Effect of diet on plasma carnitine levels and urinary carnitine excretion in humans.

This investigation determines the effect of two isocaloric diet regimens on plasma carnitine and urinary carnitine excretion in man. Seven healthy men were served a high-carbohydrate, low-fat (C) or a low-carbohydrate, high-fat (F) diet for 2 wk, ie, one diet regimen for 4 d followed by a 3-d break and concluded with 4 d more on the other diet regimen. The two regimens contained the same amount of carnitine-rich food. Plasma free carnitine rose significantly from the initial value on F diet and was significantly higher from day 3 than C diet. Plasma acyl carnitine increased on both diets. Urinary excretion of carnitine increased only on F diet. Renal clearance of both free and acyl carnitine was significantly greater on F diet than on C diet. Results showed that composition of a diet with constant carnitine content influenced carnitine metabolism in man.