carnitine

noun

car·​ni·​tine ˈkär-nə-ˌtēn 

: a quaternary ammonium compound C₇H₁₅NO₃ that is present especially in vertebrate muscle, that in the levorotatory form is involved in the transfer of fatty acids across mitochondrial membranes, and in humans is obtained from food (such as meat or milk) or is synthesized chiefly in the liver and kidneys from a lysine derivative

Examples of carnitine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Side effects reported with carnitine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and a fishy body odor.1 5. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 20 Nov. 2024

Several studies have also found that carnitine intake improves muscle growth. —Mary Choy, Health, 21 Oct. 2024

Common side effects reported with carnitine include stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and a fish-like odor.5 3. —Mary Choy, Health, 21 Oct. 2024

Numerous studies have evaluated the use of carnitine in children with ADHD. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 11 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin carn-, caro

First Known Use

circa 1922, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

carnitine

noun

car·​ni·​tine ˈkär-nə-ˌtēn 

: a quaternary ammonium compound C₇H₁₅NO₃ that is present especially in vertebrate muscle, is involved in the transfer of fatty acids across mitochondrial membranes, and in humans is obtained from food (as meat or milk) or is synthesized from a lysine derivative