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More information about carntine & the low protein diet
Carnitine and the low protein diet work together to keep the organic
acid levels from getting too high in babies and children with
2-MBADD.
Carnitine is a natural substance made by our bodies. It is also
found in foods like meat and dairy products. Carnitine helps our
bodies break down fat for energy.
In
children who have conditions like 2-MBADD, carnitine also helps the
body get rid of harmful organic acids. Carnitine acts like a sponge
and “soaks up” the organic acids and then carries them out of the
body through the urine. This makes the need for carnitine greater
for someone with 2-MBADD. In children with 2-MBADD the diet may not
provide all the carnitine that is needed so a carnitine supplement
may be necessary.
The
low protein diet helps keep organic acid levels low by limiting the
amount of isoleucine that gets into the body. A diet low in
isoleucine will be low in protein too. To make sure babies are
getting all the protein they need to grow, but not too much
isoleucine, a special formula is given. The special formula is
usually a mix of two formulas. The formula mixture may change as
your baby grows and starts eating solid foods.
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