Dietary fatty acids are metabolized into fuel sources using beta-oxidation. Fatty acid conversion into Acetyl-CoA requires transport across the mitochondrial membrane via the carnitine shuttle. When beta-oxidation is impaired, fats are metabolized using an alternate pathway called omega-oxidation. Omega-oxidation results in elevated levels of dicarboxylic acids such as adipic acid and suberic acid. Impaired beta-oxidation occurs in carnitine deficiency or enzymatic dysfunction due to lack of nutrient cofactors. Vitamin B2 and magnesium play a role in optimizing beta-oxidation.

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