Influence of 50, 100, and 150 ppm 1-carnitine (1-CN) in a basal weight reduction diet (30.5% protein, 10.5% fat, 1.9% fiber, 7.8% moisture, 30 ppm CN, ME: 3.9 kcal/gm) on weight loss, lean body mass (LBM), metabolic rate, and fatty acid oxidation was studied in obese cats (n=32) segregated into 4 groups having equivalent adiposity. Ad lib feeding (1-28 days) was followed by energy restriction (60% of 60 kcal/kg ideal weight; days 29-112). Daily energy intake, weekly body weight, and at selected intervals, routine hematologic, biochemical, and urine analyses, LBM determination (deuterium dispersal), metabolic rate and RQ (indirect calorimetry), and in vivo palmitate oxidation (C13-palmitate) were determined.

By day 42, 50 and 100 ppm 1-CN produced a greater reduction in adiposity (basal diet: -35% vs –41% and –45%), LBM conservation (basal diet: -1.9% vs –0.2% and +2.2%), and energy utilization/kgLBM (basal diet 36.0 vs 44.9 and 44.8). Palmitate oxidation ( : mol/LBMkg/min) was highest with 100 and 150 ppm 1-CN (basal diet: 5.8 vs 8.1 and 10.5). Weight loss (day 112) was greatest with 1-CN (basal diet: 17.9% vs 19.2% to 20.3%). Supplemental 1-CN has a positive influence on energy utilization, fat oxidation, and LBM during weight reduction in obese cats.

This study was supported by The Iams Company.