Is Carnitine compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Carnitine?

Carnitine

January 6, 2015 (Very Low Risk)

Amino acid that is present in many foods, among them the milk.

Indication is the treatment of Primary Deficiency of Carnitine, or, Secondary Deficiency due to Hemolysis, Myocardiopathy and other diseases.

Only Levocarnitine is effective as a supplement, with the consumption of D-carnitine regarded as a risk for deficiency.

Normal levels in the milk are not modified by the consumption of supplements of Carnitine. Mean concentration level within the first month is about 10 to 12 mg/L, with lower levels in the next following months.

The supplementation with Carnitine of the milk for premature infants does not improve their weight increment, with no proof of a beneficial effect.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Carnitine since it is relatively safe.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • レボカルニチン
  • Acetylcarnitine
  • Levocarnitine
  • ST-198
  • Vitamin BT
  • ليفوكارنيتين
  • Λεβοκαρνιτίνη
  • Ацетилкарнитина
  • Левокарнитин
  • 左卡尼汀

Drug trade names

References

  1. AESAN. Informe del Comité Científico de la Agencia Española de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición (AESAN) sobre condiciones de uso de determinadas sustancias distintas de vitaminas, minerales y plantas para ser empleadas en complementos alimenticios - 1. Revista del comité científico nº 17. 2012 Full text (in our servers)
  2. Pande S, Brion LP, Campbell DE, Gayle Y, Esteban-Cruciani NV. Lack of effect of L-carnitine supplementation on weight gain in very preterm infants. J Perinatol. 2005Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Evans AM, Fornasini G. Pharmacokinetics of L-carnitine. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2003Abstract
  4. Cairns PA, Stalker DJ. Carnitine supplementation of parenterally fed neonates. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2000Abstract
  5. Hromadová M, Parrák V, Huttová M, Danová K, Urvölgyová M. Carnitine level and several lipid parameters in venous blood of newborns, cord blood and maternal blood and milk. Endocr Regul. 1994Abstract
  6. Mitchell ME, Snyder EA. Dietary carnitine effects on carnitine concentrations in urine and milk in lactating women. Am J Clin Nutr. 1991Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  7. Cederblad G, Svenningsen N. Plasma carnitine and breast milk carnitine intake in premature infants. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1986Abstract
  8. Rovamo LM, Salmenperä L, Arjomaa P, Raivio KO. Carnitine during prolonged breast feeding. Pediatr Res. 1986Abstract
  9. Sandor A, Pecsuvac K, Kerner J, Alkonyi I. On carnitine content of the human breast milk. Pediatr Res. 1982Abstract