Low Bioavailability and High TMAO Production: Novel Insights Into Acetylcarnitine and Carnitine Metabolism.

ABSTRACT: The food supplement acetylcarnitine is marketed for use in neurological support; however, research on its bioavailability and metabolic fate has been limited. This study investigated the absorption, metabolism, and excretion of acetylcarnitine compared with those of carnitine. Healthy volunteers received either carnitine or an acetylcarnitine supplement (0.5 or 1.5 g). Plasma and urine samples were collected at baseline and at multiple time points (1-48 h) post intake and analyzed using LC‒MS/MS. Both carnitine and acetylcarnitine exhibited low intestinal absorption and renal reabsorption. The peak plasma concentrations increased over the baseline values by 48% (acetylcarnitine) and 43% (carnitine) following a 1.5 g dose. However, the increase in area under the curve (ΔAUC) from acetylcarn

SUBMITTER: Krims-Davis K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12700042 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature