Fatty Acid Metabolism (Part 4 of 8) - Carnitine Deficiency and Carnitine as a Supplement

In this video, I mention that a deficiency in carnitine can be detrimental because it will hinder one's ability to metabolize fatty acids, which can be problematic for individuals who exercise for extend periods or time or for individuals who fast for extended periods of time.

I also mention that if anything is wrong with any of the players of Acyl-CoA transport, including carnitine, CAT I, CACT, or CACT, then that will translate in a reduced ability to metabolize fatty acids.

I then go on to mention that the reduced ability to metabolize fatty acids will result in muscle weakness and cramps. If severe enough, a carnitine deficiency could even lead to death.

The treatment (in a general sense) is to supplement with carnitine if there is a deficiency in carnitine. I also mention how some individuals use carnitine as what they believe to be a fat-loss drug. The idea is that if they supplement with carnitine, there will be more transport of fatty acyl coa molecules into the mitochondria, more beta oxidation (more fat metabolism) and thus, more fat loss. However, I didn't find any information that indicated this to have been observed.

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[fiaelaine]

i'm a medical student and i can't thank you enough for this video. im cramming for a report about this carnitine deficiency. :)

[lanreadisa]

4:24 "which could result in death... which is a symptom that's not really treatable, as you probably already know" ahahaa

[rockycycle]

You're a shining star. Thank you!

[sandraabousaad]

you're awesome. saved me from so many worthless lectures! thank you

[christyrobinson]

Thank you for explaining this so well. I was diagnosed with a Carnitine metabolic disorder 3 years ago. I have been hospitalized so many times, and have been close to death . I am trying to find support from others, who are in the same boat. I haven't found a doctor yet, who knows anything about this . My muscles are so weak, and my short term memory is gone. My ammonia level goes so high, and then I'm confused, and usually I end up falling after passing out . After being sent to the hospital, my blood sugar would be around 40. Thanks again for this video.

[craighigh]

Why will a patient with systemic carnitine deficiency experience repeated episodes of hypoglycemia?

[brittneyrussell]

I wish taking carnitine fixed things but it's not as simple as that. I cant even take l-carnitine bc it causes me to detox quicker than my body can get rid of toxins. I have to rely on acetyl-l-carnitine daily but it doesnt solve the problem completely.

[merlinj]

Hello, just wondering, what are the compensations the cells will do (if any) if it suffers from carnitine deficiency?

[alih]

I really enjoyed the medical application. tha

[DrEktaYadav]

WHY ARE YOU NOT A MEDICAL SCHOOL PROFESSOR???? please explain this to me because I am not understanding....at

unless you already are, then that's perfect.