Acylcarnitine C14:2 Unit Converter

Acylcarnitine C14:2 (tetradecadienylcarnitine) is a long-chain acylcarnitine formed when a 14-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acid binds to carnitine. It acts as a transport molecule that carries long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy production through beta-oxidation.

The "C14" refers to its 14-carbon chain length, and the ":2" indicates two double bonds in the fatty acid chain. It is one of several long-chain acylcarnitines measured in an acylcarnitine profile and is primarily used as a marker for fatty acid oxidation disorders.

C14:2 is often interpreted alongside C14:1 (tetradecenoylcarnitine) and other long-chain acylcarnitines, as elevations in these markers together can point to specific metabolic conditions.

C14:2 is produced in the mitochondria of cells throughout the body when long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are conjugated with carnitine for transport into the mitochondrial matrix during beta-oxidation. The liver, heart, and skeletal muscle are particularly active in this process.