Carnitine as an Ergogenic Aid

By extrapolation from the muscle weakness and fatigue seen in children with genetic defects of carnitine biosynthesis or metabolism, it has been 

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The remainder of this chapter will focus on the exercise- and performance-related literature that has been completed. This body of literature will examine the possible role of carnitine as an ergogenic aid. 

Fatty acids are the major fuel for red muscle fibers, which are the main type involved in moderate exercise. Children who lack one or the other of the enzymes required for carnitine synthesis, and are therefore reliant on a dietary intake, have poor exercise tolerance, because they have an impaired ability to transport fatty acids into the mitochondria for /S - oxidation. Provision of supplements of carnitine to the affected children overcomes the problem. Extrapolation from this rare clinical condition has led to the use of carnitine as a so-called ergogenic aid to improve athletic performance. 

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