Dodecanoylcarnitine plays a significant role in cellular energy metabolism, particularly in the transportation of fatty acids into mitochondria for beta-oxidation. This process is crucial for generating ATP, the energy currency of cells, making it essential for maintaining energy balance in tissues with high metabolic demands, such as the heart and skeletal muscles. In clinical diagnostics, dodecanoylcarnitine is used as a biomarker for detecting metabolic disorders, especially those related to fatty acid oxidation. Elevated levels of this compound in blood or urine can indicate conditions like carnitine palmitoyltransferase II deficiency or other lipid metabolism abnormalities, aiding in early diagnosis and management of these disorders. Additionally, research into dodecanoylcarnitine has expanded its application in studying metabolic pathways and their dysregulation in diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular conditions. Understanding its role helps in developing therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic dysfunctions.