Carnitine

Carnitine (also known as L-Carnitine, or as the acylated form Acetyl-L-Carnitine) is important for turning fat into energy. Its function in fatty acid metabolism is to transport long-chain acyl groups from fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix so that they can be broken down through β-oxidation to acetyl CoA to generate energy in the Citric Acid Cycle. Carnitine plays an especially important role in heart, brain, and muscle function, as these energy-intensive organs rely on energy from fatty acids.

In human disease
Low serum carnitine is found in systemic primary carnitine deficiency, a genetic disease, and causes chronic muscle weakness, cardiomyopathy, hypoglycemia and liver dysfunction. Secondary primary carnitine deficiency can develop secondary to other genetic mitochondrial disorders, in chronic renal failure, and as a side effect of some medications.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Studies have found reduced levels of serum carnitine which return to normal after recovery and correlate with symptom severity.

Testing
Serum carnitine can be tested via the following blood tests: total carnitine, free carnitine, and carnitine esters.

Treatments
The standard treatment of low serum carnitine is Levocarnitine, a prescription form of carnitine. Acetyl-L-carnitine is another popular supplement.

Learn more

 * Wikipedia - Carnitine