The role of L-carnitine
To determine the effect of vitamin B11 on the health of older people, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in Italy in 2007. During the experiment, each participant was supposed to consume 2 grams of the beneficial compound daily for six months, which was 6.5 times the daily requirement for an ordinary person. After the specified period, the subjects improved their muscle mass (increase by 3.8 kilograms) and fat mass (decrease by 1.8 kilograms). In addition, the patients' cognitive function increased, signs of fatigue (mental, physical) decreased, and total cholesterol levels decreased.
Let's look at why vitamin B11 is needed.
- For transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix. Triglyceride oxidation and ATP synthesis play an important role in energy production. The key participant in these reactions is L-carnitine. The compound supplies long-chain fatty acids to mitochondria through their inner membrane, where β-oxidation of the substance to acetyl-CoA occurs.
- To control and modulate the intracellular pool of CoASH. Vitamin B11 maintains a stable level of coenzyme A in the body, which is needed to activate carboxyl-containing metabolites. As a consequence, L-carnitine participates in intermediate metabolism, regulating the acetyl-CoA/CoASH ratio in the cell. By maintaining free CoASH at the required level, levocarnitine ensures beta-oxidation, detoxification of xenobiotics and organic acids, and the catabolism of certain amino acids. The compound removes short-chain fatty acids from the mitochondria, freeing intramitochondrial coenzyme A, which is needed for energy metabolism.
- To perform anabolic functions. Systematic use of the drug relieves the athlete of excess fat deposits, accelerates muscle gain and protein metabolism. The anabolic effect of vitamin B11 is caused by increased secretion and enzymatic activity of gastric juice, as well as the intestinal mucosa, which increases the digestibility of food (namely protein) and increases performance when performing strength exercises. In addition, the compound controls the level of accumulated lactic acid in the muscles, reducing the risk of getting soreness after intense exercise, which is especially important for athletes.
- To enhance physical and mental activity.
- For detoxification of organic acids. Thanks to this property, levocarnitine eliminates biogenic waste that accumulates in mitochondria as a result of the oxidation of xenobiotics and triglycerides. Vitamin B11 is effectively used to relieve alcohol or drug intoxication.
- To increase stress resistance. L-carnitine increases the body's resistance to psycho-emotional stress. Research has found that a vitamin-like compound increases a person's ability to adapt to stress. This means that the substance protects nerve tissue from the harmful effects of glutamate, amphetamine, and ammonia.
- To improve eye function. Levocarnitine inhibits the transformation of retinal vessels of the dystrophic type, prevents a decrease in visual acuity and reduces the likelihood of cataracts by 40%.
- To protect the heart muscle and blood vessels. Studies have confirmed that after consuming “carnitine-containing” drugs, patients’ myocardial condition improves. This is achieved by improving metabolism in the heart muscle and lowering cholesterol levels in the blood, which prevents the formation of plaques on the walls of blood vessels, narrowing of blood vessels and, as a consequence, the development of heart attack, hypertension, coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis and stroke.
- To protect the body from apoptosis (cell death) caused by inhibition of ceramide synthesis and caspase activity.
- To support the immune system. L-carnitine improves well-being, eliminates chronic fatigue syndrome, increases performance and endurance.
- To slow down the process of leaching calcium from bones. The systematic intake of levocarnitine is especially important for women during menopause and the elderly, since these categories of people are most susceptible to bone loss.
In addition to the above positive properties, vitamin B11 reduces subcutaneous fat.
Medical uses of levocarnitine
The drug is used in several areas of medicine:
- pediatrics - to normalize body weight, eliminate the consequences of malnutrition and obesity;
- neurology - to improve nutrition of brain tissue;
- cardiology - for the prevention of myocardial hypotrophy.
Experts widely use products with L-carnitine because they are well tolerated by children and rarely cause side effects. Among the most common, there is increased excitability when using drugs in the afternoon and before bed.
A review of the use of levocarnitine drugs for children by a neurologist is presented in the video:
Daily norm
The body’s physiological need for levocarnitine depends on the person’s type of activity, age, gender, weight, and the presence of diseases.
For newborns and infants up to one year, the daily requirement of vitamin B11 is 10-15 milligrams, for children from 1 to 3 years old - 30-50, for children from 4 to 6 years old - 60-90, for school-age children and adolescents from 7 to 18 years – 100-250, for adults – 300.
The liver and kidneys of healthy children, men and women produce L-carnitine from the amino acids lysine and methionine, fully covering the body's need for this nutrient. However, this occurs only under the condition of proper nutrition and sufficient intake of vitamins, C, and methionine.
The daily requirement for levocarnitine increases in people who lead an active lifestyle, experience heavy physical activity (during training), mental stress, or have diseases of the digestive system.
At the same time, the opinions of nutritionists regarding taking large doses (2000-4000 milligrams) of vitamin B11 are not clear. Some believe that systematically exceeding the daily dose of 300 micrograms can cause adverse reactions (allergies), addiction of the body, and as a result, reduce the production of its own levocarnitine. As a result, this will serve as a reason for the development of addiction. Other nutritionists believe that increasing the norm has a beneficial effect on the human body: it improves the functioning of the heart, blood vessels, energy metabolism, and “dries out” muscle mass.
Why is carnitine prescribed for children?
A child's body needs sufficient energy for further growth and development. Mitochondria are responsible for this. These organelles take part in the breakdown of adenosite triphosphate. Coenzymes are also present in energy metabolism. They mean compounds that accelerate the breakdown and absorption of nutrients.
For harmonious development, every baby needs a balance of microelements and vitamins
Carnitine is responsible for the coenzyme in children's bodies. The substance converts lipids, thereby increasing energy metabolism. The body creates some of the compounds on its own, while the other part comes with food.
In children, carnitine is one of the most important components for full development. However, due to the incomplete formation of the gastrointestinal tract and an unbalanced diet, the level of this substance is often underestimated. This negatively affects the growth rate of the body. There are several products that need to be added to the diet, they are presented in the table:
Important! If abnormalities in the child's development are detected, you should consult a doctor.
Hypovitaminosis and hypervitaminosis L-carnitine
The following types of carnitine deficiency are distinguished:
- primary, occurs as a result of genetic disorders, the first signs of deviation appear in the fifth year of life: the child experiences musculoskeletal weakness, cardiomyopathy and hypoglycemia develop;
- secondary, appears against the background of decreased absorption of nutrients, including foods rich in carnitine.
Characteristic symptoms of vitamin B11 deficiency in the body:
- cardiac dysfunction (atrial fibrillation, cardiomyopathy, angina pectoris, tachycardia);
- increased fatigue, weakness;
- muscle tremors;
- atherosclerosis;
- muscle pain during intense physical activity;
- gaining excess weight;
- asthenia;
- irritability;
- insomnia;
- lowering blood pressure.
Reasons for the development of L-carnitine deficiency:
- lack of B vitamins, iron, methionine in the body;
- raw food diet, vegetarian diet;
- gastrointestinal diseases;
- hemodialysis;
- taking antibiotics or drugs that slow down blood clotting (hirudin, sodium citrate, heparin).
Carnitine deficiency in the body reduces the concentration of fatty acids in mitochondria, as a result, energy production decreases, which leads to the development of degenerative processes in the myocardium.
An overdose of vitamin B11 is an uncharacteristic phenomenon. The medical literature describes only a few cases of hypervitaminosis of a beneficial compound.
Excess levocarnitine causes the following side effects:
- diarrhea;
- increased ammonia levels without hepatotoxicity;
- depression;
- increased blood pressure;
- increased heart rate;
- pain in the epigastric region;
- convulsions;
- fever.
A single dose of L-carnitine (over 10,000 micrograms) can lead to nausea, vomiting, indigestion, increased excitability of the nervous system, and a sharp increase in appetite.
pharmachologic effect
An alternative name for 30 percent levocarnitine is vitamin B11. The medicine is characterized by antihypoxic, anabolic and regenerating effects. The drug increases appetite and stimulates fat metabolism. The product enhances the activity of coenzyme, helps normalize metabolism, increases the effect of intestinal juice, and also stimulates the functioning of the digestive glands.
When taking 30 percent carnitine, the regeneration of nerve cells increases. Doctors talk about the benefits of the drug for losing weight while playing sports. The product reduces the amount of fatty elements.
Important! For effective weight loss, moderate physical activity and a balanced diet are important.
Indications and contraindications
Vitamin B11 is used for:
- relieving alcohol intoxication;
- improving memory in people over 60 years of age due to age-related changes in brain cells;
- reducing depression;
- improvement of sexual activity;
- elimination of B11-hypovitaminosis;
- stimulating growth in children.
In addition, L-carnitine is indicated for premature babies, with loss of muscle mass, asphyxia, anorexia nervosa, and in the postoperative period to accelerate tissue recovery.
Contraindications to the use of the drug:
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- diabetes;
- peripheral vascular diseases;
- individual intolerance to the active substance;
- pregnancy;
- breastfeeding period;
- trimethylaminuria;
- hypertonic disease;
- kidney dysfunction.
The possibility of using vitamin B11 for the treatment of mitochondrial myopathy caused by the antiviral drug Zidovudine is currently under study.
Consequences of levocarnitine deficiency
L-carnitine deficiency is dangerous for the child’s body due to the following disorders:
- low body weight;
- delayed intellectual development;
- delayed physical and psychomotor development;
- muscle necrosis;
- myoglobinuria;
- hypoglycemia;
- lipid myopathy;
- fatty liver;
- cardiomyopathy;
- muscle pain;
- weakness.
If a carnitine deficiency is suspected, a mandatory examination is carried out, based on which the doctor selects the optimal dosage of the drug.
L-carnitine for weight loss
In modern life, the amount of calories consumed, as a rule, prevails over energy expenditure. As a result, people begin to develop obesity and health problems appear.
To restore the metabolic process, nutritionists recommend leading a healthy lifestyle: going to the gym, moving more, eating right. During physical activity, metabolic reactions in the body accelerate 2-5 times. Thus, burning excess fat occurs much faster. To speed up the process of getting rid of excess pounds, you can take additional vitamin B11 as a supplement.
Levocarnitine helps the body in the process of burning fat, increasing its efforts. Fitness instructors claim that the supplement is harmless and, in combination with proper nutrition and regular exercise, improves well-being and gives a great figure.
Remember, only an integrated approach will help you achieve your desired goal.
Release form of L-carnitine
- Liquid vitamin B11. This drug is popular among professional athletes and people who want to stay in shape. There is no need to prepare the product before taking it - just open the bottle and drink the contents. Concentrated syrups that have an acceptable taste are also available for sale. The difference between these drugs is not great. Before use, the concentrate should be mixed with water, observing the proportions established by the manufacturer. There is liquid L-carnitine in ampoules. People often get confused when they call the form of release of a substance injectable. It is actually a drug that is taken orally as a drink. Liquid levocarnitine, compared to tablets, is absorbed faster and provides greater flexibility with dosage. However, it has a high cost, a short shelf life (an open bottle is stored for no more than a day), a lot of chemical additives in its composition (flavors, dyes), is difficult to transport, and requires “special” storage conditions - refrigeration.
- B11 in capsules. This drug is taken as tablets: the dietary supplement should be washed down with 150 milliliters of still water or juice. The capsule consists of two gelatin parts. The advantages of this form of L-carnitine release are rapid breakdown in the stomach, good absorption by the body, long shelf life without loss of beneficial properties (up to 3 years). If necessary, the capsule can be opened and the powder contents can be poured into a protein shake. Due to this property, it can be used by people who have difficulty swallowing tablets. Today, one-piece gelatin capsules are also available, which are completely sealed, but have a significant limitation of space, which means that the contents are not compressed to a significant extent. The main disadvantages of this drug: high cost, impressive size.
- Levocarnitine tablets. This form of additive production is the most economical, since it requires the least production costs. Tablets allow you to form a portion of the vitamin (pure material) directly in space, without additional coating or placing it in a gelatin capsule. Let's consider the harm and benefits of this form of vitamin compound. The main advantages of vitamin B11 produced in tablets are ease of use and low price (20% lower than the cost of liquid L-carnitine). The disadvantages of the useful compound include: irritation of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, lack of flexibility in dosing, slow absorption of the substance (the rate of absorption of levocarnine taken in liquid form or in capsules is much higher). Recently, American experts have come to the conclusion that tablet vitamins “live” only 7 days after opening the package. After this period, they lose their biological value. Such tablets do not harm human health, but do not provide any benefit. The effectiveness of their use is equivalent to taking candy. In addition, people who have difficulty swallowing “packaged” drugs and have diseases of the digestive tract should avoid purchasing the supplement in tablets.
- L-carnitine powder. Advantages of this form: ease of use, affordable cost, high dosage flexibility, rapid absorption. Disadvantages: negative effect on the walls of the stomach, inconvenience of use associated with the need to accurately calculate the weight of raw materials and prepare a solution. Before taking levocarnitine, dilute the powder in 500 milliliters of water and drink at one time.
Thus, there is no ideal format for releasing vitamin B11. Each of them has its pros and cons.
The active ingredient in all drugs is the same; they differ only in the time of absorption. Any means is suitable for burning fat, the main thing is to eat right and lead an active lifestyle.
The most popular analogues of levocarnitine: “Carnitene”, “Cartan”, “Elkar”, “L-Carnitine300”, “Carnifit”.
Ways to make up for the shortage
You can make up for the deficit in different ways:
- taking L-carnitine medications;
- enrichment of the diet.
It is also recommended to avoid fasting during the recovery period; at this time, it is better to transfer the child to feeding by the hour to prevent nutrient deficiency. During the treatment period, you should refrain from physical activity so that the body can independently accumulate more levocarnitine.
L-carnitine in capsules, tablets and syrups can only be used with the advice of a doctor. For therapy, it is better to select certified drugs that undergo quality control.
Before going to bed, it is recommended to consume foods containing corn starch - it has a long breakdown time, and therefore prevents the occurrence of morning hypoglycemia. Some patients are additionally prescribed essential fatty acids. For disorders of fatty acid oxidation, liver pathologies, small patients may be prescribed a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet for recovery.
How to take levocarnitine
After L-carnitine enters the body, the compound penetrates into muscle cells within 3 hours, where it begins to fight fat deposits. Vitamin B11 works directly during intense exercise, as well as for a long time after training.
Divide the daily dose of the dietary supplement into 2-3 doses of 200 – 250 milligrams. The maximum amount of vitamin B11 (500 - 600 milligrams) on training days should enter the body at least 1 - 1.5 hours before going to the gym. The remaining dose should be divided into morning and afternoon doses. During rest periods (non-training days), levocarnitine should be taken in the morning and lunchtime, 30 to 60 minutes before the start of the meal. Only if this regimen is followed does the substance promote weight loss, otherwise the effect of the supplement is weakened by the food intake.
Let's consider when it is better to drink vitamin B11, depending on the form of release.
- Beginner athletes are recommended to take tablets and capsules 2-3 times a day, 250–500 milligrams before physical activity, and professionals – 500–1500 milligrams at a time. The maximum duration of use of a weight loss supplement is 2 – 6 months.
- The syrup should be taken 3 times a day, 5 milliliters, half an hour before physical activity (dosage for beginners). For experienced athletes, the single dose rate increases to 15 milliliters. The maximum duration of daily intake of liquid levocarnitine is 1.5 months. After this course, you need to take a 3-week break, then, if necessary, repeat the regimen.
- If you purchase B11 in bulk form, before use, 2000 milligrams of powder must be dissolved in 500 milliliters of clean still water. If the amount of liquid is reduced, the drink will turn out cloying and unpleasant in taste. Drink the prepared solution on an empty stomach and immediately an hour before training. The course of taking the drug is 2–4 months. The maximum duration is half a year. Up to 6 courses can be completed in a year, with a minimum break between them of 2 weeks. Today, levocarnitine powder is available for sale in the flavors “Wild berries” and “Green Apple”.
If you missed taking L-carnitine before training, it is recommended to drink the vitamin in liquid form, which is quickly absorbed in the body and promotes a quick release of energy.
How does B11 work?
When taken orally, the vitamin is usually well absorbed. The maximum concentration of the beneficial compound in the body is observed three hours after administration, while the therapeutic concentration remains for 9 hours. In the case of intramuscular administration, the substance reaches the plasma after 3.5 - 4 hours, and when administered intravenously, the drug disappears from the blood after 3 hours. Taken L-carnitine quickly penetrates into the middle layer of the heart (myocardium) and liver, and more slowly into muscle tissue. The compound is excreted by the kidneys as acyl esters.
Release form and composition
For the convenience of consumers, levocarnitine is available both in the form of tablets and capsules, and in the form of syrup.
L-carnitine syrup is packaged in dark 100 ml bottles. One package of syrup contains up to 10 g of levocarnitine. Additional ingredients include fructose.
The tablets are packaged in quantities of 10 pieces in contour cells. They, in turn, are located in cardboard packs of 5, 3, 4 or 6 pieces. One tablet contains 100 or 500 mg of levocarnitine and 30 mg of ascorbic acid.
L-carnitine capsules are packaged in polymer bottles of 150 or 60 pieces. One capsule contains 250 or 500 mg of active ingredient.
Food sources
Considering the fact that vitamin B11 stimulates muscle growth, oxidizes and removes fats from the body, promoting weight loss, foods rich in the beneficial compound are always present in the menu of athletes and people who want to lose weight.
The largest amount of the nutrient is found in offal and meat. The second place in terms of the content of the “fat burning factor” belongs to lactic acid and dairy products. The smallest amount of levocarnitine is concentrated in plant foods. For this reason, adherents of a strict vegetarian diet often suffer from B11 hypovitaminosis. List of foods rich in L-carnitine
Name | Content of vitamin B11 in 100 grams of product, milligrams |
Venison | 210 |
Mutton | 160 |
Veal (schnitzel) | 105 |
Cheddar cheese | 100 |
Beef | 90 |
Rabbit | 30 |
Pork | 24 |
Duck | 24 |
Bacon | 23,3 |
Turkey | 23 |
Goose | 22 |
Salmon | 19 |
Cancers | 15 |
Goat cheese | 13 |
Herring | 12 |
Condensed milk | 10 |
Milk | 7 |
Shrimps | 7 |
Flounder | 6,3 |
Mackerel | 6 |
Cottage cheese | 6 |
Cod | 5,6 |
Sea bass | 5 |
Yogurt | 5 |
Chicken | 5 |
Duck liver | 4,3 |
Pollock | 4 |
Pike | 4 |
Cream | 3,8 |
Ice cream | 3,5 |
Tuna | 3,4 |
Mussels | 2,8 |
Sour cream | 2,6 |
Squid | 2,1 |
Avocado | 2 |
Mozzarella | 1,8 |
Hazelnut | 1,4 |
Pistachios | 1,3 |
Cashew | 1 |
Champignon | 1 |
White whole grain bread | 0,5 |
Asparagus | 0,195 |
Pasta | 0,126 |
Peanut butter | 0,083 |
Boiled rice | 0,0449 |
Eggs | 0,0121 |
Orange juice | 0,0019 |
Thus, levocarnitine is widely used in the food industry.
A pattern has been noted: the redder the meat, the more vitamin B11 it contains. When food is frozen, the loss of the beneficial compound reaches 70%; after thawing, the remaining nutrient passes into melt water.
Carnitine content per 100 g in natural products
Of course, it is impossible to replenish the L-carnitine content from natural products for fat burning. Rather, the products will promote weight loss due to their high protein content and, most importantly, the absence of carbohydrates.
Table of foods high in elcarnitine
Products | L-carnitine, mg |
Mutton | 119 |
Venison | 104 |
Veal | 101 |
Beef | 82 |
Rabbit | 29 |
Pork | 26 |
Cancers | 14 |
Pork | 14 |
Goat's milk cheese | 13 |
Herring | 11 |
Shrimps | 9 |
Acne | 8 |
Flounder | 7 |
Whole milk | 6 |
Pike | 5 |
Mackerel | 4 |
Turkey | 4 |
Since the highest content of the substance is in lamb, it is not worth consuming it often, due to the high content of fats, which should not be consumed when losing weight. Remember about the balance of nutrients, eat foods rich in protein, and it is better to get your daily dose of L-carnitine with pure forms of sports nutrition supplements.
Remember that L-carnitine is not a “miracle” pill that will help you lose weight without much effort. The substance is only an assistant for obtaining energy during intense exercise, which plays an important role in fat burning along with proper nutrition.
Interaction of L-carnitine with various compounds
Vitamin B11 enhances the effect of anticoagulants.- Antibiotics remove carnitine from the body, which leads to depletion of the nutrient.
- Phenobarbital and valproic acid reduce the concentration of the vitamin in the blood.
- When taking levocarnitine and thyroid hormones simultaneously, B11 suppresses their effect.
- Glucocorticosteroids help accumulate vitamin compounds in body tissues (with the exception of the liver).
- Lipoic acid and anabolic drugs enhance the therapeutic effect of L-carnitine.
- Vitamin B11 reduces the toxic effects of zidovudine and doxorubicin on muscle tissue and cardiac muscle cells.
- Levocarnitine alleviates the side effects of isotretinoin.
- Sports nutrition goes well with vitamin B11. The simultaneous intake of carnitine and coenzyme Q10 is considered effective.
Contrary to popular belief that in no case should you combine taking a medication and ethyl drinks, this rule does not affect L-carnitine. Of course, the medicine puts additional stress on the liver, since the organ needs not only to break down the compound into simple particles, but also to remove its breakdown products. Alcohol entering the body disrupts this process and interferes with metabolic reactions. However, in the case of vitamin B11, things are much easier.
The nutrient does not react with ethanol, which means it is not prohibited to take the dietary supplement and strong drinks at the same time. It is important to follow safety measures - control the level of alcohol consumed.
Indications for use
There are no medical indications for taking this dietary supplement. To normalize weight and treat various diseases and pathologies, specialists usually use various medications.
L-carnitine may be beneficial during regular exercise. It will charge the body with energy and give strength, which will be enough for a whole intense session. At the same time, it will relieve muscle pain, which often causes a lot of inconvenience for people who regularly visit gyms.
Fitness instructors advise beginners who quickly get tired during training to drink l-carnitine. This will to some extent facilitate the functioning of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
FAQ
How to enhance the effects of levocarnitine?
It's no secret that if you do not follow the recommended conditions for taking biologically active supplements or medications (by the manufacturer and your doctor), therapy will not bring the desired result.
In order for the beneficial properties of L-carnitine to be fully revealed, it is necessary to exercise physical activity while consuming the compound. The best option is aerobic exercise. Only when body temperature rises slightly and tissues are saturated with oxygen can the vitamin capture fat molecules. Fitness trainers recommend calculating your heart rate for cardio training and sticking to this indicator. To increase your heart rate, do brisk walking, aerobics, and running. The minimum training duration is half an hour. This time is enough to launch the natural processes of fat burning, as a result, levocarnitine will take effect.
In addition to physical activity, for the drug to work, you need to eat right. Focus on foods rich in iron, vitamin C, and protein, which stimulate the production of your own vitamin B11. Low-calorie diets should be abandoned, otherwise the body will not have the strength and “building material” to gain muscle mass and start the process of losing weight.
A balanced diet, regular physical activity, drinking 2 liters of clean water per day is the best way to activate and enhance the effect of L-carnitine to combat extra pounds on the way to a slim and toned body.
What is the difference between vitamin B11 and fat burners?
Levocarnitine is absolutely safe. Many manufacturers add various stimulants to fat burners, which negatively affect the state of the digestive tract and the functioning of the nervous system (caffeine). In addition, there are clandestine supplements that are not certified in the country because they contain prohibited components. As a rule, such substances of the “non-stop” category stimulate the central nervous system, completely depleting it.
Vitamin B11, unlike prohibited components, does not affect the nervous system; the compound works exclusively with the utilization of triglycerides and fatty acids.
How to combine exercise and taking levocarnitine?
First of all, the result of losing weight depends on the correctness of the diet and the choice of physical activity. To get rid of extra pounds, it is recommended to perform cardio exercises 4 times a week, lasting no more than 45 minutes. Remember, too frequent and exhausting workouts will not bring the desired result, since in order to lose weight the body must have time to rest. The muscle recovery period is 48 hours.
If you follow an exercise-rest regime, eat right, but there is no visible effect, it is recommended to introduce L-carnitine into your daily diet. You need to drink the supplement 1 – 1.5 hours before training. Despite the fact that the nutrient is safe for human health, consuming the compound for a long time is not recommended. The duration of taking levocarnitine without interruption depends on the form of the drug. As a rule, it does not exceed 1.5 months, then the course must be interrupted for 2-3 weeks, after which it can be repeated.
Is it possible to take a “fat burning” vitamin at night?
Yes. At night, growth hormone is produced, which regulates fat metabolism. Due to this, fats are involved in the energy exchange reaction during sleep. It is recommended to eat salads and protein foods at night to maintain growth hormone at the proper level. Taking L-carnitine before bed promotes the complete processing of waste fatty acids. In fact, while a person is resting at night, the body burns triglycerides and loses weight.
Is it possible to drink fitness drinks during a workout? Which to choose?
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If the main task of losing weight is to utilize fat, it is better to avoid taking sweet, concentrated sports drink. To get rid of excess weight, the body must quickly burn carbohydrates accumulated in the liver in the form of glycogen, in order to use internal reserves to “melt” fat. When taking fitness drinks, it turns out that after the energy has run out, the body again receives a dose of carbohydrates, which the body “takes to work” first. As a result, the turn to consume (burn) fat never comes.
If the main goal is to build muscle, bars with levocarnitine, fortified and energy drinks will help the athlete replenish energy, increase performance, relieve fatigue, give strength, and dry out subcutaneous fat.
What is the best fitness drink?
When choosing a “sports drink,” we recommend paying attention to the manufacturer and the composition of the supplement. Products must be certified. During intense workouts, give preference to fitness drinks that contain: taurine, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, guarana, casein.
Which brand is better for L-carnitine?
Let's look at the TOP 11 vitamin compounds from branded manufacturers:
- Alcar 750 from SAN;
- Acetyl L-carnitine from Dymatize;
- L-Carnitine L-Tartrate from Al Sports Nutrition;
- L-Carnitine L-tartrate from Allmax;
- L-Carnitine xtreme from Dymatize;
- L-Carnitine from Source Naturals;
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine from Now Foods;
- L-Carnitine from Optimum;
- L-Carnitine Liquid from Now Foods;
- L-Carnitine Concentrate from Multipower;
- Power System L-Carnitine from Power System.
What results should I expect?
L-carnitine itself is not capable of burning fat; it is a transporter of fatty acids to produce energy, which is necessary for productive training aimed at burning fat.
The benefit of the substance is that it accelerates energy production by 50%, the body immediately “takes” fats, instead of consuming glycogen. During the first 20 minutes from the start of training, muscles burn glycogen (carbohydrate), only then they begin to burn fats as fuel. With L-carnitine taken before training (from the moment the substance begins to act), the process of using fat begins immediately. This means that the supplement accelerates the fat burning process twice as fast.
L-carnitine works much more effectively with fat burners and a high-protein diet. An integrated approach - supplements, nutrition and training - can lead to a loss of 3-5 kg per month.
Use of vitamin B11 in medicine
After the discovery of L-carnitine, the beneficial compound was first used in medical practice, and only a few years later the nutrient became popular among athletes. Initially, vitamin B11 was used as a biological supplement to the diet of people undergoing rehabilitation after a heart attack. Today, to increase the effectiveness of the nutrient, it is combined with coenzyme Q10. In addition to stabilizing the condition of “cores,” levocarnitine is used in gastroenterology. The compound normalizes the acidity of gastric juice and has a beneficial effect on liver function.
Instructions for use of the drug
- To improve immunity and lose weight, it is recommended to take vitamin B11 from 1500 to 3000 milligrams per day.
- For the treatment of kidney diseases, liver diseases, and heart pathologies, the daily requirement for levokartina is 1000 milligrams.
- For the rehabilitation of professional athletes after injuries, the daily requirement of L-carnitine is 2000 – 3000 milligrams.
In addition to consuming a synthetic form of the vitamin, patients are advised to enrich their daily diet with foods rich in the beneficial compound (see section Food sources).
Consumer Reviews
Consumers who regularly use L-carnitine before training note that exercise has become much easier to tolerate. There is a surge of strength and energy, and increased endurance.
The following brands are recommended for regular use:
- UNS L-Carnitine 1000;
- Biotech L-Carnitine 100000;
- Liquid;
- ExtrifitCarni;
- PowerProCarnitine 5000;
- Carnitine 5000.
The cost of supplements varies. One ready-made drink can cost about 30-50 rubles, and a course of capsules or powder can cost from 900 to 2500 thousand rubles.
According to reviews, carnitine can be a good aid in losing weight, especially during training and classes with a trainer. The main thing is to find your release form, select the required dosage, and take it strictly according to the instructions.
TOP 4 capsules with carnitine fumarate
The rating of food supplements with L-carnitine fumarate contains the highest quality products from well-known American pharmaceutical companies, which guarantee a rich composition and the absence of harmful components. The drugs in the list are arranged according to the number of positive reviews and customer ratings.
№4 L-carnitine, 250 mg, Source Naturals (USA)
Source Naturals, L-Carnitine, 250 mg, 120 Capsules
1 094 ₽
Buy at a discount
The cost of a daily dose (2 pieces) is 18.3 rubles.
The drug contains 250 mg of vitamin B11, the capsules are gelatin-coated, so the product is not suitable for vegans and vegetarians. The food additive undergoes several stages of purification and is hypoallergenic. There are 120 tablets in a package.
Pros:
- no side effects, increases the body's endurance, improves skin condition.
Minuses:
- The concentration of L-carnitine in the capsule is lower than that of other brands.
No. 3 L-carnitine fumarate, European source, alpha sigma, 885, California Gold Nutrition (USA)
California Gold Nutrition, L-Carnitine Fumarate, European Source, Alpha Sigma, 885 mg, 60 Vegetarian Capsules
1 566 ₽
Buy at a discount
The price of a daily portion is 17.79 rubles.
The drug is manufactured exclusively under the supervision of Alfasigma's extensive scientific research, which guarantees the highest quality products. Each vegetarian capsule contains 885 mg of pure fumarate, per pack of 60.
Pros:
- high concentration of active ingredient, hypoallergenic composition.
Minuses:
- not detected.
No. 2 L-carnitine fumarate with carnitines Biosint, 855 mg, Doctor's Best (USA)
Doctor's Best, L-Carnitine Fumarate with Biosint Carnitines, 855 mg, 60 Vegetarian Capsules
1 233 ₽
Buy at a discount
The cost of a serving is 17.56 rubles.
Each capsule contains 855 mg of a combination of levocarnitine with fumaric acid, which corresponds to 500 mg of the active substance. The drug is made from plant ingredients and does not contain gluten and soy. There is a standard package of 60 tablets, and a large volume of 180 pieces.
Pros:
- high content of active component, affordable price, helps the heart function, improves mood.
Minuses:
- Occasionally, a side effect occurs - acne.
№1 L-carnitine Xtreme, Dymatize Nutrition (USA)
Dymatize Nutrition, L-Carnitine Xtreme, 60 Capsules
861 ₽
Buy at a discount
The price of 1 serving is only 10.94 rubles.
The popular American sports nutrition brand produces capsules with 500 mg of L-Carnitine Fumerate, which also contains 2.5 thiamine and 25 mg of the amino acid methionine. Products undergo strict quality checks and are gluten and allergen free. The package contains 60 servings.
Pros:
- low price, complex composition, provides energy for intense physical activity, small capsule size.
Minuses:
- unpleasant smell.
Popular questions about carnitine
Our clients often share their feedback on the use of L-carnitine. They usually note that after the course they have:
- general well-being has improved, there is more energy;
- increased brain activity;
- the muscle relief became steeper;
- the thickness of the fat layer has decreased;
- weight has decreased.
Losing weight girls focus on the fat-burning properties of the component. He helped many of them become slimmer and more graceful.
We noticed that negative reviews about carnitine are left only by those people who are very far from sports. Apparently, they mistakenly treated the drug as a miracle drug that works on its own. But, as was already written above, L-carnitine cannot defeat fat without training.