Alleged heart risks associated with carnitine
Alleged heart risks associated with carnitine
Another study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, has attributed carnitine in red meat as contributing to increases in cardiovascular risk.
However, lead researcher, Dr Stanley Hazen told the BBC: “The cholesterol and saturated fat content of lean red meat is not that high, there’s something else contributing to increases in cardiovascular risk.”
Carnitine is broken down in the gut by bacteria into a compound and the study claims that contributes to the hardening of the arteries. The study comprised 2,595 people and measured carnitine levels, as well as those of its by-product TMAO (Trimethylamine N-oxide). Carnitine is also found in other foodstuffs including fish, poultry, wheat and some vegetables.
