Guanidinoacetate supplementation and methionine metabolism in neonatal piglets

Abstract:

Guanidinoacetate (GAA) is an amino acid derivative and precursor for creatine which plays a significant role in energy metabolism. Recently it has been tested as a beneficial feed additive and supplement in the animal industry. Studies have shown GAA readily converts to creatine, but only when sufficient methionine is available to trans-methylate GAA to creatine. We hypothesized that dietary GAA absorption also depends on sufficient dietary methionine. Studies have shown oral administration of GAA + creatine mixture for four weeks enhanced muscle and brain creatine levels in healthy individuals. This combination is superior to creatine alone in enhancing exercise performance. Moreover, administering GAA with creatine may reduce the side effects of GAA supplements such as hyperhomocysteinemia. There is no evidence regarding how the GAA + creatine mixture affects GAA absorption, transportation, and utilization in pigs. This study investigates the fate of supplemental GAA and the methionine level which is required for GAA uptake. Moreover, we are interested to compare the effects of GAA supplement alone, GAA+ creatine, and GAA+ methionine mixture in neonatal piglets. The findings of this study will be significant in determining the efficient nutritional supplement to enhance creatine synthesis, muscle energy capacity, and performance in piglets.

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