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Re: [RC] BC2A/L-carnitine - Beth Walker

That is about what I got out of it. However, this is L-carnitine, as opposed to BC2A, which is a different animal (or chemical, as the case may be). One might work while the other doesn't.


On Mar 20, 2007, at 12:33 PM, rides2far@xxxxxxxx wrote:


http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/pubs/horses/nutrition_vitamins.htm

Anybody wanna translate this? It seems to say they're not sure it helps,
but I sure could be wrong. I only understood about every third word.
Angiie


snip<

Zeyner, A. and J. Harmeyer (1999). Metabolic functions of L- carnitine and
its effects as feed additive in horses. A review. Archiv Fur
Tierernahrung 52(2): 115-138.
NAL Call Number: TRANSL 22766
Abstract: L-carnitine, a betaine derivative of beta- hydroxybutyrate, is
found in virtually all cells of higher animals and also in some
microorganisms and plants. In animals it is synthesized almost
exclusively in the liver. Two essential amino acids, i.e., lysine and
methionine serve as primary substrates for its biosynthesis. Also
required for its synthesis are sufficient amounts of vitamin B6,
nicotinic acids, vitamin C and folate. The first discovered ergogenic
function of L-carnitine is the transfer of activated long-chain fatty
acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane into the mitochondrial
matrix. For this transfer acyl-CoA esters are transesterified to form
acylcarnitine esters. Thus, in carnitine deficiency fat oxidation and
energy production from fatty acids are markedly impaired. Skeletal
muscles constitute the main reservoir of carnitine in the body and have a
carnitine concentration at least 200 times higher than blood plasma.
Uptake of carnitine by skeletal muscles takes place by an active
transport mechanism which transports L-carnitine into muscles probably in
the form of an exchange process with gamma-butyrobetain. In young animals
including foals, the capacity for biosynthesis of carnitine is not yet
fully developed and apparently cannot meet the requirements of sucking
animals. Sucking animals depend therefore on an extra supply of carnitine
which is usually provided with milk. Additionally, young animals
including foals possess a lower concentration of carnitine in blood
plasma than adult animals. Besides its role as carrier of activated acyl
groups, L-carnitine functions as a buffer for acetyl groups which may be
present in excess in different tissues during ketosis and hypoxic
muscular activity. Other functions of L-carnitine are protection of
membrane structures, stabilizing of a physiologic CoA-SH/acetyl-CoA ratio
and reduction of lactate production. Animal's derived feeds are rich in
L-carnitine whereas plants contain usually very little or no carnitine.
Carnitine is absorbed from the small intestine by active and passive
transport mechanisms. From the increase in renal excretion of L- carnitine
after oral supplementations of 10 g/d to horses it has been concluded
that the efficiency of absorption of L-carnitine is rather low (about 5
to 10% of the supplied dose). A further decrease in fractional carnitine
absorption was observed when the oral dose of carnitine was increased.
L-carnitine is virtually not degraded in the body and renal excretion of
carnitine is comparatively small under normal conditions. The
concentration of L-carnitine in blood plasma of horses varies markedly
between animals and between different days. In addition, circadian
changes in carnitine concentration in plasma have been reported. Peak
concentrations were found during late afternoon, being up to 30% higher
than those in the morning. In breeding mares the carnitine concentration
in blood plasma declines with onset of lactation. In resting skeletal
muscles about 90% of the total carnitine content is present as free
carnitine with the remaining part being available as carnitine esters.
With increasing exercise intensity a continuing greater proportion of
free carnitine (up to 80%) is converted into carnitine esters, mainly
into acetylcarnitine. This shift from free to acetylcarnitine is readily
reversed within about 30 min after termination of exercise. It appears
that acute exercise does not have a marked effect on the content of total
carnitine in skeletal muscle whereas training seems to elevate its total
concentration in the middle gluteal muscle of 3 to 6 year old horses and
to reduce variation of its concentration compared to age-matched
untrained horses. Oral supplementations of 5 to 50 g of L-carnitine per
day to horses elevated the carnitine concentration in blood plasma to
about twice its basal concentration. No clear relationship existed,
however, between the orally administered dose of carnitine and the
increase of L-carni
Descriptors: animal nutrition, carnitine metabolism, food additives,
horses, animal feed, carnitine administration and dosage, physical
conditioning, L-carnitine, oral supplementation.



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Replies
Re: [RC] BC2A/L-carnitine, rides2far