AAFCO Ch6 L carnitine

AAFCO Ch6 definition 60.98 L-Carnitine is a nutritional supplement with a minimum content of 97.0% L-Carnitine and a maximum of 0.5% D-isomer; the AAFCO definition describes it as a fatty acid carrier that plays a role in fat oxidation in the body. Use limits in the definition: swine feeds not to exceed 0.1% (1000 ppm) of complete feed; chicken and turkey feeds not to exceed 0.02% (200 ppm); fish feed not to exceed 0.25% (2500 ppm); milk replacers for ruminants not to exceed 0.075% (750 ppm); dog foods not to exceed 0.075% (750 mg/kg) on a dry matter basis; and cat foods (intended for adult maintenance only) not to exceed 0.10% (1000 mg/kg) on a dry matter basis (Proposed 1997, Amended 1999, 2002, 2009, 2011, Adopted 2004, 2012, 2013). L-Carnitine (beta-hydroxy-gamma-trimethylammonium butyrate) is synthesized from lysine and methionine in the liver and kidneys of dogs and cats; supplementation is commonly used in weight-management diets (it facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria for beta-oxidation), in senior and performance diets, and in high-fat formulas. It is not an essential amino acid but is often described as conditionally essential.