Research Tracker›Biomarker Atlas›ME/CFS›Acylcarnitines (composite)

Acylcarnitines (composite) in ME/CFS

Acylcarnitines (composite), also described as Fatty acid oxidation intermediates, belongs to the metabolic group of ME/CFS (ME/CFS, CFS) markers and is reported to be raised relative to healthy controls. Clinically, it has been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, PEM. The finding is drawn from Jinushi et al. 2023; it describes group-level differences, not a threshold that classifies an individual.

↑ ElevatedMetabolic

Summary

Direction in ME/CFS↑ Elevated — higher than in the comparison group
CategoryMetabolic
Also described asFatty acid oxidation intermediates
Compared againstHC (healthy controls)
Associated symptomsMitochondrial dysfunction, PEM
Test typeBlood test (serum / plasma / whole blood)
SourceJinushi et al. 2023 — doi:10.1186/s12967-023-04347-4
Condition atlasME/CFS Biomarker Atlas

Other conditions where Acylcarnitines (composite) is reported

See the cross-condition hub: Acylcarnitines (composite) across conditions.

Trials, interventions and tests

Also sold as a nutrient or supplement

L-Carnitine / Acylcarnitines (supplement). Includes ALCAR and acylcarnitine complexes. This tag means the analyte is also available orally; it is not a product endorsement and a low or high level does not by itself justify supplementation.

Related Metabolic markers in ME/CFS

Full list: ME/CFS Biomarker Atlas.

Frequently asked questions

Is Acylcarnitines (composite) high or low in ME/CFS?

Elevated. Studies summarised in the OSMF atlas report higher Acylcarnitines (composite) in ME/CFS than in healthy controls. Source: Jinushi et al. 2023.

What symptoms is Acylcarnitines (composite) associated with in ME/CFS?

The cited literature associates this marker with Mitochondrial dysfunction, PEM. These are population-level associations and do not mean the marker causes the symptoms.

Which test measures Acylcarnitines (composite)?

It is measured as a blood test (serum / plasma / whole blood). Many of the cited studies used research-grade assays, so clinical availability may vary.

Is one abnormal Acylcarnitines (composite) result diagnostic of ME/CFS?

No. No single biomarker is diagnostic of ME/CFS. Acylcarnitines (composite) findings come from group comparisons, overlap considerably between patients and controls, and vary with study design, timing and comparison group. A result should be interpreted by a clinician alongside symptoms, history and other tests.

Is Acylcarnitines (composite) specific to ME/CFS?

No. The same marker is also reported in Gulf War Illness in this atlas, so it reflects shared biology (for example inflammation or vascular stress) rather than a condition-specific signature.

Cite this page

Open Source Medicine Foundation. (2026). Acylcarnitines (composite) in ME/CFS: direction, evidence and what it means. OSMF Research Tracker. Retrieved October 7, 2026, from https://research.opensourcemed.info/biomarkers/me-cfs/acylcarnitines-composite.html
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Last reviewed: 2026-06-29 · Page generated from me-cfs.json · Browse: ME/CFS atlas · Biomarker Index · All marker pages

Disclaimer: This page is an educational synthesis of published, peer-reviewed research and is not medical advice. Biomarker findings vary across studies with case definitions, comparison groups, timing and assay methods. Direction of change reflects the predominant finding in the cited source and does not establish a diagnostic threshold. Discuss any test result with a qualified clinician.