What symptom is associated with carnitine deficiency?

• A. Idiopathic encephalopathy
• B. Muscle weakness
• C. Anemia
• D. Hypotension

Answer: (A)

Carnitine is essential for transporting long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for beta-oxidation, a major source of energy, especially in brain and skeletal muscle. When carnitine is deficient, this transport is impaired, reducing ATP production and leading to energy failure in organs with high energy demands. That energy shortfall in the brain can manifest as metabolic or encephalopathic changes, which is why encephalopathy can be associated with carnitine deficiency. While muscle weakness is also a known feature due to muscle energy deficit, the brain's vulnerability during metabolic stress makes encephalopathy a notable presentation. Anemia and hypotension are not typical primary manifestations of carnitine deficiency.