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Carnitine Differentiation

Carnitine differentiation provides insight into your body's fatty acid metabolism as part of a comprehensive health assessment. Understanding your carnitine profile can help identify energy metabolism concerns early.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Reference Ranges

No established reference range

This is a four-analyte panel (total carnitine, free carnitine, acylcarnitine and the AC/FC ratio), not a single analyte; a single reference interval is not meaningful.

Unit: umol/l

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Carnitine Differentiation: what this test measures

This test measures the concentrations of free carnitine and different forms of acylcarnitine (bound carnitine) in your blood. Together, these values help assess your body's ability to metabolise fatty acids for energy production.

Carnitine Differentiation: why this value matters

Carnitine plays a vital role in energy metabolism. A deficiency can impair fatty acid oxidation, potentially leading to fatigue, muscle weakness, and other symptoms. Identifying carnitine imbalances can guide further evaluation and help your healthcare professional determine the underlying cause.

Carnitine Differentiation: how the blood test works

Referral
No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw
A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Which test
on its own €179,-
Where
650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

Carnitine Differentiation: symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Low carnitine levels may indicate carnitine deficiency, which can be associated with fatigue, muscle weakness, exercise intolerance, and in severe cases, cardiomyopathy. Certain medications and medical conditions can also contribute to low levels. Consult a healthcare professional for interpretation of results.

High Levels

Elevated carnitine levels are generally not a primary concern. However, an abnormal ratio between free and acylcarnitine may indicate an underlying metabolic condition. Your healthcare professional can assess whether further investigation is needed. Consult a healthcare professional for interpretation of results.

Carnitine Differentiation: lifestyle and this value

Carnitine is found in red meat, dairy products, and fish. Vegetarians and vegans may have lower intake and could benefit from discussing supplementation with a healthcare professional. Regular physical activity supports overall energy metabolism.

Carnitine Differentiation: frequently asked questions

What causes carnitine deficiency?

Carnitine deficiency can result from genetic conditions, certain medications (such as valproic acid), kidney disease (especially with dialysis), or inadequate dietary intake. Your healthcare professional can help determine the cause.

Can I get enough carnitine from my diet?

Most people who eat a varied diet including animal products obtain sufficient carnitine. However, vegetarians, vegans, and individuals with certain medical conditions may have lower levels. Discuss any concerns with a healthcare professional.

What is the difference between free and acylcarnitine?

Free carnitine is the unbound form available to transport fatty acids. Acylcarnitine is carnitine bound to fatty acids. The ratio between them helps assess metabolic function and can indicate issues with fatty acid oxidation.

Tests with related values

These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.

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Complete Blood Count (CBC) ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Albumin Total Protein Bilirubin (Total) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) Total Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol HDL Cholesterol Triglycerides Lipoprotein(a) Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Calcium Bicarbonate Chloride Sodium Potassium Magnesium Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Total Testosterone Free Testosterone TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Insulin (Fasting) HOMA-IR CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Ferritin Iron (Serum) Transferrin Transferrin Saturation Vitamin D (25-OH) IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor) Creatine Kinase (CK) Reticulocytes Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) Free T4 (Thyroxine) Vitamin B12 Folate (Folic Acid) Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect) Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Non-HDL Cholesterol LDL/HDL Ratio
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A 45-biomarker comprehensive health panel inspired by WHOOP Advanced Labs — a deep look at metabolism, cardiovascular risk, hormones, liver, kidney and inflammation.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Total Testosterone Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Potassium Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Total Cholesterol Albumin HOMA-IR ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Total Protein Urea (BUN) Creatinine Vitamin D (25-OH) eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Transferrin Saturation Lipoprotein(a) Triglycerides Basic Blood Count Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect) Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Non-HDL Cholesterol LDL/HDL Ratio
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Comprehensive metabolic panel: electrolytes, kidney, liver, glucose, HbA1c, and protein.

Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Potassium Sodium Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Albumin ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Total Protein Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect)
€149,-
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A 52-biomarker metabolic panel inspired by the WHOOP Metabolic Health Panel — blood sugar regulation, insulin, thyroid, liver and the mineral cofactors behind your metabolism.

Complete Blood Count (CBC) ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Albumin Total Protein Bilirubin (Total) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) Total Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol HDL Cholesterol Triglycerides Lipoprotein(a) Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Calcium Bicarbonate Chloride Sodium Potassium Magnesium Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Total Testosterone Free Testosterone TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Insulin (Fasting) HOMA-IR CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Ferritin Iron (Serum) Transferrin Transferrin Saturation Vitamin D (25-OH) Leptin Zinc Selenium Iodine Copper Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) Free T4 (Thyroxine) GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect) Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Non-HDL Cholesterol LDL/HDL Ratio
€799,-

Medical reviewer

Medical standards

Dr. Naimi oversees the medical standards behind our content and assessments.

Medical policy
CIBG Ministerie van Volksgezondheid,
Welzijn en Sport Official BIG registration BIG 49928676701 Opens in a new tab

Carnitine Differentiation

€179,-