinetics; D008089:Listeria monocytogenes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
D002331:Carnitine