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Serum carnitine concentrations in coeliac disease
A Lerner1, N Gruener, T C Iancu
1Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Research Unit, Carmel Hospital, Haifa, Israel.
Gut
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Patients with celiac disease have lower serum carnitine levels, indicating a potential for secondary carnitine deficiency due to intestinal mucosal damage. This highlights the importance of monitoring carnitine in celiac patients.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Carnitine is vital for muscle energy metabolism and fatty acid transport into mitochondria.
- A small bowel absorptive transport mechanism for carnitine suggests potential deficiency with mucosal damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum carnitine concentrations in patients diagnosed with celiac disease.
- To assess the relationship between celiac disease activity and carnitine levels.
Main Methods:
- Serum carnitine levels were measured in patients with active and inactive celiac disease.
- Comparisons were made with children exhibiting gastrointestinal symptoms and healthy controls.
- Intestinal mucosal atrophy was graded numerically.
Main Results:
- Serum carnitine was significantly lower in celiac disease patients compared to controls.
- Lower carnitine levels were observed in patients with intestinal damage, irrespective of lesion severity.
- No correlation was found between carnitine levels and the degree of mucosal atrophy.
Conclusions:
- Celiac disease is associated with significantly reduced serum carnitine concentrations.
- Celiac disease should be considered a potential cause of secondary carnitine deficiency.
- Monitoring carnitine levels may be warranted in individuals with celiac disease.
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