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Plasma free carnitine levels in 0-12-month-old infants in relation to feeding styles

Selda Hizel1, Fatma Kaya Kiliç, Cihat Sanli

  • 1Kirikkale University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Turkey. srbulbul@yahoo.com

International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research. Internationale Zeitschrift Fur Vitamin- Und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal International De Vitaminologie Et De Nutrition
|October 19, 2006
PubMed

Insights

This study found lower plasma free carnitine levels in exclusively breastfed Turkish infants compared to other feeding groups. These findings provide insights into normal carnitine values for infants aged 0-1 year.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Carnitine is essential for fatty acid metabolism.
  • Understanding carnitine levels in infants is crucial for assessing nutritional status.
  • Variations in feeding practices may influence carnitine levels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine plasma free carnitine levels in Turkish infants aged 0-1 year.
  • To investigate the relationship between feeding styles (exclusive breastfeeding, artificial feeding, mixed feeding) and plasma free carnitine levels.
  • To establish reference values for plasma free carnitine in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Blood samples collected on Guthrie cards from 136 infants (0-1 year) in Kirikkale.
  • Plasma free carnitine levels analyzed using tandem mass spectrometry.
  • Infants categorized by feeding style: exclusively breastfed, artificially fed, and mixed fed.

Main Results:

  • The mean plasma free carnitine level was 25.12 ± 10.1 micromol/L.
  • Exclusively breastfed infants showed significantly lower free carnitine levels (p < 0.05).
  • No significant age-related changes in plasma free carnitine levels were observed concerning feeding style.

Conclusions:

  • Plasma free carnitine levels in Turkish infants are influenced by feeding style, with exclusive breastfeeding associated with lower levels.
  • The study provides important reference values for plasma free carnitine in Turkish infants.
  • Further research may explore the clinical implications of these findings.

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