Correlation of serum L-carnitine and dehydro-epiandrosterone sulphate levels with age and sex in healthy adults.

Objectives: L-carnitine and dehydro-epiandrosterone (DHEA) independently promote mitochondrial energy metabolism. We therefore wondered if an age-related deficiency of L-carnitine or DHEA may account for the declining energy metabolism associated with age.

Methods: we evaluated serum levels of L-carnitine and the sulphated derivative of DHEA (DHEAS) in cross-sectional study of 216 healthy adults, aged 20-95.

Results: serum DHEAS levels declined, while total carnitine levels increased with age (P < 0.0001). Total and free carnitine and DHEAS levels were lower in women than men (P < 0.0001). Esterified/free (E/F) carnitine (inversely related to carnitine availability) increased with age in both sexes (P=0.012).

Conclusion: reduced carnitine availability correlates with the age-related decline of DHEAS levels. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that decreased energy metabolism with age relates to DHEAS levels and carnitine availability.