Carnitine is a naturally occurring compound that plays a key role in energy metabolism. It transports long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they are broken down to produce energy, and helps remove metabolic waste from cells. While the body can synthesize carnitine in the liver and kidneys, it is also obtained from dietary sources, primarily animal-based foods.
Testing for carnitine levels can be beneficial for certain individuals:
Dysregulated carnitine levels, particularly carnitine deficiency, can lead to several symptoms:
Improving carnitine levels generally involves dietary changes and, in some cases, supplementation:
Carnitine supplementation can be beneficial for specific groups: