Serum carnitine levels have been measured in 178 samples from 75 normal volunteers. We report a wide range of values (10-70 μmol/liter and 8-74 μmol/liter for free and acetylated carnitine, respectively) and a distinct difference between the ranges for males and females (p < 0.001). There is also substantial, seemingly random fluctuation in any one individual's levels, when measured serially over several weeks. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition12: 143-146, 1988)
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