Acylcarnitines metabolism in depression: association with diagnostic status, depression severity and symptom profile in the NESDA cohort Translational Psychiatry Carnitine is an essential cofactor for transport of long chain fatty acids into mitochondria, where oxidation takes place. Carnitine deficiency leads to depressed mitochondrial oxidation of fatty acids, resulting in storage of fat Metabolism: The carnitine shuttle and fatty acid metabolism (practice) Khan Academy L Carnitine Linus Pauling Institute Oregon State University