Total carnitine (serum)

General Information

Carnitine (β-hydroxy-γ-trimethylammonium butyrate) is an ammonium compound that is synthesized in the liver and kidneys from two essential amino acids: lysine and methionine.

Carnitine exists in two stereoisomers: L-carnitine – the biologically active form and D-carnitine – the biologically inactive form. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is required for carnitine synthesis.

Small, water-soluble carnitine molecules bind to long-chain fatty acids, facilitating their transport into the mitochondrial matrix, where the complex is broken down to produce acetyl-CoA and energy.

Carnitine and its related substrates are important for energy production and normal metabolism.

When is the survey conducted?

Determination of carnitine in the blood (and urine if necessary) is necessary to monitor diseases that cause organ failure, acidemia, and fatty acid oxidation. These include:

• Tumors
• Type 2 diabetes
• Kidney diseases
• Decompensation of heart disease and others

Symptoms in which carnitine determination is recommended (in combination with other studies):

• Chronic weakness and fatigue
• Decreased muscle tone
• Cardiomyopathy
• Myopathy with lipid deposition
• Growth retardation
• Episodes of hypoglycemia
• Metabolic acidosis

Material for examination: Venous blood

Preparation of the patient: it is not necessary