The amino acid L-carnitine is a nutrient that helps your body convert fat into energy. Your body produces L-carnitine naturally, but you also get it through nutrition and supplementation. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that while L-carnitine supplementation usually has mild side effects, children should only use it under the supervision of their physician. Talk to your doctor about whether your child has a L-carnitine deficiency and could benefit from supplementation.
L-carnitine Deficiency
An L-carnitine deficiency in children occurs either when your child does not obtain enough carnitine in his diet or when his body cannot produce enough natural carnitine. According to a 2004 study published in the "Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences," researchers found that there are two primary carnitine deficiency disorders in children; one that involves their body's inability to synthesize carnitine while the other involves the chronic administration of antibiotics, which lead to carnitine depletion. Children who have a carnitine deficiency may benefit from oral supplementation with L-carnitine under a physician's supervision.
Hyperactivity
L-carnitine supplements may benefit children suffering from hyperactivity disorders, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, with few side effects. According to a 2002 study published in the journal "Prostaglandins, Leukotrines, and Essential Fatty Acids," researchers gave L-carnitine supplements to 24 boys with severe ADHD. The researchers found that L-carnitine supplementation decreased attention problems and aggressive behavior in the majority of the boys tested while showing no serious side effects. If your child suffers from ADHD, consult with a physician to determine if carnitine supplements are appropriate.
Autism
Children with autism also likely suffer from a L-carnitine deficiency, according to the "Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders." According to gastroenterologist Dr. Anil Minocha, carnitine supplements may improve some of the markers of autism spectrum disorders in children. Minocha hypothesizes that L-carnitine supplements improves the symptoms associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, a possible cause of autism disorders. However, Minocha concludes that more research is necessary to assess the efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation for children with autism.
Side Effects
The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that while the side effects of L-carnitine supplements are usually mild, involving diarrhea, increased appetite, body odor and rash, they should only be taken under the supervision of a physician or health care professional. Children and adults with hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease and peripheral artery disease are at higher risk of L-carnitine side effects. Your child's physician can determine if L-carnitine supplements are necessary and prescribe a proper dose.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: L-carnitine
- "Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences"; Carnitine Deficiency Disorders in Children; C.A. Stanley; November 2004
- "Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids"; Efficacy of Carnitine in the Treatment of Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; L.J. Van Oudheusden, et al.; July 2002
- Linus Pauling Institute; L-carnitine; Jane Higdon; 2002
- Minocha Health; Carnitine Supplements as Treatment of Autism?; Anil Minocha
- "Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders"; Relative Carnitine Deficiency in Autism; P.A. Filipek, et al.; December 2004
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