NCSF Sport Nutrition Specialist Certification Practice Test – Complete Exam Prep

The transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria is primarily facilitated by carnitine. Carnitine is a non-essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in the fatty acid oxidation process, specifically by carrying long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane where they undergo beta-oxidation for energy production. This process is essential for delivering stored fat to where it can be metabolized and used as fuel, particularly during periods of increased energy demand, such as exercise.

In contrast, the other options play different roles in the body. Aldosterone is a hormone associated with sodium regulation and blood pressure control rather than fatty acid transport. Insulin primarily regulates glucose metabolism and enhances the uptake of glucose by cells, but it does not directly transport fatty acids into mitochondria. Glucose itself is a simple sugar and serves as a primary energy source for cells, yet it does not involve transport mechanisms for fatty acids in mitochondrial metabolism. Thus, carnitine is the key molecule responsible for the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria, making it the correct answer.