LC/MS analysis of carnitine metabolism in young athletes

Aim. The paper aims to compare the levels of carnitine metabolites depending on physical performance in young athletes. Materials and methods. The study involved 12 athletes and 7 young males who do not have any regular, intense physical activity as a control group. The levels of free carnitine (C0) and acylcarnitines in blood plasma were measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Results. All parameters of carnitine metabolism in young athletes and untrained males are within the normal range. Analysis of the main metabolic parameters showed no significant intergroup differences in both free and bound carnitine and acylcarnitines. Significant differences were observed with respect to the acylcarnitine/carnitine ratio in the compared groups (p = 0.018). Positive correlations were found between bound carnitine and C14 (tetradecanoylcarnitine) (r = 0.65; p = 0.022), as well as between the AC/C0 ratio and C14 (r = 0.72; p = 0.007) in the blood plasma of athletes. Conclusion. Further study of carnitine metabolism in athletes will make it possible to predict their physical performance and prevent health deterioration due to intense physical exercise.