Medium chain fatty acid oxidation is independent of l carnitine in liver and kidney but not in heart and skeletal muscle American Journal of Physiology Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology American Physiological Society L Carnitine functions as a cofactor for long chain fatty acids across Download Scientific Diagram 3 Carnitine shuttle for transport of activated fatty acid into Download Scientific Diagram Short Note On Carnitine Shuttle: Fatty acids are oxidized in mitochondria, and synthesized in the cytoplasm. Long chain fatty acids must form an active intermediate, fatty acyl CoA, before being oxidized inside mitochondria. Catherine Comprehensive review of the expanding roles of the carnitine pool in metabolic physiology: beyond fatty acid oxidation Journal of Translational Medicine Springer Nature Link L Carnitine helps shuttle fatty acids into the mitochondria (the power plants of your cells) where they can be burned for energy. It's often used in fat metabolism and energy support formulas.