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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.

What It 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.

Why It 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.

Symptoms

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.

Lifestyle Tips

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.

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.

Whoop

A 44-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 Omega-3 Index 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
€499,-

InsideTracker

A 36-biomarker performance and longevity panel inspired by InsideTracker Ultimate — covering heart, hormones, metabolism, inflammation, recovery and iron status.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone Total Testosterone Folate (Folic Acid) Vitamin B12 Calcium Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Magnesium (Intracellular) Potassium Progesterone Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Total Cholesterol Albumin AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Vitamin D (25-OH) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Creatine Kinase (CK) Transferrin Saturation Triglycerides Basic Blood Count
€399,-

Carnitine Differentiation

€179,-