25% OFF Select Products^
Ultimate Omega Best SellerOmega-3ProbioticsVitamins & MineralsGummiesBest SellersNew ProductsFeatured Promotions 25% OffShop All

Health Interests

Optimal HealthRest﹠RelaxBlood Sugar & Metabolic HealthHeart HealthBrain, Memory & Mood SupportEnergy & VitalityImmune HealthDigestive SupportEye HealthSkin, Hair & NailsBones, Muscles & JointsAthletic Performance

Product Family

Ultimate OmegaNordic ImmuneNordic BeautyNordic FloraNordic BerriesZero SugarVeganVegetarianNordic PetGummiesNSF Sport CertifiedNordic Packs

Ingredient

CollagenCoQ10CurcuminMelatoninMultisMushroomsOmega-3sProbioticsVitamin D

Lifestage

Mom & BabyBabyKidsTeenWomenMen
Ultimate Omega

#1 Fish Oil†

Shop Now
Our Story
Our Mission
Nordic Promise
Why Omega-3s
Why Probiotics
Why Vitamins & More
Nordic Advantage
Healthy Science Blog
Community Outreach
New Look

Account

Store Locator

Shop

Ultimate Omega Best SellerOmega-3ProbioticsVitamins & MineralsGummiesBest SellersNew ProductsFeatured Promotions 25% OffShop All

Health Interests

Optimal HealthRest﹠RelaxBlood Sugar & Metabolic HealthHeart HealthBrain, Memory & Mood SupportEnergy & VitalityImmune HealthDigestive SupportEye HealthSkin, Hair & NailsBones, Muscles & JointsAthletic Performance

Product Family

Ultimate OmegaNordic ImmuneNordic BeautyNordic FloraNordic BerriesZero SugarVeganVegetarianNordic PetGummiesNSF Sport CertifiedNordic Packs

Ingredient

CollagenCoQ10CurcuminMelatoninMultisMushroomsOmega-3sProbioticsVitamin D

Lifestage

Mom & BabyBabyKidsTeenWomenMen

Why Nordic

Our StoryOur MissionNordic Promise

Learn

Why Omega-3sWhy ProbioticsWhy Vitamins & MoreNordic AdvantageHealthy Science BlogCommunity OutreachNew Look
Logo
LocationAccount

Healthy Science/ Do Pregnant Women Need More Carnitine?

Do Pregnant Women Need More Carnitine?

pregnant-woman-holding-belly
Author: Adin Smith, MS
Last reviewed on May 27, 2020
Highlights
  • During pregnancy, babies must receive an adequate carnitine supply from the mother to achieve optimal growth and development
  • Carnitine synthesis is partially dependent on iron status, and unfortunately, iron-deficient anemia is a common problem during pregnancy
  • Factors such as being overweight, eating a vegetarian diet, and experiencing “morning sickness” during pregnancy may result in lower carnitine levels
 

Throughout pregnancy, growing babies require an adequate supply of carnitine for normal growth and development. Because research shows that blood carnitine levels steadily decline throughout pregnancy, some scientists have wondered if certain women might be at higher risk for developing a low carnitine status.1,2 And, since deficient carnitine levels have been linked to unfavorable outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight, increasing dietary carnitine intake may be necessary for women with reduced carnitine levels.3,4 In this article, we will discuss the reasons why carnitine levels decrease during pregnancy, carnitine’s role in prenatal development, and how to maintain an adequate carnitine status during pregnancy.

 

Why do carnitine levels decrease during pregnancy?

 

During the first trimester, many women experience “morning sickness” (nausea and vomiting that can last all day), which may significantly reduce appetite and nutrient intake.5 Indeed, morning sickness may lead to various nutritional deficiencies, especially for women who started the pregnancy with a low nutritional status.5 The most common micronutrient deficiency experienced during pregnancy is iron-deficient anemia, which affects about 40 percent of pregnant women in the US.6 Because carnitine synthesis is partially reliant on iron status, this means a lot of women with low iron availability may not be able to make carnitine readily as needed.7,8 Furthermore, research shows that pregnant women carrying excessive weight are more likely to be iron-deficient and have lower carnitine levels compared to pregnant women of normal weight.9,10 A final factor worth mentioning is that pregnancy-related changes in kidney function can also lead to accelerated carnitine loss during urination.11

 

How vital is carnitine for the mother and baby?

 

Throughout the prenatal period, babies use substantial amounts of fats and carnitine for energy production, growth, and development.12 While in the womb, babies must also store adequate amounts of carnitine in the liver and muscle tissue to help ensure survival after birth.13 This is because infants rely heavily on the energy produced from ketones (byproducts from fats that can be used for energy) following birth – an energy-intensive process that requires high amounts of carnitine.14 By nature’s design, infants can also get carnitine and ketones from their mother’s breastmilk, which should ideally contain high amounts of carnitine to support the critical brain growth and development occurring during infancy.15 Also, carnitine can be used to convert ALA (an essential omega-3 fatty acid precursor) into DHA within cell membranes. DHA is an important nutrient for brain health across the lifespan, but especially important for developing neurological structures during the first few years of life.16,17

Adequate carnitine status is also critical for the mother, as she needs sufficient amounts to support her energy metabolism during pregnancy, and sufficient amounts to pass along to her baby if she chooses to breastfeed.18 Interestingly, compared to non-pregnant women, pregnant women experience dramatic increases in ketone production when fasting.18 Because carnitine is required to support ketone production, it’s important that the mother has ample amounts of carnitine. 

 

How can I maintain an adequate carnitine status during pregnancy?

 

As discussed, many women experience iron-deficient anemia during pregnancy, which can impair their ability to produce carnitine. Fortunately, when iron status is adequate and enough protein is consumed, most women are able to synthesize a sufficient amount of carnitine from the amino acids lysine and methionine to meet their needs during pregnancy.19 Dietary methods for supporting a healthy carnitine status include eating foods high in carnitine, such as meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products. Animal protein sources are particularly helpful, as they contain highly absorbable iron which can also be used for carnitine synthesis.20 Unfortunately, certain individuals (such as those carrying excess weight, those experiencing extreme morning sickness, and those following a vegan/vegetarian lifestyle) may be at risk of low carnitine status.3

 

Conclusion

 

Throughout pregnancy, high carnitine demands cause a steady decline in women’s blood carnitine levels. This is because, in addition to her increased production of ketones, carnitine is being shuttled to the growing baby, who must accumulate sufficient amounts during pregnancy to help meet the energy demands needed after birth. Considering that several health factors can contribute to a reduced carnitine status during pregnancy, we recommend that all expecting mothers talk to their doctors about whether they are getting enough carnitine, or whether additional carnitine supplementation is needed. 

Adin-headshot
Adin Smith, MS is a Science Researcher and Writer for Nordic Naturals. He holds a Masters Degree in Nutrition, and believes that many health conditions are the result of suboptimal nutrient status. For this reason, Adin is committed to informing others about the latest research in nutrition, lifestyle modification, and dietary supplements.

Carnitine: A compound found in animal proteins and synthesized in the human body to help support cellular health and energy production.

 

Ketones: Byproducts from fats that can be used for energy.

Quality Matters
We obsessively test every product lot to ensure that our products are free from environmental toxins and contaminants. See for yourself.
View a Certificate of Analysis
Get the latest from Nordic Naturals
instagramfacebooktwitterpinterest
  • Ultimate Omega
  • Nordic Immune
  • Nordic Beauty
  • Nordic Flora
  • Nordic Berries
  • Zero Sugar
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Nordic Pet
  • Gummies
  • NSF Sport Certified
  • Nordic Packs
  • Featured Promotions
  • For Healthcare Professionals
  • For Veterinarians
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • FAQ
  • Returns
  • Worldwide Distributors
  • Product Family
    • Ultimate Omega
    • Nordic Immune
    • Nordic Beauty
    • Nordic Flora
    • Nordic Berries
    • Zero Sugar
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
    • Nordic Pet
    • Gummies
    • NSF Sport Certified
    • Nordic Packs
    • Featured Promotions
  • Partners
    • For Healthcare Professionals
    • For Veterinarians
  • Support
    • Contact Us
    • Careers
    • FAQ
    • Returns
    • Worldwide Distributors
Privacy PolicyTerms and ConditionsSatisfaction GuaranteeSB657Site Map
Copyright ©2023 Nordic Naturals.
All rights reserved.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
† Based on SPINS Scan Data
‡ Based on ClearCut, Nielsen, and SPINS annual sales data
^This offer does not apply to current or future subscriptions. To redeem, add featured promotion products to your cart and receive 25% off. Discount automatically applied at checkout. Please note that some exclusions apply. This offer cannot be retroactively applied to orders. All sales are final. Limited time offer. Offer cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent. Offer is subject to change. Offer valid only on Nordic.com. Please note: Some qualifying products may have a shelf life of 6 months or less.